Sofia Martinez
Plastic is a versatile material used in everything from food packaging to medical capsules. While plastic is lightweight, durable, and inexpensive, concerns have been raised about its potential health risks, especially regarding the chemicals BPA (bisphenol A) and phthalates, which can migrate from plastic into food and the human body. The presence of these chemicals in plastic medication capsules has sparked worries about their safety, as they may act like hormones and disrupt endocrine functions, potentially causing long-term health issues. This has led to a search for safer alternatives, such as vegetarian capsules, and a push for more research to understand the full impact of plastic on human health.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Plastic characteristics | Convenient, lightweight, unbreakable, and inexpensive |
| Plastic dangers | Potential health risks, especially for infants and pregnant women |
| Harmful chemicals in plastic | Bisphenol A (BPA), phthalates |
| Effects of BPA | May impact brain development in fetuses, babies, and young children; may influence breast and prostate development |
| Effects of phthalates | Hormone disruption, potentially linked to lifelong health problems |
| Products containing phthalates | Vinyl flooring and shower curtains, cleaning products, nail polish, perfumes, fragranced personal care products, insecticides, food packaging, medications, and supplements |
| Alternatives to plastic capsules | Vegetarian capsules made from purified water and Hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC), with no negative health impact |
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What You'll Learn
Plasticizers like phthalates in capsules
Plasticizers are chemicals incorporated into plastics to boost the flexibility of polymer blends and improve their processability. Plasticizers like phthalates are used to make capsules and enteric coatings for medications in tablet form. Phthalates are commonly ingested in small quantities via our diet. They are also found in vinyl flooring and shower curtains, cleaning products, nail polish, perfumes, and fragranced personal care products, insecticides, and food packaging.
Phthalates are mainly used as plasticizers, i.e., substances added to plastics to increase their flexibility, transparency, durability, and longevity. They are used primarily to soften polyvinyl chloride (PVC). While phthalates are commonly used as plasticizers, not all plasticizers are phthalates. There are more than 300 different types of plasticizers, of which between 50 and 100 are in commercial use. The most commonly used plasticizers are phthalates, with about one million tons produced each year in Western Europe.
Phthalates have been linked to damage to the developing male reproductive system, birth defects, infertility, stunted growth, and low IQs. Diethyl phthalate and dibutyl phthalates are the most linked to health problems. Phthalates have a short half-life of less than five hours, so their widespread presence likely indicates continuous exposure rather than long-term accumulation in the body.
To minimize exposure to phthalates, one can avoid products with "phthalate" on the label, including soft plastics like vinyl shower curtains, and personal care products listing "fragrance" or "parfum" on the label. It is also recommended to avoid food from cans and hard, clear containers, as BPA, another chemical of concern, can leach into canned goods and plastic containers.
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Bisphenol A (BPA) in canned goods
Bisphenol A (BPA) is a chemical that has been widely used in the production of canned food. It is used in the lining of metal cans to prevent corrosion and extend the shelf life of the food inside. However, concerns have been raised about the potential health risks associated with BPA exposure.
Studies have shown that BPA can migrate from the can linings into the food, especially when the containers are heated or exposed to acidic substances. This means that consuming canned goods can be a significant source of BPA exposure for individuals. The chemical has been detected in various canned products, including soups, vegetables, and beverages.
The potential health effects of BPA exposure are concerning. BPA is known to interfere with hormone function, particularly estrogen, which can impact reproductive, neurological, cardiovascular, and endocrine systems. This interference may lead to issues with brain development in fetuses, babies, and young children, as well as influencing breast and prostate development. Additionally, exposure to BPA has been linked to an increased risk of certain cancers, metabolic disorders, and cardiovascular problems in adults.
In recent years, there has been a push for canned food manufacturers to reduce or eliminate the use of BPA in their products. Some companies have responded to consumer concerns and switched to alternative linings that do not contain BPA. However, the safety of these alternative chemicals is still unclear. While biomonitoring data shows a decrease in human exposure to BPA, it also indicates an increase in exposure to other potentially harmful bisphenol chemicals, such as BPS, which is used in receipt paper.
To minimize exposure to BPA from canned goods, consumers can take several precautions. Choosing fresh or frozen foods over canned alternatives can help reduce the risk of BPA exposure. When purchasing canned goods, consumers can look for products labelled as "BPA-free" and contact the manufacturer to inquire about the specific replacement chemicals used. Additionally, avoiding heating food in cans or storing acidic foods in cans can help reduce the migration of BPA into the food.
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Plastic coatings on pills
Plastic is lightweight, unbreakable, inexpensive, and convenient. However, there is much debate about its possible health risks. One of the main chemicals used in plastic, BPA (bisphenol A), has faced a lot of criticism. It is found in everyday items such as water bottles, baby bottles, and even football helmets. The FDA has expressed concern over its effects on brain development in young children and fetuses. BPA can act like estrogen, potentially impacting breast and prostate development.
Similarly, the chemical phthalate, found in soft plastics, has been flagged as a potential endocrine disruptor by researchers. Phthalates are often used in pill coatings, and their presence in plastic containers has been detected in canned goods. While the health risks for adults are uncertain, it is recommended that exposure to these chemicals is minimized for pregnant women and infants.
The use of plastic coatings on pills, or enteric coatings, is a common practice in the pharmaceutical industry. This coating prevents the capsule from dissolving in the stomach, allowing it to reach the intestinal tract intact. This technology is particularly useful for medications that irritate the stomach lining, such as NSAIDs, which can cause stomach ulcers and internal injuries. The coating reduces or prevents this irritation, protecting the stomach.
While plastic coatings have their benefits, there are concerns about the potential migration of chemicals like BPA and phthalates from the coating into the medication. This has led to recommendations to avoid pills with plastic coatings containing phthalates and to consult a pharmacist to check with the manufacturer. The potential health risks of plastic coatings on pills are still being evaluated, and it is important for consumers to stay informed and take necessary precautions, especially for vulnerable groups such as infants and pregnant women.
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Vegetarian capsules as an alternative
Plastic is widely used due to its convenience, lightweight, and inexpensive nature. However, concerns have been raised about its potential health risks, particularly regarding BPA (bisphenol A) and its impact on foetuses, babies, and young children. While the effects are uncertain, it is recommended to minimise exposure to BPA and similar chemicals found in plastic containers and coatings.
As an alternative to plastic capsules, vegetarian capsules offer a viable and attractive option for consumers. Vegetarian capsules are derived from plant-based Hypromellose (HPMC) or cellulose, free of animal products, and suitable for vegetarians and vegans with religious or ethical considerations. They also cater to individuals with allergies or sensitivities to animal proteins, providing a hypoallergenic solution.
One of the key advantages of vegetarian capsules is their stability. They exhibit lower moisture content, higher stability across different temperature ranges, and better resistance to humidity compared to gelatin capsules. This contributes to a longer shelf life and enhanced ingredient compatibility, making them suitable for a wider range of fill materials. Vegetarian capsules also offer customisation options in terms of size and colour, aligning with branding and formulation requirements.
From an environmental perspective, HPMC capsules have a lower environmental impact than gelatin alternatives. The raw materials for gelatin capsules are readily available, making them more cost-effective, but the production of HPMC capsules involves a synthetic process that reduces the environmental footprint.
In summary, vegetarian capsules provide a compelling alternative to traditional plastic or gelatin capsules. They address health, dietary, and ethical concerns while offering improved stability, customisation, and ingredient compatibility. With the growing trend towards health-conscious and sustainable choices, vegetarian capsules are an increasingly popular option for consumers seeking high-quality, plant-based alternatives in their day-to-day health management.
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Gelatin capsules and side effects
Plastic is lightweight, unbreakable, inexpensive, and convenient. However, there are concerns about its potential health risks. For instance, bisphenol A (BPA), a chemical found in plastic, has been criticised for potentially mimicking hormones and influencing brain development in children and babies.
Now, gelatin is a protein made from animal collagen, usually from cows and pigs. It is commonly used to make capsules, cosmetics, ointments, and foods. It is considered safe in common food amounts, but there is little evidence of health benefits. However, gelatin supplements can cause side effects in some people.
For instance, taking high doses of gelatin supplements (15 grams or more daily) might increase the risk of side effects, including sore throat, swollen gums, and mouth sores. There is also a concern about the potential contamination of gelatin with certain animal diseases, although there have been no reported cases of people getting sick from using gelatin products made from animals.
Gelatin tannate, a specific type of gelatin, is possibly safe when taken by mouth as medicine for up to 5 days. In children under 3 years old or weighing less than 15 kg (33 lbs), a dose of 250 mg of gelatin tannate taken four times daily for up to 5 days seems safe. For children over 3 years old or weighing more than 15 kg, the dose can be increased to 500 mg four times daily for up to 5 days.
Additionally, some people may have allergic reactions to gelatin. There is also a lack of information on the safety of gelatin supplements in children and pregnant or breastfeeding women. Therefore, it is essential to consult a healthcare provider before taking gelatin supplements, especially for those taking regular medications, to ensure the supplements do not interact negatively with their medicines.
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Frequently asked questions
Traditional capsules are principally made from gelatin, which is a common ingredient in medicines and food products formed by boiling the skin and bones of cows and pigs. Soft-shelled capsules, on the other hand, contain supplements made up of oil, liquids, or active ingredients suspended in the oil. However, the plastic ingredients found in many capsules are called phthalates.
Phthalates are plastic chemicals often found in vinyl flooring and shower curtains, cleaning products, nail polish, perfumes, fragranced personal care products, insecticides, and food packaging. They help make a variety of plastics more durable and flexible.
Phthalates can migrate from plastic containers into the food inside. While no one knows for sure whether this poses a significant risk for adults, it seems prudent to minimize the exposure of infants and pregnant women. Diethyl phthalate and dibutyl phthalates are most linked to health problems, while other types of phthalates are believed to be more benign because the body doesn't readily absorb them.
You can avoid exposure to phthalates by reading the labels of products and medicines and avoiding those that contain phthalates. Vegetarian capsules are another alternative as they are made from purified water and hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC) and carry no negative health impacts.
