In the world of functional ingredients, α-ketoglutaric acid (AKG) has gained significant attention for its physiological activities such as anti-aging and antioxidant properties. However, this “star ingredient” has a naturally “active” nature due to its strong hygroscopicity, which poses considerable challenges in product development. This is especially true when AKG is combined with other effective components such as GABA, citrulline, alanine, arginine, and creatine. How to maintain product stability in these formulations is a concern for many end-users. The chemical structure of AKG contains multiple polar groups, making it inherently hygroscopic. This characteristic is similar to that of a sponge, which can quickly absorb moisture from the environment, leading to powder clumping, reduced fluidity, and even affecting the product’s shelf life and efficacy. When AKG is mixed with other hygroscopic ingredients like GABA, citrulline, arginine, and particularly creatine, the hygroscopic effect can be amplified, resulting in a situation where “1+1>2.” Under suitable temperature and humidity conditions, these components can cause the product to become damp and clumpy, severely impacting its usability. Comprehensive Solutions to Moisture Issues: 1. **Ingredient Processing:** - **Granulation:** Convert AKG and its compounds into granules to reduce the surface area, thereby fundamentally slowing down the absorption of moisture. - **Coating Technology:** Coat the granules with a moisture-resistant layer to create a physical barrier that prevents contact with water molecules. - **Salt Forms:** Consider using calcium, potassium, or sodium salts of AKG, as these derivatives have reduced hygroscopicity while still retaining the core functions. 2. **Formulation Optimization:** - **Anti-caking Agents:** Add food-grade silica or other anti-caking agents to the formula to create a barrier between the powder particles and prevent them from sticking together. - **Precise Moisture Control:** Strictly control the moisture content of all ingredients to minimize the introduction of moisture from the beginning. 3. **Environmental Control:** - **Temperature and Humidity Management:** Maintain a low-temperature, low-humidity production environment to cut off the energy source for moisture absorption. - **Packaging Improvement:** Use barrier packaging materials such as aluminum foil bags and polyester bottles, and include efficient desiccants to create a safe “microenvironment.” The combination of AKG with various functional ingredients represents the trend in the development of nutritional health products. Moisture-related issues can be effectively prevented through scientific methods. Choosing products that utilize appropriate moisture-proof technologies ensures not only the claimed benefits listed in the ingredient list but also a stable and reliable product quality. As consumers, understanding the science behind these practices helps you make more informed decisions when making purchases. As industry professionals, mastering these solutions provides a solid foundation for developing higher-quality products. Special Note: The specific formulation strategies must be professionally designed and validated based on the product’s characteristics and regulatory requirements.