Capsules are a solid oral dose form for the supplementation of life-saving medications, minerals, vitamins, and other healthful substances. These handy packaging allow for accurate dosing, mobility, and excellent consumer compliance. More onerous liquid, powder, or paste formulations are available as alternatives. As the global population ages and we cope with COVID-19, health-conscious customers demand dose formulations that are simple to use, swallow, and transport.
What are gelatin capsules?
The most popular form is gelatin capsules, which have gelatin as the principal gelling component.
Are gelatin capsules safe?
Gelatin used in capsules is safe and fulfils or exceeds all regulatory requirements for use in pharmaceuticals and health and nutrition supplements. Reputable gelatin providers follow stringent quality standards as well as local and international legislation. Furthermore, before the gelatin is provided to capsule manufacturers, these same gelatin businesses put it through stringent physical, chemical, and microbiological testing.
Is there a standard size of gelatin capsule?
There is no set size for capsules. According to a capsule customization company, gelatin is extremely adaptable, allowing capsule manufacturers to customize the size, shape, and color of their capsules!
How do capsules work in the body?
Gelatin is a colorless dry powder that has been utilized in a variety of food and pharmaceutical applications for centuries. Gelatin dissolves in the human body at room temperature, making it an excellent ingredient for softgels. The gelatin in softgels makes them easier to swallow while preserving the active ingredients inside the capsule from air, light, moisture, and dust. Consumers also like how the capsule size and color might assist them in identifying the prescription medicine or vitamin contained therein.
Why are softgels preferred over other formats?
Softgels, like their hard capsule counterparts, provide value to both customers and manufacturers. The major component, gelatin, is responsible for its benefits.
Can capsules be made from things other than gelatin?
Gelatin or other hydrocolloids can be used to make capsules (gelling agents). However, gelatin has been used for oral dosage forms for hundreds of years, and people all over the world enjoy and anticipate it. Although gelatin capsules are still the gold standard, new developments in plant-based gelling excipients such as starches, chemically modified cellulose such as hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC), carrageenan, pullulan, and others have emerged in recent decades to meet the demands of vegan or vegetarian formulations.
Are gelatin capsules allergenic?
The gelatin in capsules is almost allergy-free. Gelatin is made from collagen, which is present naturally in connective tissue. Gelatin is a pure protein that is easy to digest and has no negative side effects.
What is the difference between capsules and tablets or pills?
Gelatin capsules are a practical delivery technique that elegantly encapsulates the active ingredient, unlike tablets, which are merely compressed powders. Because of the low friction features of capsules, they are easy to swallow, resulting in increased compliance. Pills are a broad phrase that refers to any solid oral delivery of medications, minerals, or vitamins.
What are the benefits of gelatin capsules for nutrients and medications?
The drugs or dietary supplements are safe and can be safely stored in these dose forms. Gelatin, a pure protein, is tasteless, gluten-free, and GMO-free, and it provides a safe oral dose form that gives the consumer a pleasant experience. It allows companies to tailor products depending on color, shape, or size to satisfy the needs of active fills and targeted populations. Gelatin also allows for a wide range of release profiles, from enteric (slow) to rapid release of the active fill, allowing manufacturers to accommodate a wide range of fills while still satisfying customer demands. In addition, respectable gelatin providers provide Halal and Kosher certifications for various gelatin varieties to meet a variety of consumer needs and preferences.