Research & formulation development

Academy of Medical Sciences, Vietnam (AMS Vietnam) conducts comprehensive research and formulation development in the field of dietary supplements, with the objective of creating products that are scientifically grounded, safe, effective, and aligned with both national regulations and international standards. This research domain integrates biomedical science, nutrition science, pharmacology, and formulation technology to support the development of high-quality dietary supplements with demonstrable health benefits.

AMS Vietnam positions research and formulation development as the foundational stage of the dietary supplement lifecycle. Every formulation is approached as a scientific product rather than a commercial commodity, ensuring that composition, dosage, bioavailability, and intended use are supported by credible evidence and rigorous methodology.

Dietary supplements play an increasingly important role in supporting health, preventing nutritional deficiencies, and complementing medical and public health interventions. However, variability in ingredient quality, formulation design, and evidence substantiation remains a major challenge globally.

The research objectives of AMS Vietnam in this domain are to:

• Identify bioactive ingredients with credible scientific evidence
• Develop rational formulations based on physiological mechanisms
• Optimize dosage forms for stability, safety, and bioavailability
• Ensure consistency, quality, and reproducibility of formulations
• Generate data to support subsequent safety and clinical evaluation

Our research-driven approach ensures that dietary supplements developed or evaluated by the Academy are aligned with evidence-based nutrition and biomedical science.

Research and formulation development at AMS Vietnam begins with systematic ingredient research. This process includes:

• Review of international scientific literature
• Evaluation of traditional use and ethnopharmacological data
• Assessment of nutritional relevance and biological plausibility
• Analysis of safety profiles and regulatory status

Ingredients may include vitamins, minerals, amino acids, fatty acids, probiotics, botanical extracts, and other bioactive compounds. Particular attention is given to ingredient purity, source traceability, and compliance with Vietnamese and international regulatory frameworks.

Where applicable, AMS Vietnam also supports research into indigenous and regionally sourced raw materials, contributing to innovation while respecting sustainability and biodiversity considerations.

Formulation development is conducted through a structured, science-based process that integrates nutritional requirements, biochemical interactions, and technological feasibility.

Key considerations in formulation design include:

• Target population and intended health benefit
• Mechanism of action and synergistic effects between ingredients
• Appropriate dosage and daily intake limits
• Stability and compatibility of ingredients
• Selection of suitable dosage forms (capsules, tablets, powders, liquids)

AMS Vietnam applies formulation science principles to ensure that products deliver consistent and reliable nutrient or bioactive profiles throughout their shelf life.

Beyond ingredient selection, AMS Vietnam emphasizes optimization of bioavailability and functional performance. Research activities may include:

• Evaluation of absorption and metabolism pathways
• Selection of delivery systems that enhance bioavailability
• Use of standardized extracts and validated active markers
• Assessment of excipients and formulation technologies

This ensures that dietary supplements are not only well-formulated on paper, but also effective in delivering intended components to the body in biologically meaningful amounts.

Quality is a central focus of formulation development at the Academy of Medical Sciences, Vietnam. Research activities are designed to support downstream quality control, testing, and regulatory documentation.

Formulation research includes:

• Defining critical quality attributes (CQAs)
• Establishing formulation specifications and tolerances
• Supporting method development for analytical testing
• Ensuring batch-to-batch consistency

By integrating quality considerations early in the research phase, AMS Vietnam reduces development risks and enhances product reliability.

Safety is a non-negotiable principle in dietary supplement research. AMS Vietnam applies conservative, science-based thresholds when determining ingredient levels and combinations.

Research considerations include:

• Upper intake limits and toxicological references
• Potential interactions between ingredients
• Vulnerable populations and contraindications
• Compliance with food safety and supplement regulations

This safety-oriented formulation strategy supports subsequent safety testing and regulatory review processes.

Research and formulation development at AMS Vietnam is conducted in alignment with:

• Vietnamese regulations on dietary supplements
• ASEAN harmonization frameworks
• Codex Alimentarius principles
• Relevant international guidelines and standards

The Academy supports clients and partners in developing formulations that are regulatory-ready, facilitating smoother approval, registration, and market entry processes.

AMS Vietnam provides research and formulation development services through collaborative models that support:

• Dietary supplement manufacturers
• Research institutions and universities
• Healthcare organizations
• Innovation-driven startups

Collaborations may include contract research, joint development projects, technology transfer, and scientific advisory services. The Academy acts as an independent scientific partner, ensuring objectivity, credibility, and compliance.

An important output of research and formulation development is the generation of robust scientific documentation. AMS Vietnam supports the preparation of:

• Ingredient and formulation rationales
• Scientific summaries and technical reports
• Supporting evidence for safety and efficacy claims
• Documentation for quality, regulatory, and clinical stages

These materials form the foundation for subsequent testing, clinical research, and product substantiation.

Formulation development at AMS Vietnam is designed to integrate seamlessly with later-stage research activities, including:

• Safety assessment and toxicological evaluation
• Human clinical studies
• Efficacy substantiation and health benefit validation

By ensuring scientific continuity across research stages, the Academy strengthens the overall credibility and impact of dietary supplement products.

The Academy of Medical Sciences, Vietnam is committed to maintaining the highest standards of scientific integrity, transparency, and independence. Research and formulation development activities are conducted without promotional bias and are guided by evidence, ethics, and public health considerations.

This commitment reinforces trust among regulators, industry partners, healthcare professionals, and consumers.

Looking forward, AMS Vietnam will continue to advance research in dietary supplement formulation through innovation in nutrition science, functional ingredients, and formulation technologies. Priority areas include personalized nutrition, evidence-based functional formulations, and integration of traditional knowledge with modern science.

Through rigorous research and responsible formulation development, the Academy of Medical Sciences, Vietnam aims to elevate standards in the dietary supplement sector and contribute meaningfully to population health and scientific progress.