Probiotics, proteins and combination supplements evolve in Uruguay

Probiotics supplements continue to reign supreme in the dietary supplements arena. In 2019 — and for three consecutive years — probiotics are seen as a strong, adaptable and innovative space, enabling brands to experiment with new and novel formulations and product offerings.

Probiotics: Acquiring a mass fan base​

Straddling both the innovative design and preventative health spheres, probiotic supplements appeal to both on-trend consumer demands and their health-based needs.

Market intelligence provider, Euromonitor International, reveals how increasingly, probiotics are being used to aid the digestive system, support with stopping diarrhea and provide good bacteria for people taking antibiotics.

Consumers are also selecting probiotic supplement varieties such as collagen with extracts of avocado, along with glucosamine, to support joint health.

While the broadening appeal of probiotic dietary supplements in the digestive and health areas continues to grow, the protein supplements market continues to be most appealing in the sports and extensive exercise fields.

Combination supplements remain number one​

In 2019, combination supplements draw the highest sales and value growth, followed by protein supplements and fish oil products, indicating that the area is gaining more widespread attention beyond sports.

As combination dietary supplements lead the way in Uruguay, Sanofi-Aventis and its multivitamin, mineral, and ginseng supplement brand dominate the sector. Euromonitor International places the brand in the category of dietary supplement, yet notes how it strongly clambers for market share alongside Bayer’s leading multivitamin brand, Supreadyn.

Brand power dominates ​

The Hepamida digestive supplement brand, which is owned by J Jime´nez Cabrera (Laboratorios Gautier), is scoring popularity with dietary supplement consumers by providing product reliability and gaining consumer trust.

Omnilife de Uruguay and Servimedic also remains high on consumers’ choice of portfolios by expanding its name across the sector through promoting its four dietary supplement brands.

Food labeling exemption​

In 2018, Uruguay considered a new version of its regulatory draft on dietary supplements​, NutraIngredients-LATAM reported. The new revisions concerned the mandatory approval of dietary supplement components as food ingredients.

If these supplements have already received approval from National Sanitary Surveillance Agency (ANVISA) or the European Union, confirming that these are new or novel ingredients, then safety studies would not be required. 

Uruguay’s Ministry of Health then enacted Decree No. 272⁄2018 on food labeling, on 30th August 2018. The Decree sets out the labeling requirements on food items that are manufactured, distributed and consumed in Uruguay.

While the decree does apply to ready-to-eat packaged foods, it has a number of exemption areas, including dietary supplements and for athletes, food for medicinal use, food for diets, formulas for infants and boys and girls up to 36 months, along with table sweeteners.