As soon as a product is labeled as "vegetarian" or "vegan," consumers immediately get the impression that there&#;s something inherently good or natural about it, or that it&#;s somehow better for their health. However, the recent discussions about vegetarian meat substitutes have shown that this is not necessarily true. Such is the case for HPMC hard capsules. They&#;re vegan, made from cellulose fiber and therefore regarded as natural.
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The use of HPMC hard capsules is not just a bonus for vegetarians and vegans, it's also great news for the many consumers who avoid animal products &#; as long as there&#;s no perceived disadvantages compared with the animal-based original. However, as a conscientious consumer, it&#;s worth taking a look behind the all-natural image. Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC), also known as hypromellose, is produced from cellulose, a natural polymer and fiber, which is considered to be safe for human consumption.
But, there are some potential disadvantages that are not immediately obvious. HPMC is listed as a food ingredient &#; E464 &#; which means that recommended daily maximum quantities must be defined. HPMC undergoes a rigorous manufacturing process involving the synthetic &#; and not natural &#; alteration of cellulose. During production, various highly reactive, harmful or toxic substances are used that must be removed and disposed after production, including propylene oxide (which is considered to be carcinogenic) and chloromethane.
The end product is vegan &#; but is it still natural? By contrast, gelatine has been the safe and trusted ingredient of choice for more than 100 years. And, as gelatine is a foodstuff, rather than a food additive, its use is neither limited nor restricted. It doesn&#;t even have an e-number. Furthermore, gelatin is GMO-free and sustainable, obtained from natural resources such as pig or bovine skin (by-products from the meat industry) using gentle hot water extraction. And, although being sourced from animals, specific varieties of gelatine can be used to meet the strict religious requirements of Hindus and Muslims, for example; even Kosher versions can be supplied.
Accordingly, gelatin hard capsules can be even suitable for believers. You want to tailor your capsules with gelatin?
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The demand for gelatin capsules/HPMC capsules for oral consumption has risen considerably due to its universal use without any fillers. Today, over 18 percent of all medications are delivered in capsule form, reflecting the fact that 32 percent of supplement users in the US prefer capsules for their convenience.
While gelatin capsules have long been the preferred choice in the pharmaceutical industry and were expected to remain popular, vegetarian alternatives such as Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose (HPMC) capsules have increasingly made their mark in the industry.
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Gelatin is a protein vital for human consumption and development, and it is Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) by most regulators for use in pharmaceuticals and food. Being GMO-free, completely natural, and non-allergenic, gelatin is a preferred choice. Typically derived from beef or pork, gelatin capsules also include water and a plasticizing agent like glycerine to enhance durability. These capsules offer significant advantages for both consumers and manufacturers.
There are two main types of gelatin capsules: hard gelatin capsules, designed for solid substances, and soft gelatin capsules, which are used for liquids or semi-solid contents.
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Gelatin capsules are easily digestible and dissolve within minutes once they reach the stomach, ensuring that the medicine or supplement inside is absorbed rather than passing through the digestive system unutilized.
According to Natural Products Insider, soft gel gelatin capsules can significantly enhance the bioavailability of nutrients that are poorly absorbed or soluble. By employing techniques such as stabilisation and solubilization, manufacturers can improve the effectiveness of include nutrients like herbal remedies and supplements, such as coenzyme Q10. Many of these methods are often not feasible with solid capsules.
Because of the smooth texture, gelatin capsules are much easier to consume for some. They also mask any horrible tastes from the supplements inside. Most people hate the taste of fish oil for example but know the benefits it can provide the body, so a capsule alternative is much more convenient.
As gelatin capsules have robust and approved technology, the manufacturing cost of making gelatin shells is low.
Various materials have been explored as alternatives to gelatin capsules, with Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) emerging as a successful substitute for two-piece capsules and is used in supplements across the globe.
HPMC, known globally as Hypromellose, is manufactured by chemically made polymer cellulose. It is recognized as safe for human consumption and is often used as an alternative to gelatin due to its vegetarian source and similarity in appearance.
Since , plant-derived cellulose has been used for vegetarian capsules in pharmaceuticals.
This stable polymer resists stringent heat and humidity, with a low moisture content that protects sensitive ingredients
HPMC capsules effectively shield their contents from temperature fluctuations or moisture exposure (stability is a critical factor in product development)
They incorporate a gelling agent to achieve enteric properties, allowing for the protection of sensitive ingredients from the acidic environment of the stomach and complete dissolution in the intestine
They provide sufficient taste-masking and acid-resistance to prevent gastric reflux for fish oils and have become the solution of choice for numerous probiotics, herbal or mineral formulations on the market today
HPMC-based capsules can also play a role in addressing poor bioavailability. These capsules can interact with poorly soluble APIs, leading to a lower crystallisation rate in the GI tract, which can be important in situations when there are supersaturated APIs in the intestine or when dosing either a high-energy salt form or a weakly basic API.
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