Orally Disintegrating Tablets (ODT) Manufacturing

Orally disintegrating tablets (ODTs) represent a cutting-edge delivery format designed to dissolve rapidly in the mouth without the need for water. This innovative dosage form combines the convenience of chewable or liquid supplements with the potency and stability of traditional tablets. At Nutricraft Labs, we recognize ODTs as a valuable option for consumers who require fast-acting, easy-to-administer supplements.

What Are ODTs?

ODTs are solid dosage forms engineered to disintegrate and dissolve within 30 seconds to 2 minutes upon contact with saliva. They leverage specialized excipients—superdisintegrants such as crospovidone or sodium starch glycolate—that promote rapid tablet break-up and create a smooth solution for optimal absorption.

The manufacturing process involves direct compression with low compression force to maintain tablet porosity. Some formulations also use freeze-drying (lyophilization) or molding techniques to enhance disintegration speed and mouthfeel.

Unique Advantages of ODT Format

Rapid Onset of Action ODTs dissolve directly in the oral cavity, allowing nutrients to begin absorption through the oral mucosa before swallowing. This pre-gastric absorption can improve onset time by 20-30% compared to capsules and tablets.

No Water Required Consumers can take ODTs anywhere, anytime, without water. This convenience is ideal for travel, busy lifestyles, and for individuals with swallowing difficulties or limited access to fluids.

Enhanced Compliance The pleasant mouthfeel and ease of administration increase consumer compliance. ODTs eliminate the pill-swallowing barrier, making them suitable for pediatric, geriatric, and special needs populations.

Improved Bioavailability Early evidence suggests that ODTs can achieve slightly higher bioavailability for certain nutrients due to rapid dissolution and pre-gastric absorption. This makes ODTs advantageous for fast-acting formulations like immune support, energy enhancers, and certain vitamins.

Optimal Applications for ODTs

Immune Support: Vitamin C, zinc, and elderberry ODTs offer rapid immune activation during acute challenges.

Energy and Focus: B-complex vitamins, caffeine, and nootropic blends delivered via ODTs provide fast cognitive and energy boosts without gastrointestinal delay.

Pediatric Nutrition: Multivitamin and singular nutrient ODTs ensure children receive essential nutrients without the struggle of swallowing pills.

Geriatric Care: ODTs are ideal for older adults with dysphagia, providing necessary supplements easily.

Therapeutic Dosing: ODTs can deliver precise, rapid doses of therapeutic nutrients where timing is critical.

Manufacturing Considerations

Excipients Selection: Choosing high-quality superdisintegrants is crucial for rapid dissolution and pleasant texture.

Compression Technology: Low-force direct compression preserves tablet porosity, while molding and freeze-drying methods offer superior disintegration.

Flavor and Texture Optimization: Advanced flavor masking and sweetening systems create pleasant mouthfeel without bitterness or grittiness.

Stability Testing: Accelerated and long-term stability studies ensure ODTs maintain integrity, potency, and disintegration properties over shelf life.

Packaging Requirements: ODTs require moisture-resistant primary packaging such as blister packs or single-serve sachets to protect against humidity and preserve rapid disintegration.

Consumer Benefits and Best Practices

• Instruct users to place ODT on the tongue and allow it to dissolve completely before swallowing.
• Recommend taking ODTs in dry conditions to avoid premature moisture exposure.
• Store ODTs in original packaging at room temperature, away from high humidity.

Positioning and Market Trends

The global ODT market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 8-10% through 2030, driven by increasing demand for convenient, fast-acting delivery formats. ODTs address key consumer needs for portability, ease of use, and rapid effect, making them a strategic addition to any supplement portfolio.

At Nutricraft Labs, our expertise in ODT formulation and manufacturing ensures your products meet the highest standards of rapid disintegration, pleasant mouthfeel, and robust stability—delivering a superior consumer experience.