Investigation of the Disintegration Behavior of Dietary Supplements in Different Beverages

Abstract

The aims of this study were to assess how different beverages and temperatures impact the disintegration time of commercial dietary supplements. Four commercial tablet products, calcium citrate, Ester-C, Boswellia serrata extract, and cinnamon extract, which are considered vitamin-mineral dosage forms or botanical dosage forms, were tested. As described in USP General Chapter <2040> Disintegration and Dissolution of Dietary Supplements, Apparatus A and Apparatus B with or without disks were used with a two-station disintegration tester. Beakers (1000 mL) that met the USP <2040> standards were used, and two temperature conditions were tested: 37 C and 5 C. Six different types of beverages, including cola, orange juice, and 5%, 10%, 20%, and 40% alcohol, were compared against water. Boswellia serrata extract failed to disintegrate. With the exception of 5% alcohol, all beverages had a significant effect on the disintegration time of calcium citrate and Ester-C. Only cola, orange juice, and 40% alcohol significantly influenced the disintegration time of the cinnamon extract. The temperature of the immersion media did not affect all of the tested products. The tested beverages should not be used to replace water when ingesting therapeutic products.