1995
The Beginning
: sanitas was founded in Steinheim by Albrecht Binder and Prof. Dr. med. Dr. phil. Martin Hörning. Production began at the St. Rochus Pharmacy.
About Us
Who’s behind sanitas: our history, our values, and the people who make up sanitas.
Die sanitas-Gründer Prof. Dr. Martin Hörning und Albrecht Binder
Out of conviction, of course. Since 1995.
Understanding nature. Applying science. Thinking ahead about health.
Sometimes something great begins with a simple conviction.
In 1995, pharmacist Albrecht Binder and physician Prof. Dr. med. Dr. phil. Martin Hörning founded sanitas in Steinheim, Westphalia. The first office was located on Arminiusstraße, and production initially took place at the St. Rochus Pharmacy.
What drove us back then continues to drive us today: discovering the valuable possibilities that nature offers, examining them scientifically, and using them to develop high-quality products for health and well-being.
But we never wanted to simply produce dietary supplements. We wanted to do it better—in the selection of raw materials, in quality, in quality control, and in our responsibility toward people and nature.
Better. Natural. Healthy.
Our History
MilestonesA grapefruit. An idea. The beginning of CitroBiotic.
From an early stage, sanitas took a keen interest in grapefruit and its unique components. This curiosity gave rise to a product philosophy that would come to define the company.
Sanitas was an early pioneer in developing an organic-grade grapefruit seed extract produced in Germany. This led to the creation of CitroBiotic—now the company’s best-known product line and a trusted companion for many customers.
The story of CitroBiotic exemplifies what has set sanitas apart to this day: taking natural raw materials seriously, consistently testing their quality, and continuously improving its products.
CitroBiotic-Fläschchen auf dem Band in der Produktion von sanitas
Nature needs science.
For us, naturalness alone is not enough to guarantee quality. That is why we have always combined the world of natural raw materials with scientific thinking, meticulous processing, and quality control.
We don’t want to make this claim in the abstract; we want to demonstrate it: through traceable raw material origins, transparent manufacturing processes, quality controls, and laboratory analyses, as well as through expert knowledge and scientific information available for review.
After all, trust isn’t built on grand promises. Trust is built when quality becomes transparent and verifiable.
More about Sanitas
Bio-Produkte in Papierbeuteln im Lager von sanitas
Responsibility begins with the raw material.
Those who work with nature bear responsibility for it. That is why sustainability is not just a passing trend for us, but the logical extension of our product philosophy.
This includes the mindful use of raw materials, a focus on organic quality, responsible sourcing, and a commitment to continuously improving processes and packaging. Sustainability is thus not merely a superficial promise, but a mindset that is reflected in our decisions.
As much nature as possible. As much science as necessary. And as much responsibility as goes without saying.
From Steinheim to the world.
Sanitas has its roots in East Westphalia. But enthusiasm for its products was not limited to Germany. International partnerships were established early on—including in France, Austria, Belgium, and Switzerland—and were later expanded to include other markets such as Spain and Portugal.
What began as a regional idea has gradually evolved into a brand recognized internationally. For us, something else is more important than mere country-by-country statistics: Many of these partnerships and customer relationships have developed over a long period of time.
Our History
30+ years. And we're far from done.The Pioneering Years
Organic, before organic was the norm
Early development of an organic-quality grapefruit seed extract produced in Germany; additional product ideas based on natural raw materials followed.
Growth
An idea becomes a company
Sanitas is growing, creating new structures, and continuing to develop its location in Steinheim.
International
From Steinheim to Europe
Collaborations and distribution partnerships in several European markets are expanding the brand’s reach.
2022
Experience Meets New Perspectives
Dr. Gunnar Stammen is joining the management team. The founders will remain associated with the company.
Today
Tradition does not mean standing still
’s products, manufacturing processes, and product line are continuously being refined—with the goal of bringing together nature, science, quality, and responsibility.
And despite all the science, health should be a source of joy.
We focus on raw materials, formulations, analyses, quality standards, and scientific findings. Ultimately, though, it’s about something very human: feeling good.
That’s why we don’t want to come across as sterile or clinical. Sanitas is made up of real people and real stories, along with nature, color, lightness, and the joy of incorporating great products into everyday life.
You are part of our history.
More than 30 years of company history are not just about products, buildings, and dates. They are about people: employees, experts, partners, and, above all, the customers who place their trust in sanitas.
That’s why we’d like to invite you to share your own sanitas or CitroBiotic story: When did you discover the brand? Which product has been a part of your life? What memories do you associate with it?
Simply send us your story by email: info@sanitas.de
After all, our story isn’t over yet. Let’s write the next chapter together.
The Team and the Company
Behind Sanitas are the people who make our products possible day after day: from selecting and testing raw materials, through development and quality assurance, to collaborating with partners in Germany and Europe.
Sanitas is based in Steinheim, East Westphalia—the place where it all began in 1995.
Sanitas is led by Albrecht Binder, Prof. Dr. med. Dr. phil. Martin Hörning, and Dr. Gunnar Stammen—we introduce the people who work at Sanitas on the Team page.
Eingang des sanitas-Firmensitzes in Steinheim mit dem Firmenschild über der Tür