VITAMIN C – Tableting with LUBRITAB® RBW Lubricant

Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is a popular supplement available over the counter in dosage forms such as tablets, capsules, sprinkles and gummies. From a formulator’s perspective, it can be challenging since it is poorly compressible and is very sensitive to moisture. Because of this, it requires effective lubrication to facilitate ejection, but with minimal impact on tablet hardness.This issue is common among supplements and is the “double-edged sword” of tablet lubrication. This study by JRS Pharma compared the lubricant functionality of LUBRITAB® RBW (rice bran wax) at several levels with a commonly used lubricant, stearic acid.

Aim of the study

Vitamin C

From the therapeutic perspective, Vitamin C is a nutrient necessary for survival. It plays a role in tissue development and repair. It also supports the efficient function of the immune system, wound healing, maintenance of bone and connective tissue health, collagen formation and absorption of iron. Claimed to be one of the safest nutrients, it is touted to be an effective treatment in resistance to and treatment of common cold viruses.

Formulation

The tablet formulation consisted of Vitamin C (ascorbic acid, USP), PROSOLV® SMCC 90 as binder, VIVASOL® croscarmellose sodium as disintegrant, and LUBRITAB® RBW as lubricant. One additional formulation included stearic acid (USP/NF) at 2.0% in place of LUBRITAB® RBW, for comparison.

Excipients

LUBRITAB® RBW is an all-natural, plant-based, clean label lubricant that is desirable for nutraceutical applications. PROSOLV® SMCC 90 was chosen for its excellent flow and compactibility characteristics, while VIVASOL® CCS is an effective wicking-type disintegrant that will pull water into the tablets to facilitate tablet disintegration and dissolution of the Vitamin C.

Procedure

Blending

Vitamin C was added to a low shear mixing vessel along with PROSOLV® SMCC 90, VIVASOL® CCS, and 20-mesh screened LUBRITAB® RBW. After blending for five minutes, the blends were immediately used for direct compression tableting.

Equipment

Tablet Characteristics

Figure 1 shows a rank order performance of LUBRITAB® RBW in ejection force values for Vitamin C formulation. With respect to lubricant level, all but the lowest level (0.25% LUBRITAB® RBW) produced acceptable ejection forces. Surprisingly 2.0% stearic acid was needed to produce an ejection force equivalent to that of only 0.5% LUBRITAB® RBW.

See the full brochure on “VITAMIN C – Tableting with LUBRITAB® RBW Lubricant” here:

(click the picture to download the brochure)

Source: JRS Pharma brochure “VITAMIN C – Tableting with LUBRITAB® RBW Lubricant”

Do you need more information or a sample of excipients by JRS Pharma?