A mineral supplements business is a company that manufactures and sells nutritional supplements. These include vitamins, minerals and herbs. Minerals are inorganic elements on the earth’s surface that our bodies need to develop and function normally. These include calcium, potassium, sodium, phosphorus, magnesium, iron, zinc, copper, fluoride, and iodine. Vitamins are organic compounds that help with digestion, metabolism, and cell growth. Some of the most commonly used vitamins are vitamin C, A, D, and E. Multivitamin/mineral supplements are also available, which contain a mix of nutrients.
A supplement producer has a variety of options for producing and marketing its products. It can manufacture them in-house or work with a contract manufacturer. In-house manufacturing is expensive, but it allows for control of the quality of the product and compliance with food safety and labelling laws. A contract manufacturer is more economical, but it can limit the options for formulating and packaging the product.
The legal structure of the company is another consideration. It affects taxes, liability, and business registration requirements. A sole proprietorship is the most common option, but it’s important to keep in mind that a sole proprietorship limits the owner to personally liable for all of the company’s debts and liabilities. A limited liability partnership or corporation can offer more protection from personal liability.
Register the company with the state and federal governments. This step is necessary to protect the company’s name and to comply with regulatory laws. A lawyer is often hired to assist with the process.
Create a business plan that outlines the goals, strategies and resources for the company. The plan should be updated periodically as the company grows. A well-written plan can be an invaluable resource during the startup phase of a supplement company.
Decide on a target audience and what kind of supplement products to sell. It’s usually best to start with a handful of products that are catered to a specific demographic. This can help a new company establish itself as an expert in that area. For example, starting with a line of arthritis supplements makes it easier to later release additional products catered to other ailments.
Consider the mineral supplements you want to use in your products. Each type of mineral supplement has its own characteristics, including bioavailability. The most widely used commercial mineral supplements are high-density, granular products such as calcium carbonate. These are typically assigned a relative bioavailability value (RV) of 100 percent. Other sources of calcium, such as bone meal, may have an RV of 110 percent.
It’s important to understand that food supplements are regulated by law. They must be safe and comply with food labelling and supplements legislation made in each part of the UK. This includes the EU General Food Law Regulation 178/2002 and Directive 2002/46/EC.