Omar Khalid
Plastic is a highly convenient, lightweight, and inexpensive material. However, its potential health risks have been a significant cause for concern. Bisphenol A (BPA), a chemical found in plastic, has been criticised for its potential to disrupt hormones, especially in fetuses, babies, and young children. Similarly, the presence of plastic in pill coatings has sparked debates about its safety. While some claim that the plastic coating on pills is biodegradable and dissolves in the body, others argue that it may contain harmful chemicals like phthalates, which can dramatically increase exposure to endocrine disruptors when swallowed.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Plastic coatings on pills | Plastic coatings on pills are not actually made of plastic but are made from biodegradable materials extracted from plants and animals, such as gelatin. |
| Plastic coatings containing phthalates | Phthalates are a type of compound that may act like hormones and are considered endocrine disruptors by some researchers. They can be found in pill coatings, and exposure increases when swallowing such pills. |
| Plastic coatings and health risks | The potential health risks of plastic coatings on pills are controversial. For example, BPA (bisphenol A) is a chemical used in various products that the FDA has recently expressed concern over its potential effects on brain development and breast and prostate development. |
| Plastic coatings and pill dissolution | Plastic coatings on pills can affect the rate of dissolution, with coated pills taking longer to dissolve and reach the bloodstream compared to uncoated pills. |
| Plastic coatings and pill appearance | The presence of a plastic coating on a pill can change its appearance, making it easier to swallow. |
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What You'll Learn
- Pills are not made of plastic, but of biodegradable material
- The coating on pills helps protect the drug from stomach acids
- Pills are available in chewable or orally-dissolving forms
- Pills are made of gelatin, which dissolves in the stomach
- Plastic pill coatings may contain phthalates, which can be harmful
Pills are not made of plastic, but of biodegradable material
While some pills may have a plastic-like coating, they are not made of plastic. The coating is made from biodegradable materials extracted from plants and animals. Many capsules are made of gelatin, which dissolves in stomach acid and has no negative effects on the body. Other coatings are simply expelled from the body later.
Pills are typically made of capsules or tablets, which serve a similar purpose but have different ingredients, dissolution processes, and absorption rates. Capsules contain medication enclosed in an outer shell, which can be hard-shelled or soft gel. The hard-shelled variety consists of two halves that fit together to form a closed casing, filled with dry medication in powder or pellet form, or liquid-filled hard capsules (LFHC). Soft-gel capsules have a slightly different appearance. The medication within capsules is broken down in the digestive tract and absorbed into the bloodstream.
Tablets can be round, oblong, or disc-shaped, with some having a line across the middle to make them easier to split. Some tablets have a special coating that prevents them from breaking down in the stomach, ensuring they only dissolve after entering the small intestine. Others are designed to be chewable or orally dissolving, breaking down in saliva, which is helpful for those who have trouble swallowing. Tablets can accommodate higher doses of active ingredients than capsules and are generally cheaper to manufacture. They are also more stable, with a longer shelf life, and can be formatted for quick release, delayed release, or extended release.
It is important to be aware that some pill coatings may contain phthalates, which can act like hormones and are considered endocrine disruptors. Exposure to phthalates can increase dramatically each time a pill with a plastic coating is swallowed. Consumers are advised to avoid pills with plastic coatings containing phthalates and to consult their pharmacist or the manufacturer for more information.
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The coating on pills helps protect the drug from stomach acids
The coating on pills serves multiple purposes, including improving taste, texture, or appearance, and enhancing durability and shelf life. However, one of its critical functions is protecting the drug from stomach acids.
When a pill is ingested, it encounters the highly acidic environment of the stomach, which can have a pH level as low as 1.5. This acidic environment is essential for initiating the digestion process, but it can also be detrimental to certain drugs. The coating on pills acts as a protective barrier, preventing the drug from being exposed to the full strength of stomach acids.
This protective coating ensures that the pill remains intact long enough to leave the stomach and reach the small intestine, where it can dissolve and release the medication. The small intestine provides a less acidic and more neutral environment, with a pH level ranging from 6 to 8. This environment is more conducive to drug absorption and ensures that the medication can be effectively absorbed into the bloodstream and distributed to the target areas in the body.
The coating on pills can be made from various materials, including gelatin, plant-based starches, and synthetic polymers. While gelatin is a common choice, some pills may also have plastic coatings. These plastic coatings, however, have raised concerns due to the potential presence of phthalates and BPA, which may act as endocrine disruptors. As a result, it is generally recommended to avoid pills with plastic coatings containing these substances.
In summary, the coating on pills plays a vital role in protecting the drug from stomach acids, ensuring its safe passage to the small intestine, where it can be effectively absorbed and utilized by the body. The composition of the coating can vary, and it is important to be aware of potential health risks associated with certain coating materials.
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Pills are available in chewable or orally-dissolving forms
Many medications are taken orally and are available in various forms, such as solid tablets, capsules, chewable tablets, or orally disintegrating tablets. While the plastic coating on pills is a common misconception, it is not plastic but rather a biodegradable material. These coatings are designed to dissolve in the stomach or small intestine, releasing the medication within.
Chewable tablets are a convenient option for those who have difficulty swallowing traditional pills. They are designed to be chewed before swallowing, allowing the medication to be absorbed through the lining of the mouth. This absorption method can impact how quickly or effectively the medication works, and it is important to follow the directions on the prescription or the advice of a healthcare provider. Chewable tablets are often larger in size and may have specific chewing instructions to ensure the full release of the drug.
Orally disintegrating tablets, also known as buccal or sublingual tablets, are another alternative for those who prefer not to swallow pills. These tablets are placed in the cheek pouch or under the tongue, where they slowly dissolve, releasing the medication directly into the bloodstream through the lining of the mouth. This method bypasses the digestive system, allowing for faster absorption and distribution throughout the body.
In addition to chewable and orally disintegrating tablets, some medications are available as capsules. Capsules have an outer shell that dissolves in the stomach or bowel, releasing the medication. They typically contain medicine in powder, granule, or liquid form. Capsules are long-lasting, tasteless, and well-suited for sensitive drugs.
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Pills are made of gelatin, which dissolves in the stomach
Many pills are made of gelatin, which is derived from collagen, a fibrous protein that connects muscles, bones, and skin. To create gelatin, manufacturers process animal bones, cartilage, and skin, boiling the collagenous material to extract the collagen. Typically, the bones of pigs and cattle are used in this process. Gelatin is a common ingredient in medications, often used to create hard and soft capsules for pills.
Gelatin capsules are designed to dissolve in the stomach. They are biodegradable and safe for the body. The capsules can be placed in water, where they will start to dissolve, or they can be held in the mouth, where they will also begin to dissolve without being swallowed. The gelatin dissolves in the stomach acid, releasing the medication within.
Some people choose to consume gelatin for its potential health benefits. It is a high-protein substance that can be beneficial for muscle and bone health, as it helps the body absorb calcium. Additionally, gelatin contains the amino acid glycine, which may help people with type 2 diabetes manage their condition by improving insulin sensitivity.
However, it is important to note that gelatin is not suitable for everyone. It is derived from animal sources, making it neither vegetarian nor vegan. Some people may experience constipation or bloating when consuming gelatin, and it is not recommended to take large amounts of gelatin on an empty stomach.
In summary, pills made of gelatin are designed to dissolve in the stomach, releasing the medication they contain. Gelatin is a safe and biodegradable substance, but it is important to be aware of its origins and potential side effects.
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Plastic pill coatings may contain phthalates, which can be harmful
Plastic pill coatings have been found to contain phthalates, a class of chemicals with a wide range of industrial uses. Phthalates are often found in products such as vinyl flooring, shower curtains, cleaning agents, personal care products, and food packaging. While phthalates provide flexibility and resilience to plastics, their presence in pill coatings has raised concerns due to their potential health risks.
Phthalates are plasticizing chemicals added to pills to release the active ingredients into the body more slowly. However, researchers have found that these chemicals may have negative effects on our health. A study published in the journal Environmental Health Perspectives sampled various pills on the market and found that 10-20% contained phthalates, which have been linked to lifelong health issues.
Diethyl phthalate and dibutyl phthalate are the types of phthalates most associated with health problems. These chemicals can act as hormone disruptors, mimicking the effects of estrogen and potentially impacting fetal development, as well as breast and prostate development. While the full extent of the risks is not yet known, it is recommended that exposure to phthalates be minimized, especially for pregnant women and infants.
To avoid phthalates in pill coatings, consumers are advised to read labels carefully and look for terms such as "enteric coated," "time release," "film coated," or "safety coated." Additionally, certain delivery systems are more likely to use phthalates, such as "delayed-release," "controlled-release," "timed-release," and "targeted-release." It is also recommended to consult a pharmacist or healthcare professional to inquire about alternative formulations that may be phthalate-free.
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Frequently asked questions
The plastic coating on pills is not made of plastic but of biodegradable materials extracted from plants and animals. This coating is gelatin and it dissolves in the stomach with no negative effects on the body.
The coating on pills helps to hold the pill together and improves its taste, texture, and appearance. The coating also prevents pills from breaking down in the stomach, ensuring that the pill only dissolves after entering the small intestine.
Plastic coatings on pills may contain phthalate compounds and BPA (bisphenol A), which have been linked to negative health effects. Exposure to these compounds can increase dramatically when swallowing coated pills.
