COVID Reshapes the Immunity Supplement Market
In addition to causing the first toilet-paper shortage we’ve seen in our lifetime, the onset of COVID-19 in early 2020 has had ingredient suppliers, supplement manufacturers and retailers all scrambling to get immunity supplements into the hands of the clamoring masses.
In the first few months of this banner year, more than 50% of consumers have increased their intake of dietary supplements, and another 30% have plans to increase their consumption in the second half of 2020.
In May/June of this year, 17 of the top 20 vitamin category products sold on Amazon were immune related.
Is it the Right Time for Private Label Immunity Supplements?
According to Nutrition Business Journal, the estimated sales growth for immunity supplements is projected to spike above 25% in 2020, up to $3.3 billion overall. The flexibility in storage options, demand for formulations with multiple benefits, increased consumer education, and of course the continued health concerns with the current pandemic, are all working together to fuel this demand for private label immunity supplements.
Traditionally, the tried-and-true vitamins (Vitamin C) and minerals (Zinc) have been the go-to sources for immunity ingredients. Herbal extracts are on the rise, though, with an expected growth of 12% in the next 5 years. Let’s take a look at some of the most popular ingredients, and which ones might be next to hit the shelves.
6 Immunity Supplement Private Label Opportunities
(the last three may surprise you!)
Right Now:
Every supplement manufacturer is working hard right now to keep the following products in stock in order to meet the overwhelming demand:
- Vitamin C – Vitamin C is an antioxidant, which means that it can fight oxidative damage. It also aids healthy immune function by supporting the development of white blood cells. In its role as an antioxidant, vitamin C may also help fight inflammation, which can damage the lungs and other organs. Some evidence suggests that people with severe COVID-19 symptoms can experience dangerous levels of inflammation, therefore it is presumed that vitamin C could help with the damage caused during this process.
- Zinc – Zinc is well-recognized as being important to maintaining a healthy immune system. It’s a mineral that’s been touted to help fight colds and upper respiratory infections, and to help fight infections by boosting the production of antibodies. (Zinc deficiencies are also common among the elderly, who are most likely to be severely affected by coronavirus. Some researchers think that this zinc deficiency may be one of the reasons seniors are more susceptible to infections.)
- Elderberry – Ancient civilizations all over the world (such as the Egyptians and Native Americans) have been using elderberries for centuries for their amazing health benefits. Everything from the flowers to the fruit are used to create teas, tinctures, and dietary supplements. In addition to being high in Vitamin C, the powerful antioxidants and flavonoids from elderberries are rock stars in helping the immune system to fight off the free radicals that damage cells and mutate DNA.
(***Special mention – Vitamin D has also seen a large spike in growth among private label supplements, in part due to its immune boosting effects but also because people in quarantine are spending more time indoors.)
Down the Road:
Going forward, there will be several additional products trending for immune-support that work through entirely different biological pathways than the mainstays mentioned above. Here are some possible opportunities going forward:
4.) Probiotics – Research continues to shed light on what a huge role gut health and gut bacteria play in supporting our immune response, and in identifying which strains are the best at doing this. At the same time, dietary supplement manufacturers are becoming more proficient in creating targeted strains that have the ability to specifically bolster immune health. As a result, this category will continue to grow, especially in the face of continued COVID symptoms.
5.) Melatonin – Although not commonly known (yet), melatonin has been shown to have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immune-modulating effects. Scientists believe these properties may be helpful in modulating the development and progression of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), which has been implicated as the likely cause of death in COVID19.
6.) Boysenberry – Boysenwhat? Yes sir, originally marketed to help protect the lungs from damage caused by environmental pollution, boysenberry is now being studied as a possible benefit to the breathing difficulties and scarring caused by COVID-19. Initial pre-clinical results have been positive, and with Elderberry being such a popular private label supplement already, it seems likely that Boysenberry will be the next berry to make a splash in this category.
Well,………..are you imagining your own innovative private label or custom contract immunity supplement?
We hope so because America needs pioneering entrepreneurs like you to join the fight and help protect them and their children against COVID-19 and other potential health threats in the future!
As always, NutraCap Labs is here to support you in your endeavors. Contact your account representative today and let’s talk about all of these different ways that we can help you grow your business!
