WHICH IS BETTER: GELATIN OR VEGETABLE CAPSULES

Various people may take different techniques to improve their health and avoid illness. For example, many people prefer to eat food, but some may also take nutritional supplements to maintain their health. These supplements might come in capsule form. Not only do capsules have little to no taste, they dissolve swiftly in the intestines and are often easier to make than tablets.

A manufacturer should know the desired market before purchasing empty capsules, as each capsule has its pros and disadvantages. In addition, because both types are available in various sizes, shapes, and colours, it is also important to make sure that the capsule material and the medication formulation are compatible to select the most appropriate. Although customer needs may determine the selection, awareness of both categories is desirable for selecting the most appropriate materials for any given application.

Have you ever wondered how your favourite product is created if you are one of the many? Do you have a preference for capsules or tablets as a dose form? Do you care whether the product is derived from animals or plants?

If you take a supplement in capsule form, the following may pique your interest. Did you realize that the majority of capsule goods are derived from animals? For example, hard and soft-shelled gelatin capsules are often made by hydrolyzing collagen from bovine, fish, or swine. This has caused worry among some people, including vegetarians and vegans, and members of some religious or ethnic groups who are prohibited from using animal products. Fortunately, thanks to technological advancements, vegetarian capsules are now accessible as an alternative.

For anyone looking for the ideal capsule solution for their dietary supplement product and their clients, here are some of the must-know details:

WHAT EXACTLY ARE GELATIN CAPSULES?

Gelatin is the original and most commonly used material in the production of capsules. Commercial sources often consist of a mix of cow (bovine) and pork (porcine) gelatins.

The pharmaceutical-grade gelatin used in two-piece hard-shell gelatin capsules is made by processing collagen found in most animals’ connective tissues and bones, including humans. Collagen is made up of eighteen different amino acids that are found in most animals’ connective tissues and bones.

Benefits of Gelatin Capsules

Capsules are often preferred over tablets by consumers. This is because capsules are typically easier to swallow. Furthermore, a clear capsule, as opposed to a coloured capsule, provides physical transparency for its constituents, which customers frequently see as evidence of naturalness. Also, gelatin capsules work well with most powdered formulations. Finally, gelatin capsules are inexpensive.

Drawbacks of Gelatin Capsules

Gelatin capsules come in a small selection of set sizes, whereas tablets come in a wide range of forms and sizes. As a result, a single serving of a given product may fit in one tablet but require two capsules to contain the same contents.

But are gelatin capsules harmful to your health? Certainly not. Gelatin capsules are made from a protein that most individuals eat if they are not vegan or vegetarians. Therefore, gelatin capsules are safe to consume regularly.

WHAT ARE VEGGIE CAPSULES?

Vegetable capsules are formed of cellulose, a structural component found in plants. The primary ingredient in vegetarian capsules is hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC). Veggie capsules are typically quickly absorbed and digested by the body. Therefore, they are suitable for the majority of powdered or gel compositions.

Benefits of Veggie Capsules

The most apparent benefit of veggie capsules is that they’re suitable for vegetarians, making them a viable alternative to animal-sourced gelatin capsules. Otherwise, they offer the same advantages as gelatin capsules.

Drawbacks of Veggie Capsules

The most significant disadvantage of vegetarian capsules is that they are slightly more expensive than gelatin capsules since they use different materials in their manufacture. For many customers, this is the most essential and decisive aspect when deciding between the two varieties.

SO, WHICH IS BETTER? WHAT SCIENCE SAY…

Gelatin and vegetable capsules fulfil the same purpose and may be utilized interchangeably in any formulation. The sole difference is whether or not there is a desire to render the final product vegetarian-friendly.

Compared to a gelatin capsule, a vegetarian capsule stands out in terms of stability because of its lower moisture content, lower hygroscopicity, and superior stability in varied temperature and humidity ranges. In addition, both types of capsules dissolve effectively at about 37°C in terms of solubility.

However, vegetarian capsules dissolve quickly in water at normal temperatures. In contrast, gelatin capsules lose solubility when the temperature goes below 37°C and fail to dissolve below 30°C. Furthermore, vegetarian capsules may store a broader range of fill materials, whereas aldehydic end-products, primary components in liquid and semi-liquid form, easily damage gelatin capsules.

Given the drawbacks of gelatin-based capsules, such as allergy, hygroscopicity, and limited use for liquid and gel-based medications, vegetarian capsules are frequently used. In addition, vegetarian capsules offer various options for overcoming gelatin-based capsules’ disadvantages. In addition to being the obvious choice for both vegetarian and vegan consumers, vegetarian capsules are also more religiously acceptable. Further, vegetarian capsules are frequently judged suitable for Kosher and Halal items and for other religions that adopt vegetarianism or limits on specific animal eating.

WE TAKE CONTROL OF OUR HEALTH!!

Despite their differences, gelatin and vegetarian capsules are similar in many aspects. Both capsules can be appropriately stored for many years without risk of bacterial growth. Furthermore, both types are adaptable because they can be formed into various forms and sizes and coloured to separate the fill materials. The answer to whether one type is superior to the other is found in consumer preference. If there are no religious or dietary restrictions, gelatin capsules may be used because they are less expensive. On the other hand, if one is concerned about the stability and solubility of animal products, vegetarian capsules alleviate any concerns.

REFERENCE:

Jadhav, S. A., & Bhagat, A. S. (2016). Vegetarian capsules: A logico-ethical substitute. Sainath Ashok Jadhav*, Abhinay Sunil Bhagat*. International Journal of Advanced Research, 4(6), 713–718. https://doi.org/10.21474/ijar01/812