Prague, August 22, 2022
By offering high-quality, comprehensively formulated dietary supplements, the Czech startup Trime aims to help offset poor nutritional habits. Their latest product is designed based on the typical dietary profile of Czech consumers, considering geographic conditions and nutritional habits. Named the Daily F20 Complex, it was developed in collaboration with nutrition expert Jakub Přibyl. This combination of 14 vitamins and 6 minerals is designed to balance Czech eating habits and mitigate nutrient deficiencies in commonly available foods, which have been impacted by excessive fertilizer use and food industrialization. Nutrition is increasingly recognized as a key environmental factor contributing to lifestyle diseases such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and elevated cholesterol levels.
"In recent years, the nutritional profile of Czechs has changed significantly, mainly due to deteriorating dietary habits and declining food quality. Surprisingly, this reduction in nutritional value affects even basic foods like meat, fish, eggs, grains, vegetables, and fruits. Contributing factors include the import of over-fortified foods grown under accelerated conditions to survive long-distance transport, as well as domestic production using intensive farming methods. Modern food processing, pressured by large retail chains, further 'refines' basic foods to extend shelf life, resulting in modern diets dominated by products that fall far short of their original nutritional potential," explains Jakub Přibyl, nutrition specialist and product developer at Trime.
Addressing Key Nutritional Deficiencies
Monitoring by the Czech State Health Institute reveals widespread deficiencies in key minerals such as magnesium, iron, zinc, and certain B vitamins. Exhausted soils fail to produce nutritious crops, and long-distance transport and prolonged storage diminish food freshness. A common example is the population-wide deficiency of vitamin D and the re-emergence of iodine deficiency.
In the 1990s, studies confirmed mild to moderate iodine deficiency in approximately 70% of Czechs. While this was partially addressed through artificial fortification of basic foods, iodine deficiency has resurfaced, especially among children and pregnant women, increasing the risk of thyroid dysfunction. The Trime Daily F20 Complex addresses these gaps with a balanced blend of zinc, iodine, selenium, chromium, manganese, copper, and 14 essential vitamins.
A Deep Dive into Supplement Production
"The biggest challenge for any Czech living a modern lifestyle is supplying the body with the right amounts of nutrients in the proper balance. The mass production of food reduces its nutritional value, especially concerning vitamins, minerals, and trace elements. Dietary supplements are a legitimate tool to address these deficiencies, but manufacturers often focus on meeting regulatory minimums and prioritize cheap, easy production methods. Most supplements available online or in pharmacies are ineffective and, in many cases, harmful when used long-term," says Přibyl.
Trime takes a different approach, prioritizing maximum quality without unnecessary compromises. The startup uses premium raw materials and monitors every aspect of their production, from sourcing and processing to ensuring quality and safety. Their proprietary manufacturing methods ensure stability and effectiveness without relying on fillers or additives.
"For example, we consider the form of each vitamin or mineral to ensure maximum absorption. We then evaluate how it interacts with other ingredients and how it retains its potency under typical user conditions. Most people don’t have the time to 'maintain' their supplements, so we go the extra mile to protect them – such as using a strong natural antioxidant to preserve sensitive omega-3 fatty acids. These small details make a big difference. Buying the cheapest vitamin online, which your body absorbs only 5% of, is a waste of money. Spending a little more on a higher-quality product with significantly better absorption yields real benefits. It’s also important to recognize that the body often needs a co-factor to absorb a nutrient effectively. Single-ingredient supplements aren’t sufficient, which is why functional supplements designed with this in mind are crucial," adds Michal Kočí, Trime's founder and CEO.
Market Potential for Supplements
In 2021, the European dietary supplement market was worth approximately €61 billion, with an annual growth rate of 5.8% expected through 2030, according to GWR. Czechs spent 14 billion CZK on supplements last year. However, Trime highlights the lack of premium products and market segmentation as significant challenges. Central European customers often rely on imported, expensive alternatives from the U.S. or U.K.
"There is virtually no producer of premium health and prevention supplements in Central Europe offering direct-to-consumer products. Customers have to rely on distributors and online stores, buying supplements with higher margins, often from various manufacturers, and without expert guidance. Our vision is to provide the highest quality supplements directly, along with verified, myth-free information and no misleading marketing," concludes Kočí.
About Trime
Trime is the first Czech startup to produce premium dietary supplements focused on supporting overall human health. The company emphasizes top-tier quality and effectiveness without unnecessary additives or compromises. Trime’s supplements mirror the best that nature has to offer, utilizing natural production methods. For complex formulas, they employ meticulous processes to create products with maximum bioavailability. For those pursuing a healthy lifestyle, Trime provides a modern solution to address nutritional gaps and avoid synthetic supplements.
