Sofia Martinez
Many people are concerned about the presence of plastic in their medication and dietary supplements. The outer shell of pharmaceutical capsules, whether soft or hard, resembles edible plastic. However, capsules are typically made from polymers like gelatin, cellulose, starch, or hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC), which are digestible and have been part of organisms' nutrition for billions of years. While gelatin is a common choice, vegetarian capsules made from cellulose and pine-derived HPMC offer a popular alternative that carries no negative health impact. Nevertheless, some capsules may contain potentially toxic plasticizers like phthalates, which have been linked to endocrine disruption, underscoring the importance of understanding capsule composition and potential health risks.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Plastic ingredients | Phthalates |
| Plastic type | Polymer |
| Plastic composition | Digestible chemicals such as sugar, cellulose, starch, gelatin, etc. |
| Capsule composition | Animal-derived gelatin, HPMC (Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose or Hypromellose), Pullulan, or vegetarian cellulose |
| Capsule properties | Translucent, colourless, flavourless, brittle when dry, gummy when moist |
| Capsule safety | Generally safe according to the FDA, but can cause side effects like indigestion, upset stomach, hypersensitivity, gastric problems, and kidney issues with excessive consumption |
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What You'll Learn
Plastic ingredients in capsules are called phthalates
Many people are surprised to learn that the pills they take may be coated in plastic. These plastic ingredients in capsules are called phthalates (pronounced THAL-ates). Phthalates are chemicals used in plastic products, most commonly in polyvinyl chloride (PVC), to make the material softer and less brittle. They are added to plastics to increase their flexibility, transparency, durability, and longevity.
Phthalates were first introduced in the 1920s and quickly replaced the volatile and odorous camphor that was previously used as a plasticizer. They are commonly ingested in small quantities through food and medications. In 2012, research published in Environmental Health Perspectives found 50 prescription drug products and 26 dietary supplements that included a potentially toxic phthalate. These supplements included some forms of fish oil, garlic, magnesium, vitamin C, probiotics, and enzymes.
The concern surrounding phthalates is that some of these compounds can act like estrogens and disrupt hormones. They are under research as a class of possible endocrine disruptors, which are substances that may interfere with normal hormonal responses. While phthalates are commonly used as plasticizers, not all plasticizers are phthalates, and the two terms should not be used interchangeably.
It is important to note that not all capsules are made of plastic. Many are made of gelatin that dissolves in water. Additionally, the use of phthalates in food contact applications is decreasing, and manufacturers are replacing them with alternative compounds. The FDA has also taken steps to revoke the authorization for the use of certain phthalates in food contact applications.
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Capsules are made from polymers, like plastics
Capsules are typically made from polymers, which are long chains of molecules. Polymers are often associated with plastic because many plastics are polymers, and they share similar chemical properties. However, not all polymers are plastics. In the context of capsules, the relevant polymers are typically digestible, such as cellulose, starch, or gelatin, which are derived from animal or plant sources. These substances have been part of the nutrition of organisms for billions of years, and our bodies have the enzymes necessary to break them down and digest them.
The choice of material for capsules is based on their desirable properties, such as hardness, toughness, and water resistance, which are essential for protecting and containing the active ingredients. While these polymer-based capsules may feel like plastic and are sometimes referred to as "edible plastic," they are not the same as the plastics used in packaging or other common plastic items.
Gelatin, for instance, is a common material used in traditional capsules. It is derived from collagen, which is obtained from animal body parts such as the skin and bones of cows and pigs. Gelatin capsules are translucent, colourless, and flavourless. They are also cheap to produce and widely available. However, they may cause side effects in some individuals, including indigestion, bloating, and hypersensitivity.
To address these concerns and cater to vegetarians, alternative plant-based materials are used, such as hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) derived from pine and pullulan, a natural polysaccharide produced by certain bacteria. These vegetarian capsules are completely natural, carrying no negative health impact, and are easily digestible by the human body. They are also free from preservatives, sugar, starch, and other added ingredients.
While capsules are not made from the same plastics found in packaging or other common plastic items, it is important to note that some capsules may contain plastic ingredients called phthalates. These compounds are added to make the capsules more durable and flexible. However, there are concerns about their potential health effects, as they can act like estrogens and disrupt hormones. Further research is needed to understand the impact of human exposure to these compounds through medications.
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Gelatin capsules are edible plastic
Many people wonder if the pills they take contain plastic. The short answer is yes and no. While the capsules have a plastic-like texture and appearance, they are not made of plastic in the traditional sense. Instead, they are typically made from gelatin, a derivative of collagen taken from animal body parts. Gelatin is a translucent, colourless, and flavourless food ingredient that is commonly used in capsules.
However, it is important to note that gelatin capsules are considered a form of edible plastic. While they are not made from petroleum products like most plastics, they are still classified as plastic due to their chemical properties. Gelatin is a polymer, which is a molecule composed of repeating units of one or more types of monomers. Polymers are known for their durability, toughness, and water resistance, making them ideal for use in capsules.
The use of gelatin in capsules raises concerns about potential health risks. Some people may have ethical concerns about consuming animal-derived products or may prefer plant-based alternatives. Additionally, there are concerns about the potential presence of toxic compounds in capsules. Research has identified potentially toxic phthalates in prescription drugs and dietary supplements. These compounds can act like estrogens and disrupt hormone balance.
To address these concerns, alternative capsule materials have been introduced, such as HPMC (hydroxypropyl methylcellulose or hypromellose) and Pullulan, which are derived from plants. These vegetarian-friendly options provide a substitute for individuals seeking non-animal-based capsules. It is worth noting that gelatin capsules are widely used and accepted for consumption, and our bodies possess the enzymes to break them down and digest them. Nonetheless, further research and transparency regarding the specific compounds in medication coatings are warranted to ensure consumer safety and informed decision-making.
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Vegetarian capsules are made from cellulose
Capsules are often made from polymers, which are considered plastics. However, these polymers are based on digestible chemicals such as sugar, cellulose, starch, or gelatin. This means that while capsules are technically made from plastic, they are not made from the same kind of plastic as, say, a water bottle.
Vegetarian capsules are a good alternative to traditional gelatin capsules, which are usually derived from the collagen of bovine, fish, or swine. This makes gelatin capsules unsuitable for vegetarians, vegans, and those with certain religious dietary restrictions. Vegetarian capsules, on the other hand, are plant-based and free from animal products, aligning with vegetarian, vegan, and certain religious dietary practices.
In addition to their inclusivity, vegetarian capsules have other benefits. They have lower moisture content, lower hygroscopicity, and higher stability across different temperature and humidity ranges compared to gelatin capsules. They also dissolve more quickly in the digestive tract and at lower temperatures than gelatin capsules. This makes them a suitable and efficient option for delivering dietary supplements, medications, and other health-related substances.
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Plastic capsules can disrupt hormones
While some capsules are made of gelatin or other digestible materials, some capsules do contain plastic. The plastic ingredients found in many capsules are called phthalates. They help make a variety of plastics more durable and flexible.
The concern regarding the plastic in capsules is that some compounds act like estrogens and can disrupt hormones (endocrine disruption). Research published in Environmental Health Perspectives (March 2012) identified 50 prescription drug products and 26 dietary supplements that include a potentially toxic phthalate. These included some forms of fish oil, garlic, magnesium, vitamin C, probiotics, and enzymes.
Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) in plastics can enter the body through the gastrointestinal tract and interfere with T4 and T3 biochemical pathways. Their circulation can adversely affect thyroid hormone production and metabolism, impacting other organs like the brain in primary developmental stages. Several TDCs circulating in the blood form complexes with thyroid hormones and eventually reach the brain, binding with thyroid hormone receptors and disrupting thyroid health.
Phthalates disturb the normal thyroid system by interfering with gene expression in the HPT axis and metabolic activity. It impairs thyroid function through various mechanisms, including inhibition of T3 protein binding, antagonistic interactions, and disruption of thyroid receptor transcriptional activity.
In addition to phthalates, other plastic additives such as bisphenol-A (BPA) have been shown to interfere with thyroid hormone action and impair thyroid function by inhibiting T3 binding to its receptor.
The impact of endocrine-disrupting chemicals extends beyond thyroid function. Studies have shown that exposure to different types of phthalates during pregnancy can impact the development of male offspring, leading to lower sperm counts later in life.
While most direct research on the health effects of EDCs has been conducted on animals and lab-grown cells, broader epidemiological studies in humans have linked EDC exposure with adverse health outcomes.
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Frequently asked questions
The outer shell of capsules is made from polymers, which are commonly referred to as plastics. However, these polymers are based on digestible chemicals such as sugar, cellulose, starch, or gelatin.
The plastic ingredients found in capsules are called phthalates. They are added to make the plastic more durable and flexible.
According to the FDA, gelatin is generally safe for consumption, although there is no standard dosage. However, gelatin capsules can cause side effects such as indigestion, bloating, hypersensitivity, and gastric problems.
Yes, vegetarian capsules are made from cellulose derived from pine and Hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC). They are natural, easily digestible, and free from preservatives, sugar, starch, and other additives.
