Have you ever wondered what material the capsule shells of dietary supplements are made of? Where do they come from and why the choice of capsule shell makes a crucial difference. In this blog post, we'll show you the different types of capsule shells and look at the science behind them.
Why do we need capsules at all?
To put it simply, capsule protect the ingredients from harmful external influences. The oxygen in our air can interact with the molecules and oxidize them. If you want to try this yourself, all you have to do is leave a cut apple in the fresh air for a few hours. The brown spots that form are the result of oxidation.
In order to protect the valuable ingredients from the influence of oxygen and moisture, we pack them in capsules.
But why don’t we just use tablets?
capsules vs. tablets
Tablets certainly have their advantages - they are often cheaper to produce and easier for the manufacturer to handle. But for the consumer, they can be a tough nut to crack...literally! Large or sharp-edged tablets are a real challenge for many people to swallow
Capsules, on the other hand, slide more gently down the throat. An advantage that should not be underestimated, especially when dealing with larger doses or ingredients with a dubious taste.
Maybe you have already smelled cod liver oil or tried barley grass powder – both have an unpleasant smell/taste and there are Capsules are the much more pleasant alternative.
But it goes even further: Capsules are not only easier to swallow, they also protect sensitive ingredients such as vitamins, enzymes or probiotics from aggressive stomach acidThe active ingredients can thus reach the intestine undamaged and be optimally absorbed. They often have a much harder time with tablets.
Another advantage of the capsules: their production usually requires fewer unnecessary additives such as fillers, binders, etc. Capsules can be such a "purer" composition offer.
What capsule shells are available?
Capsule shells can be roughly divided into two main categories: Gel capsules (gelatin) and vegetable capsules. Within these categories there are various variations:
- hard gelatin capsules: These consist of two cylindrical parts that are put together. They are flexible and can be used for a variety of ingredients
- soft gelatin capsules: They are often used for liquid or oily ingredients and are made in one piece
- HPMC capsules (Hydroxypropylmethylcellulose): These vegetable capsules are an alternative to gelatin and offer numerous benefits, as we will see shortly
- pullulan capsules: Made from a polysaccharide derived from starch, they are vegan like HPMC capsules and provide a good barrier against oxygen
What is Gellan?
Gellan is a special gelatin substitute that is used to produce stable and flexible capsule shells. It is obtained from natural raw materials and is often used in the food and pharmaceutical industries. Nevertheless, HPMC, as a plant-based and enteric-coated carrier, often remains the superior choice.
Which capsule shells are vegan?
Vegetarian and vegan capsule shells are typically made from plant-based materials such as HPMC and Pullulan These offer similar functionality to gelatin, but without using animal products.
Gelatin is usually obtained from the bones or cartilage of cattle or pigs.
Gelatin from China – Be careful when choosing the capsule shell
In 2019, the Frankfurter Rundschau about one capsule scandal from China reported. There, leather waste was contaminated gelatin that was not suitable for consumption. This gelatine contained residues of heavy metals and other potentially carcinogenic substances. This gelatine was sold for the manufacture of medicines. When the inspectors wanted to inspect the accused company, the owner burned it down.
Such scandals are fortunately rare, but they show how important regular checks are. At MOLEQLAR, we test each batch of raw materials for purity and residues of heavy metals, among other thingsThis way we can be sure that we always meet the highest quality standards. If you want to find out more about this, you can visit our certificates page to view the individual documents.
Enteric-coated capsule shells – why they are important
gastro-resistant capsules are designed so that they do not break down in the stomach, but are only dissolved in the intestine. This is particularly beneficial for ingredients that are destroyed or impaired in their effect by stomach acid. This type of capsule shell can be used to ensure that sensitive nutrients or medications are only released where they are most needed.
Without the protective coating of PEG, the ingredients of our QBIOTICS released too early. The bacteria contained Bacillus subtilis only unfolds its positive effect. In the stomach, the acid would kill the bacteria.
If you want to learn more about the topic, you can find more information in the Articles about absorption pathways.
HPMC – what is behind the abbreviation?
Hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC) is a plant-based polymer that has a number of properties that make it the best choice for capsule shells. HPMC is derived from pulp and offers several Advantages compared to traditional gelatin capsules:
- Vegan and allergen-free: HPMC is completely plant-based, making it a preferred choice for vegetarians, vegans and people with allergies
- High stability: HPMC capsules are less likely to disintegrate under different storage conditions. They are insensitive to temperature fluctuations and humidity
- enteric coated: HPMC can be formulated to be enteric-coated, making it suitable for ingredients that are only intended to be released in the intestine
- Good bioavailability: These capsules allow an effective release of the active ingredients, which increases bioavailability
Are HPMC capsules dangerous?
For humans, the Consumption of HPMC is considered harmlessFor us, HPMC is a water-soluble fiber, which is excreted undigested.This would also be reviewed by several authorities, such as the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). The former has set an "unspecified" acceptable daily intake (ADI) for the use of HPMC in food. This means that based on the available toxicity data, there are no health concerns at the current use and exposure levels.
EFSA also concluded that no numerical ADI is required for HPMC and that there are no safety concerns at current uses and intake levels. Some studies Animal studies even showed good tolerance of HPMC in very high doses of up to 7,500 mg/kg body weight per day.
So, in summary, we can say that HPMC capsules not only offer some advantages, they are also harmless.
Did you know?
You can find HPMC in many foods. Behind the number E464 you will find HPMC. In baked goods, HPMC improves texture, creaminess and shelf life. It prevents drying out and is often used in frostings, spreads and gluten-free baked goods. The versatile substance is also used as a gelling agent and stabilizer in dairy products such as yogurt or cream cheese preparations.
Dressings, sauces and dips would often be bland and watery without HPMC. Here it helps to achieve the right creaminess and consistency. The same applies to processed meat products such as sausages, in which it serves as an emulsifier and binding agent.
Why we at MOLEQLAR rely on HPMC casings
We at MOLEQLAR are committed to outstanding quality standards, not only in the ingredients, but also in the capsule shells. For this reason, we choose ultra-pure HPMC capsules. They are completely plant-based, offer high stability and are excellent at keeping out moisture. All of these properties make HPMC the ideal material for nutritional supplements of the highest quality. Manufacturer certificates for the capsules also ensure that they are free of carrageenans or PEG..
Conclusion
When it comes to choosing the right capsule shell for dietary supplements, HPMC capsules are unmatched due to their plant-based origin, stability and versatility. Not only are they a sustainable alternative to conventional gelatin capsules, but they also offer special advantages such as gastric juice resistance and improved bioavailability. Therefore, when choosing dietary supplements, it is worth paying particular attention to the use of high-purity HPMC to ensure that you a product that is both effective and ethical.
Transparent manufacturers also indicate whether their own capsules are free of harmful additives. Because HPMC is not the same as HPMC.
