On this page, sustained release nutrients describe a class of formulations designed to release components gradually over an extended period. This approach highlights a release profile that differs from immediate-release formats, offering a gradual availability of materials within a dosage form. Designing sustained release nutrients involves selecting materials and structures that control release timing. Common strategies include matrix systems where the nutrient is embedded in a slow-dissolving medium, polymer coatings that form diffusion barriers, and multiparticulate designs that provide multiple release events. These options allow for customization of how a nutrient becomes available over time. Characterization of sustained release nutrients relies on dissolution testing, release-kinetics modeling, and batch-to-batch comparison to verify performance. Quality controls focus on achieving consistent release curves, ensuring stability under storage conditions, and maintaining conformity with applicable standards throughout production. Understanding the options within sustained release nutrients can inform formulation decisions, regulatory documentation, and labeling considerations. This overview introduces materials, methods, and evaluation approaches used to describe release behavior, and it helps readers interpret release data in context. Learn more.