Numerous parameters need to be taken into account in the sourcing approach to ensure the naturalness, the absence of contaminants and the non-adulteration of ingredients.

This article provides some guidelines using 3 concrete examples identified during the formulation of energy products.

The example of Acerola: the need for an optimised sector

Acerola is undoubtedly the best source of natural vitamin C for the formulation of energy products.

However, care needs to be taken during ingredient sourcing in order to ensure vitamin C is not added to the botanical ingredients prior to marketing. Behind this  ingredient adulteration, may hide the poor control of the natural vitamin C control during the processing.
Natural vitamin C is very fragile and requires setting up an optimised procedure and monitoring every step throughout all the steps of the acerola sector.

The following are examples of parameters taken into account by the Natural Origins acerola sector in view of offering the highest content of natural vitamin C :

• The variety of acerola selected for its high natural content of vitamin C
• Growing conditions
• Time of harvest and harvesting conditions
• The time between harvesting and fruit pressing
• Process duration
• Transformation and storing conditions

The example of ginseng : the importance of an in-depth analysis

Ginseng is a precious remedy in Asian medicine and is widely recognised for providing vitality and tonicity to the body. Its antioxidant capacity has also proved succesful in fighting against oxidative stress linked to physical effort.

Several questions have however been raised during ingredient sourcing because of the very different qualities available on the market.

A complete analysis of every ingredient is essential.  

The benefits attributed to ginseng have been identified with the real ginseng root native to South East Asia (Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer), and not with the aerial parts or with other varieties of ginseng.

In case of doubt, you should know that it’s possible to prove the species and the part of the plant used through laboratory testing (HPLC, TLC or DNA).

The example of maté: the biological agriculture choice

Recently brought forward by several top level European athletes for its natural caffeine ad polyphenol content, maté leaves tend to have a prominent place in the formulation of energy products.

In view of this success, variable quality products are appearing on the market. To ensure making the right choice, one of the solutions is to choose organic ingredients.

In addition to guaranteeing the absence of synthetic caffeine, biological agriculture is reputed for offering good quality and in particular pesticide-free products.

To delve further into this guaranteed offer, Natural Origins has chosen to proceed with the systematic controlling for contaminants of all batches of raw material upon reception.

If you would like to know more about our ingredient sourcing approach, please feel free to ask for a sample.