The Role of Functional Ingredients in the Creation of Vegan Gummy

Madhuri Shinde, Vaishnavi Patil, Sanjyot Girase, Shradhha Tupe, Shradhha Kate, Dipti Sonawane,

doi:10.5281/zenodo.14835523

Review Paper | Open Access
Volume 03 | Issue 02 | Article Id IJPS/250302022

The Role of Functional Ingredients in the Creation of Vegan Gummy
Madhuri Shinde* Vaishnavi Patil Sanjyot Girase Shradhha Tupe Shradhha Kate Dipti Sonawane
K. K. Wagh College of Pharmacy, Nashik Affiliated to Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Technological University, Lonere. Maharashtra, India.

Abstract

Gummy supplements are a great way to provide pharmaceuticals and nutritional bioactives, particularly for children. Surprisingly, they are becoming more popular with adults as efficient systems for delivering bioactives. The study sought to improve the nutritional content of gummy candies by utilizing a different gelling agent instead of gelatin. By decreasing the amount of sugar and incorporating natural ingredients such as fruit juice and honey in gummy jellies, the product gains enhanced health benefits. In addition to incorporating natural extracts or medications into gummies, they serve as an innovative method of delivering medicine. Gummies offer dietary benefits that are essential for maintaining a healthy lifestyle in today's evolving world. Prior to blending powders, various preformulation studies are conducted to assess their flow properties. Criteria have been established to evaluate the appearance of gummy candies.

Keywords

Functional Ingredients, Creation of Vegan Gummy, pharmaceuticals and nutritional bioactives.

Introduction

Functional foods that help people stay healthy and feel better are becoming more popular. People are looking for ways to improve their lives, and this trend is affecting the candy industry. In order to satisfy picky customers, candy makers have been adding different ingredients to their products that meet these demands. More and more people are looking for foods that can help them stay healthy and feel better. This interest in improving quality of life is changing the confectionery market (Roudbari et al. 2024)¹Nutritious gummy supplements have been created with children in mind, containing precise amounts of beneficial ingredients Scientists have created vitamins, antioxidants, iron, calcium, and other nutritional supplements (Rashmi and Mona 2023)² Gummy candies, being hugely popular across all age groups, are suitable matrix for the addition of functional ingredients. Functional gummies are made to do more than just taste good. They usually have special ingredients that help with different parts of staying healthy and feeling good. Using functional gummies can be a fun and easy way to help you reach your health goals. It's important to remember to eat balanced meals and stay active, too (Teixeira-Lemos et al. 2021)³ Medicated chewing gums are solid medicines that are meant to be chewed. They contain active ingredients that are released when you bite into them (Chandel et al. 2012)⁴. A new medicine delivery system gives patients fresh benefits and makes it easier for them to follow their treatment plan. This system has many advantages compared to taking pills or liquid medicine because it is more effective (Rathod et al. 2022)⁵. Taking this medication is easier because it can be swallowed, making it more likely for patients to follow their treatment plan. This is especially helpful for older adults and children with difficulty swallowing (Tarahi et al. 2024)⁶. Additionally, this product can be taken anywhere and at any time. It cannot hold liquids to help with swallowing. (Delgado and Bañón 2015)⁷ Most of the medicine is quickly absorbed in the mouth when chewed because of the buccal cavity. When there is more blood flow to an area, the medicine works quicker and doesn't last as long when it is taken in quickly.(Ts et al. 2023)⁸ Alternatively, medicine that is released When you chew gum that is not absorbed in your mouth, it will be swallowed and reach your stomach in a finely dispersed form. being easily absorbed into the digestive system, leading to quick results(Vohra, Patil, and Khan 2023)⁹ Gummy formulation enables the active ingredients to dissolve or disperse within a flexible and elastic matrix, which forms the foundation of the gel (Andriani, Luliana, and Siska 2021)¹⁰ The matrix structure of the tablet enables gentle pressure during chewing, allowing water molecules to easily enter the gel structure and initiate the dissolution of the active ingredient into the saliva(Niam et al. 2022)¹¹

Applications:

Herbal remedies and plant-based supplements are commonly incorporated into gummy form to facilitate consumption.
Gummies have become a favored option in the confectionery sector because of their delicious taste and enjoyable texture. They are available in a wide range of flavors, shapes, and sizes.
Gummies serve as a convenient way to consume vitamins and dietary supplements, offering crucial nutrients such as vitamin C, D, B12, omega-3 fatty acids, and probiotics in a pleasant and easy-to-take form.
Some medications are manufactured in gummy form to enhance their appeal, particularly for children and individuals who struggle with swallowing tablets.
Gummy candies have the potential to be enriched with extra nutrients or beneficial substances such as fiber or antioxidants, in order to amplify their health advantages beyond simply being a sweet indulgence.
Gummy supplements can be created using components that offer a rapid increase in energy levels, like caffeine or vitamin B complex.
Sugar-free or reduced-sugar gummy candies are designed for people with diabetes or those who want to cut down on their sugar consumption while still being able to indulge in a delicious gummy snack.
Gummies created specifically for athletes may include components such as electrolytes, branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs), or energy-enhancing compounds to aid in enhancing physical performance and promoting recovery.
Gummy formulations can be created without the presence of typical allergens like gluten, dairy, or nuts in order to cater to individuals with specific dietary requirements.
Certain oral hygiene products may include beneficial ingredients such as fluoride or xylitol in the form of gummies to promote dental health.

Manufacturing of Gummy Candies

General Steps for Gummies preparation (Mustafa et al. 2023)¹²

Step 1: Mix the gelling agent whichever is used with other ingredients such as fruit juice, sugar, honey, water etc.

Step 2: Mix together the ingredients thoroughly to make sure the gelling agent and other components are evenly distributed. You can also include natural medicinal extracts if desired.

Step 3: Transfer the mixture into moulds in order to form the gummy candies. Let the gummy candies cool and solidify. The solidification time will differ based on the type of gelling agent used. Once solidified, remove the candies from the moulds and apply any desired coatings, to prevent sticking.(Achumi, Peter, and Das 2018)¹³

Figure1. Flow diagram of the preparation of gummy candy.

Different methods for preparation of gummy:

1.Gelatin based gummies (Roudbari et al. 2024)¹

Gelatine-based gummies are a favoured variety of soft candy that utilize gelatine as their main substance for solidification. Gelatine, a protein sourced from animal collagen, is typically extracted from the skin, bones, and connective tissues of pigs or cows(Niam et al. 2022)¹¹

Gelatine is usually dissolved in water or juice. It usually comes in the form of powder and must be mixed with water before using. The mixture is heated to fully dissolve the gelatine and form a consistent and smooth solution. To prevent the gelatine from degrading or the sugars from burning, it is crucial to heat the mixture gently. (Aiello et al. 2024)¹⁴
The warm gelatine solution is poured into moulds to form the gummy candies. These moulds, available in silicone or metal, are of different shapes and sizes. To avoid sticking, the moulds are commonly coated with corn-starch or a similar powder.(Kukkar et al. 2023)¹⁵

After pouring the mixture into the moulds, they are left to cool and solidify. Gelatine-based gummies usually require cooling at room temperature or in a regulated setting to achieve optimal gelling. The solidification phase may vary in duration, ranging from a few hours to longer, based on the size and composition of the gummies. After the gummies have been shaped in the moulds, they are taken out. To avoid them sticking together and to enhance their appearance, a thin coating of sugar or cornstarch is commonly applied on them.(Achumi, Peter, and Das 2018)¹³

2. Starch based gummies (Rivero et al. 2020)¹⁶

Starch-based gummies serve as a substitute for gelatine-based gummies, making them ideal for producing vegan or vegetarian-friendly items. Starch is utilized as the main gelling agent in starch-based gummies, as opposed to gelatine.

Frequently utilized types of starch include corn starch, potato starch, and tapioca starch. These starches are combined with water to create a slurry. Sugars or syrups like glucose syrup or high fructose corn syrup are then included to enhance sweetness and impact the consistency of the mixture (Chandel et al. 2012)⁴
The starch slurry is heated in order to achieve gelatinization, a process that transforms the starch into a gel-like substance. This process involves cooking the mixture at a precise temperature to trigger the gelling properties of the starch. Additionally, sweeteners and flavourings are added during heating to ensure a consistent mixture.(Dey and Sheth 2023)¹⁷
Moulds are typically coated with a release agent like corn-starch or powdered sugar to prevent sticking. The hot, liquid gummy mixture is then poured into moulds of different shapes and sizes. After filling the moulds, they are left to cool, enabling the starch to fully gel and take on the intended shape. After being set in the moulds, the gummies are taken out. To avoid sticking and improve their texture, a common practice is to coat the gummies with powdered sugar or corn-starch.

3. Agar-Agar based gummies (Rutuja R. Khatode et al. 2022)¹⁸ Agar-agar is commonly found in either powder or flake form and must be dissolved in hot water to trigger its ability to gel.

Agar-agar is combined with water and heated until it reaches a boiling point. It must be heated thoroughly to dissolve completely and trigger the gelling abilities. Typically, this process involves boiling for a short period of time. Continuous agitation is essential to guarantee the complete dissolution of agar-agar.(Anbarasan et al. 2018)¹⁹
After the agar-agar has fully dissolved, sweeteners and flavourings are incorporated. The mixture is then carefully mixed to ensure all ingredients are well combined. Subsequently, the hot agar mixture is poured into moulds. Agar-agar solidifies rapidly, requiring the mixture to be managed with efficiency.(Singh et al. 2019)²⁰
Once the moulds are filled, they are left to cool at room temperature. Agar-agar solidifies as it cools, eliminating the need for refrigeration. The setting time is relatively fast, typically within 30 minutes to an hour. Once the gummies have set, they are delicately taken out from the moulds. In order to avoid adhesion, a common practice is to apply a coating to the gummies. (Adebolu 2005)²¹

4. Pectin based gummies (Rani et al. 2021)²²

Preparing gummies using pectin is a great way to make a vegetarian-friendly treat, as pectin is a plant-based gelling agent often used as a substitute for gelatine. Here's a basic guide to making pectin-based gummies. (El-Sukhon, Abu-Harfeil, and Sallal 1994)²³

To make standard gummies, high methoxyl pectin is required, while low methoxyl pectin is needed for making reduced-sugar versions. Select a juice that is free from added sugar or artificial additives to achieve a more authentic taste for your gummies, depending on your desired level of sweetness. This can be customized according to your taste or substituted with other natural sweeteners. Incorporating lemon juice or citric acid (1-2 tablespoons of lemon juice or 1 teaspoon of citric acid) aids in the setting of pectin. (Adebolu 2005)²¹
Continue to gently heat the mixture for a short period while stirring occasionally. This process is important to ensure that the pectin and sugar are fully incorporated and that the mixture is evenly warmed. Delicately transfer the mixture into the gummy moulds using a dropper or a small jug to simplify the process and reduce potential mess.(Bagade et al. 2024)²⁴

To reach the desired consistency, let the gummies cool at room temperature for a few hours or until completely solidified. For a quicker setting process, you may opt to refrigerate them for approximately 30 minutes. Once the gummies have set, delicately remove them from the moulds. Place them in a tightly sealed container. They can be stored at room temperature for up to a week or refrigerated for extended freshness. (Todd 2015)²⁵

Pre-formulation Studies: (Mustafa et al. 2023)¹²

Before making the gummies, the powder blend was examined. Different factors like hygroscopicity were used to evaluate the quality of the powder used to make top-notch gummies. Bulk density, tapped density, Carr’s index, Hausner’s ratio, and angle of repose are all important measurements used in the field of pharmaceuticals to assess the flow properties of powders.

Hygroscopicity: The quantity of water within the substance was measured by utilizing the quantitative interaction of water with iodine and sulfur. The reaction involves the oxidation of sulfur dioxide in the presence of a small alcohol and an organic base.(Anbarasan et al. 2018)²⁰
Bulk Characterization: In order to comprehend the micrometric properties of powder mixtures, the bulk density, tapped densities, Hausner's ratio, and Carr's index were measured.[25] (Rathod et al. 2022)⁵

Bulk density: A granule refers to a combination of particles and gas that includes spaces between particles and voids within particles. This can be determined using the following formula.(Rivero et al. 2020)¹⁶

bulk density=massbulk volume

Tapped density: Tapped density refers to the density of a powder or granular material following a designated amount of tapping or vibration. Calculated by following formula.

tapped density=masstapped volume

Hausner’s ratio: Hausner's Ratio is a metric used to assess the flow properties of a powder or granular substance, indicating its flowability and ease of flow. This ratio can be utilized to calculate a measure of the flow properties of a granule. The Hausner ratio serves as a measure of the flow properties of granular materials in bulk form. (Tarahi et al. 2024)⁶

hausner ratio=tapped densitybulk density

Angle of repose: The angle of repose refers to the greatest angle at which a stack of material can rest against a horizontal surface without sliding. This measurement is a key indicator of how easily the material flows and sticks together. (Prashant Thakker et al. 2022)) ²⁶ (Shijina and Nishamol 2024)²⁷

angle of repose=tan-1hr

Carr’s ratio: Carr's Index is a parameter used to evaluate the flow properties and compressibility of powders and granular materials. Carr’s ratio is utilized under the assumption that the compressibility of a solid substance is connected to its ability to flow. This ratio is used to assess the bulk and tapped density of various materials and to determine a ratio for estimating their properties.(Sabri, Khasraghi, and Sulaiman 2022)²⁸

carr's ratio=bulk densitytapped density*100

Evaluation Parameters (Gupta et al. 2024)²⁹

Physical Appearance: The appearance, form, smell, flavor, and consistency of all the manufactured gummy candies are examined visually.
Thickness: The thickness of a gummy was measured using a Vernier Caliper, and the thickness of five gummies was examined.
Weight Variation: Ten gummy candies were weighed individually, and their total weight was calculated to find the average weight of each gummy.

Weight variation =Individual weight-Average weightAverage weight *100

Desiccator: A single gummy bear was weighed and subsequently crushed using a mortar and pestle. Following this, 1 gram of the crushed sample was weighed and subjected to drying in a desiccator for a period of 24 hours. The sample is measured in terms of weight after a period of 24 hours. (Kadhim and Ali 2019)³⁰

CONCLUSION:

To summarize, gummies are a flexible and inventive product that can be utilized in various industries. They are not limited to just being a sweet treat, but are also utilized for their distinctive characteristics in functional, health-related, and practical uses. Gummies are becoming more popular for administering vitamins supplements, and medications in a more pleasant and convenient manner. The attractiveness of gummies enhances adherence and compliance, particularly among children and individuals who find traditional pills difficult to take. In addition to being a favourite treat, gummies are incorporated into functional foods to provide extra nutritional advantages or heightened sensory experiences. Gummy products can be developed to cater to a wide range of dietary requirements and preferences, such as sugar-free varieties and allergen-free options. In addition to gelatine, there are alternative gelling agents such as agar-agar, pectin, and starch that can also be utilized in the production of gummies. These agents offer flexibility in terms of ingredient customization and have a broad range of applications. Appealing to consumers by presenting a beneficial option that offers both enjoyment and utility.

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