Gelatin used to be susceptible to this phenomenon but a new generation of gelatins (such as StabiCaps) have been developed to significantly decrease and slow down possible cross-linking issues. Because of its low humidity, HPMC is not subject to the problems of crosslinks. However, exposure to inappropriate heat or humidity conditions, or the presence of certain aldehydes, can cause capsule shells to cross-link. Usually the dissolution process occurs smoothly in the body.

It’s one of the most important considerations for pharmaceutical manufacturers. Gelatin, for example, has one of the best - if not the best - API dissolution rates, enabling the API to be quickly available for absorption by the body. This is the rate at which the capsule dissolves in the stomach allowing the active ingredient to be absorbed by the body. Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient (API) / Dissolution Let’s take a look at some key technical considerations of hard and soft capsules. Once the capsules are manufactured, their performance might also vary. The fabrication of hard and soft capsules is a complex process requiring precise calculations. The Indian government subsequently opted to keep gelatin as the standard. The study concluded that gelatin capsules are more efficient, present minimal manufacturing complications and are generally the safest option for dosing medication. The Indian government commissioned a study to look at the viability of such a move. Recently in India some vegetarian lobby groups were pushing the Indian government to make HPMC capsules the standard dosage form for medication. On the other hand, gelatin capsules answer to the natural choice, but can only leave the vegetarian trend unanswered. One can ask: what is truly natural? What are we looking for when we ask for a sustainable product? Is it the origin, or does it include the process and potential chemical modification as well? Capsules based on plant derived products answer the increasing demand for vegetarian based products, but seem to leave the natural demand unanswered. As traceability is vital in food production, all raw materials undergo strict testing and control to ensure maximum quality, safety and traceability. Optimizing the benefits of gelatin makes sense as it helps to reduce wastage. And no chemical modification takes place during the entire manufacturing process. Gelatin is derived from natural resources and obtained through partial hydrolysis of collagen contained in animal skins and bones.Īs a pure and high quality protein coming from by-products of the meat industry, Gelatin helps to minimize wastage. Nowadays, it is part of our everyday lives and an ingredient of choice for many consumers around the world. The use of gelatin as a food ingredient can be traced back to the Middle Ages, when it was used as an ingredient for jellied food products. The HPMC manufacturing process, for example, involves a reaction of purified cellulose with reagents such as methyl chloride and propylene oxide, the latter being classified - by the US Environmental Protection Agency - as a probable human carcinogen. These two products are relatively new on the market, are plant derived, and processed using synthetic chemicals.

Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose (HPMC) and modified starch. Many gelatin alternatives carry an E-number e.g. Because gelatin is classified as ‘food’, it is not considered a food additive and therefore does not have an E-number. the EU law on food information to consumers.įood additives (also known as E-numbers) are substances not normally consumed as a food in itself and not normally a characteristic ingredient of food. This is partly fueled by the tightening of labelling legislation and transparency on food products e.g. In recent years, consumers have become more aware of the origin, sustainability and health aspects of the products they buy. In recent years, however, plant-based alternatives such as HPMC and modified starch have come on the market to cater for vegetarians. This is because capsules tend to be smaller which makes them easier to swallow, and they perfectly disguise the unpleasant tastes associated with liquid medicine or chalky tablets.Īnother benefit of capsules is that they are customizable, which is to say, they come in different shapes, sizes and colors for unique identification.Ĭapsules are traditionally made from gelatin, an animal protein derived from collagen. Capsule technology also allows pharmaceutical manufacturers to encapsulate liquid and semi-liquid fills, something that’s not possible with tablets.Ĭapsules help to improve patient compliance.

This speeds up the development process, meaning a faster time-to-market. They are a safe alternative to tablets and offer numerous benefits over the tablet form.įor starters, capsules are easier to formulate than tablets. Capsules are dosage forms that encapsulate an active ingredient (e.g.

Health benefits of gelatin capsules