July 29, 2025 | By Richard Weisner

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Cyclodextrins: The Unsung Hero of Supplement Bioavailability

What Are Cyclodextrins? 

Cyclodextrins are naturally occurring, ring-shaped carbohydrates derived from starch. They have a hydrophilic (water-loving) outer surface and a hydrophobic (fat-loving) inner cavity, making them uniquely capable of encapsulating lipophilic (fat-soluble) ingredients and converting them into water-dispersible forms.

In simple terms: cyclodextrins make poorly absorbed compounds more bioavailable, more stable, and easier to work with in supplement formulations.

Cyclodextrins for Supplement Bioavailability

How Cyclodextrins Work

Cyclodextrins act like molecular cages that trap fat-soluble molecules inside their hydrophobic core while keeping the outer surface water-friendly. This allows ingredients like curcumin, berberine, resveratrol, CoQ10, and PQQ to:

  • Dissolve more easily in water

  • Bypass first-pass liver metabolism

  • Increase cellular absorption and stability

  • Reduce taste and odor issues in gummies and powders

Market Data & Trends

  • The global cyclodextrin market was valued at $292 million in 2023, projected to exceed $400 million by 2030 (Source: Grand View Research)

  • The nutraceuticals segment is the fastest-growing use case, driven by the need for better absorption in gummies, softgels, and functional beverages

  • On Amazon and TikTok, searches for “bioavailability enhancer,” “nano-curcumin,” correlate directly with cyclodextrin-based delivery systems

Clinical Studies

  1. Cyclodextrin-Curcumin Complex (CAVACURMIN®) showed 40x higher bioavailability than raw curcumin in a 2018 Molecules study

  2. CBD-cyclodextrin complexes have demonstrated enhanced oral absorption and faster onset, per multiple pharmacokinetic evaluations

  3. Berberine with cyclodextrins showed better gastrointestinal tolerance and increased blood plasma levels in early-stage trials

Ideal for Gummies, Capsules, and Powders

Gummies:

  • Cyclodextrins mask bitterness, making them perfect for cannabinoids, nootropics, and herbal extracts

  • They increase solubility in low-water gummy bases, reducing crystallization and sedimentation

  • Compatible with heat-stable variants for high-temperature cooking

Capsules:

  • Ideal for dry encapsulated powders of poorly soluble actives

  • Can be paired with piperine or lipids for multi-layered bioavailability support

  • Reduces need for bulky excipients

Top Ingredients That Benefit from Cyclodextrins

Cannabinoids: Enhanced water solubility & faster onset

Curcumin: 20–40x improved bioavailability

Resveratrol: Stabilization and absorption boost

PQQ / CoQ10: Increased mitochondrial uptake

Berberine: Lower GI irritation, better absorption

How Green Star Labs Can Help

Green Star Labs specializes in advanced supplement formulation using cyclodextrins for maximum absorption and consumer impact. Whether you’re creating a gummy, capsule, or powder—our team can help you build a science-backed, market-ready product with
Cyclodextrin-complexed active ingredients.

  • Delivery Formats: capsules, powders, tinctures, gummies, and water-soluble shots
  • Heat-stable formulations for gummies
  • Microencapsulation and solubility enhancement
  • NSF/GMP manufacturing and rapid R&D
  • Low MOQ options and flexible pricing models
  • In-House R&D and Regulatory Guidance for claims, packaging, and compliance
  • Manufacturing in NSF, cGMP, and FDA-registered facility

Green Star Labs can help you create a standout product backed by science and manufactured to the highest standards.

Let’s Get Started Today!

If an innovative Cyclodextrin-enhanced supplement formulation is a good fit for your wellness brand, request a quote now to take the first step to making your vision a reality.

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Richard Weisner

About Richard Weisner

My goal is to help businesses scale and succeed by offering personalized support, industry knowledge, and access to cutting-edge manufacturing technology. Let’s connect and explore how we can collaborate to bring your product ideas to life!

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FDA Disclaimer: Content published in our Nutraceutical Market Trends blog is for educational purposes and is not intended to represent medical advice. Our audience is B2B brand owners and customers who are interested in developing innovative nutraceutical products. Content that may indicate specific health claims for ingredients or delivery systems has not been evaluated by the FDA. Dietary supplement products manufactured by Green Star Labs, Inc. are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Green Star Labs Equipment and Capabilites

custom gummies manufacturing

Gummy Full-Scale Starchless Manufacturing

  • Pectin Based – Vegan, Sugar and Sugar-Free custom formulations
  • Standard 4.5g Squares and Custom Molds
  • Multiple production lines – 100,000 to 500,000 Pieces per Shift @ 4.5g
  • Examples: Lion’s Mane/Cordyceps Focus Gummies, Melatonin-less Sleep Gummies, CBD Relax and Revive Gummies, Apple Cider Vinegar Gut Health Gummies, Ashwagandha Adaptogen Gummies, Sugar-Free Creatine Gummy

Small-Scale Gummy R&D

  • Testing the Market, Developing Flavor Profiles, Troubleshooting and problem solving product challenges.
  • Examples: Developing SOP and Formulations for Creatine Gummies, Flavor Masking Caffeine and Cannabinoids

Gummy Co-Packing

  • 5 – 150ct Pouches Packaged in-line – Up to 14,000 pouches per shift @ 5ct .
  • 20 – 90ct Bottles Packaged in-line – Up to 8000 bottles per shift @ 30ct .
  • Examples: 5 and 20ct Snoop Pouches, 30ct Top Fungi Jars, 60ct Fndmntl ACV Jars, 120ct Novos Pouches.

Capsule Full-Scale Starchless Manufacturing

  • Tooling for Size 1, 0, 00 shells (HPMC Standard)
  • Multiple Encapsulators – 60,000 to 1.1M per shift
  • Examples: NAD+ Precursor Supplements, Joint Health, Curcumin and Herbal Blends

Small-Scale Capsule R&D

  • Piloting and Running Trials for efficacy or product performance

Tablet Full-Scale Manufacturing

  •  Tooling for 10mm, 14mm, 16mm, 26mm Diameter Punches
  • 24 Station Press – up to 900,000 per shift
  • Examples: Probiotic Tablets, Chewable herbal remedies, Calcium and mineral blends

Solid Dosage Co-Packing

  • 10ct Blisters formed and sealed – then packaged in-line
  • 15 – 120ct Bottles Packaged in-line – up to 20,000 per shift

Ingestible Liquid Blending

  • Low-Volume Blending through 1800L+ Batches

Bulk Liquid Co-Packing

  • Packed into drums or pails upon request

RTD Shot Bottle Filling

  • 2oz Cosmo Round Bottles @ ~ 10,000 – 15,000 units per shift pending full shrink
  • Manufacturing Lines to Support Flexible Load Balance

RTD Beverage Bottle Filling

  • 8, 12, 16oz and Greater Bottles @ ~ 10,000 units per shift pending full shrink

Topical Cosmetic Blending

  • 50L batch size for High-Viscosity Products: Creams, Gels, Masks
  • 200L batch size for Low-Viscosity Products: Oils, Serums, Treatments

Bulk Cosmetic Co-Packing

  • Packed into drums or pails upon request

Lotion Tube Filling

  • Tooling available for 15ml (0.5oz) – 120ml (4oz) Lotion Tubes
  • Variable Material Specifications
  • Max Through-put 205 tubes/minute

Cosmetic Liquid Sachet Filling

  • Liquid Sachets > 10g minimum sizing
  • Max Through-put 20 sachets/minute

Cosmetic Bottle Co-Packing

  • Variable characteristics and packaging specs acceptable
  • Jars, Bottles, Airless Pumps, Plastic, Glass, Heat Induction Seal

 

 

Free-Flowing Powder Blending

  • Low-Volume Blending through 350kg+ Batches
  • Handles Herbals/Botanicals as well as mixed particle sizes

Large Scale Bulk Powder Co-Packing

  • Packed from 10kg+ bags into boxes

Medium Scale Powder Filling

  • 100g+ – 1kg Pouches and Cannisters

Single-Serving Sachet Filling

  • Single Lane FFS machine auger fed powder blends
  • 10+/minute run speed @ 30g sachets

 

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