A consumer study from Lubrizol finds that its Lipofer orosoluble iron supplement has preferable organoleptic properties

Photo © AdobeStock.com/Andrey Popov

Lubrizol (Barcelona, Spain) has announced the results of a study investigating whether consumers prefer the taste of its proprietary Lipofer orosoluble iron supplement. In the study, 100 subjects blind tested a series of five orosoluble powder sticks in a single session. Of the five, two were the Lipofer iron at different dosages: Lipofer 14 and Lipofer 5. The former delivers the recommended daily dose of iron while the latter offers a more moderate dose. The other three products were conventional iron salts in an orosoluble format.

After the subjects rated the products for their sensory characteristics, such as appearance, homogeneity, and metallic aftertaste, they then ranked the products in order of preference. Lubrizol reports that results showed the study volunteers said the Lipofer formulations had the mildest metallic aftertaste, lingering for a much shorter duration compared the conventional iron salts. They also stated that the Lipofer formulations had good homogeneity and a very smooth texture that melts instantly upon consumption. In follow-up interviews, the volunteers also expressed high levels of satisfaction.

“Many consumers turn to iron supplements to improve blood deficiencies, increase iron count and energy, while others are required to take iron supplements under medical advice,” explains David Padró Escayola, global business manager for LLS Nutraceutical business, in a press release. “These consumers are eager for a supplement that is easy to swallow, does not cause stomach upset or constipation, and does not have an unpleasant aroma or flavor. Above all, they want it to effectively improve wellness. Lipofer was specifically designed to tick all those boxes, overcoming many of the challenges manufacturers face in the effort to create consumer-friendly sources of iron. Ours delivers the daily recommended dose of iron in a single, 1.5 g stick that satisfies the demands for science-backed, clinically substantiated ingredients with sensory appeal.”

Lubrizol will present more detailed data at SupplySide West 2023 at its booth #3076.