Maya Ellison
Many people are surprised to learn that their pills may be coated in plastic. These plastic coatings are often made of chemicals called phthalates, which are also found in vinyl flooring, cleaning products, and cosmetics. While the coatings are designed to release the ingredients into our systems more slowly, researchers have found that they may be linked to adverse health effects, such as endocrine disruption. This has sparked concerns about the potential risks of ingesting plastic-coated medications and supplements. Some people, especially those with specific dietary restrictions, may prefer alternatives to traditional hard-shelled capsules, which are typically made from gelatin derived from animal by-products.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Plastic coatings on pills | Phthalates |
| Why are pills coated with plastic? | To release ingredients slowly into the body |
| Plastic coatings in the body | Plastic coatings are stored in the body until they are expelled |
| Plastic coatings and health | Phthalates are linked to health problems and can act like hormones |
| Plastic coating alternatives | Gelatin |
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What You'll Learn
Plastic coatings on pills are often made of gelatin, not plastic
Plastic coatings on pills have been a cause for concern for many people. The plastic ingredients found in many capsules are called phthalates, which help make a variety of plastics more durable and flexible. However, it is important to note that the coatings on pills are often made of gelatin, not plastic.
The idea that pills are coated in plastic has shocked many people. This is because certain plastic additives are designed to release the ingredients into our systems more slowly, and researchers have found that these additives may be harmful to our health. A study published in the journal Environmental Health Perspectives found that 10 to 20 percent of sampled pills on the market contained two types of plasticizing chemicals tied to lifelong health problems. These chemicals, known as phthalates, are often found in products like vinyl flooring and shower curtains, cleaning agents, and personal care products.
Phthalates are also suspected of acting like hormones, potentially disrupting endocrine functions and throwing hormones out of balance. This has led to warnings for parents to avoid giving babies toys containing phthalates and to choose phthalate-free baby powder and lotions. Researchers have also found that phthalate levels can increase significantly after taking medications coated with phthalate-containing plastic.
Despite these concerns, it is important to clarify that the coatings on pills are not typically made of plastic. Traditional hard-shelled capsules are often made from hardened gelatin, which is produced by processing livestock byproducts such as bones, connective tissues, and skin. Gelatin capsules are flavourless, making them ideal for carrying medications that may not taste pleasant. They also protect the dry medication inside and allow it to reach the stomach or intestine before releasing it, potentially improving the drug's bioavailability.
It is worth noting that the use of gelatin in pill coatings can be controversial as well, particularly for vegetarians and vegans who may oppose consuming animal-derived products. However, drug makers have started offering alternatives, such as vegetable-based gelatin substitutes, to cater to these concerns and the rise in vegetarian and vegan lifestyles.
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Plastic coatings are used to slowly release ingredients
Plastic coatings on pills are used to slowly release ingredients into the body. This method of drug delivery has been used for ages. The plastic ingredients found in many capsules are called phthalates. They help make a variety of plastics more durable and flexible. Phthalates are also often found in vinyl flooring and shower curtains, cleaning products, nail polish, perfumes, insecticides, and food packaging.
Phthalates in pill coatings have been a cause for concern as they may act like hormones and disrupt the endocrine system. Some researchers have found that certain phthalates can be tied to lifelong health problems. A study published in the Environmental Health Perspectives journal in 2012 sampled a small portion of pills on the market and found that 10 to 20 percent contained two types of phthalates.
Medications that are designed to break down more slowly for maximum absorption may contain phthalates. Labels with claims like "enteric-coated", "time release", "film-coated", or "safety-coated" may indicate the presence of phthalates. To avoid exposure to phthalates, one can look for these terms on medication labels and choose alternative products.
It is important to note that not all phthalates are believed to be harmful. Phthalate polymers like hypromellose phthalate, cellulose acetate phthalate, and polyvinyl acetate phthalate are considered more benign as the body does not readily absorb them. Additionally, traditional hard-shelled capsules are often made from hardened gelatin rather than plastic, and these coatings are designed to dissolve in the stomach to release the medication.
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Plastic coatings are used to make pills more durable
Plastic coatings on pills, also known as capsules, have been a common method of drug delivery for a long time, including in ancient Egypt. The plastic ingredients found in these capsules are called phthalates, which are also commonly found in vinyl flooring, shower curtains, cleaning products, nail polish, perfumes, insecticides, and food packaging. Phthalates are used to make plastics more durable and flexible. They are added to pills to help control the release of the active ingredients into the body over time. This is often described on labels as "enteric coated," "time release," "film coated," or "safety coated."
The concern regarding the use of phthalates in pills is that they may act like hormones, particularly estrogen, and cause endocrine disruption. A study published in Environmental Health Perspectives (2012) found that 10-20% of sampled pills on the market contained phthalates, including medications for acid reflux, infections, inflammation, ulcerative colitis, and high blood pressure. Another study from the same journal in 2009 showed that phthalate levels can rise up to 100-fold after a few months of taking such medications.
Despite the plastic-like appearance and behaviour, the coatings on pills are typically not made of plastic. They are usually made from hardened gelatin derived from processing livestock byproducts, such as bones, connective tissues, and skin. These gelatin capsules are biodegradable and dissolve in the stomach without negative effects on the body. However, this raises concerns for vegetarians and vegans, leading some drug makers to offer alternatives derived from vegetable-based gelatin substitutes, such as hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC) or pullulan.
While the use of plastic coatings on pills can enhance durability and control drug release, the potential health risks associated with phthalates have sparked controversy. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not require companies to disclose the use of phthalates in their coatings, considering it a trade secret. However, researchers advocate for further investigation into the potential effects of human exposure to phthalates through medications.
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Plastic coatings may be harmful to human health
Plastic coatings on pills may be harmful to human health. While the plastic coating on pills is designed to release the ingredients into our systems more slowly, it may have adverse effects on our health. These plastic coatings are known as phthalates and are commonly found in vinyl flooring, cleaning products, cosmetics, and food packaging.
Phthalates are plasticizing chemicals that are added to medications and supplements to make them more durable and flexible. However, researchers have found that these chemicals may be linked to lifelong health problems. In a study published in the journal Environmental Health Perspectives, it was found that 10 to 20 percent of sampled pills on the market contained phthalates. These pills were for a range of conditions, including acid reflux, infections, inflammation, ulcerative colitis, and high blood pressure.
Phthalates are also suspected of acting like hormones, particularly estrogen, and may impact the development of breasts and prostates. They are considered endocrine disruptors, which can throw hormones out of balance. This is especially concerning for infants and pregnant women, who may be more vulnerable to the effects of phthalates.
Additionally, the plastic coatings on pills may not always be disclosed on the label. The Food and Drug Administration does not require companies to disclose the use of phthalates in their coatings, as it is often considered a trade secret. This makes it challenging for consumers to make informed choices about their medication.
It is important to note that not all plastic coatings are harmful. Some coatings are made from biodegradable materials, such as gelatin, which dissolves in the stomach and has no negative effects on the body. However, for those wishing to reduce their exposure to phthalates, it is recommended to look out for labelling terms such as "enteric-coated," "time release," or "film-coated" on medications and supplements.
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Plastic coatings are used to make pills flavourless
Plastic coatings on pills, also known as capsules, have been used for drug delivery for ages. The plastic ingredients found in many capsules are called phthalates. They help make a variety of plastics more durable and flexible. Phthalates are also often found in vinyl flooring and shower curtains, cleaning products, nail polish, perfumes, and fragranced personal care products, among other things.
Phthalates are added to pills to make the medication release into our systems more slowly. However, researchers are finding that these plastic additives could be making us sick. A study published in Environmental Health Perspectives found that 10 to 20 percent of sampled pills on the market contained two types of phthalates tied to lifelong health problems.
The concern is that some of these compounds act like estrogens and can throw hormones out of balance (endocrine disruption). Researchers have found that phthalate levels can rise as much as 100-fold after a few months of taking such medications.
Despite the controversy over the potential health risks of phthalates, there are benefits to using plastic coatings on pills. Hard-shelled capsules have little to no flavor, making them excellent carriers for medications that might not taste pleasant. The coating also acts as a watertight container, protecting the dry medication inside and allowing it to reach the stomach or intestine before the medication is released, potentially improving the drug's bioavailability.
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Frequently asked questions
Pills are coated with a variety of substances, including sugar, wax, gelatin, plastic, and polymers.
Plastic is used in pill coatings to aid in rapid drug identification. The use of contrasting coloured halves in plastic capsules helps distinguish different medications.
Enteric-coated pills are oral medications that have a polymer coating, usually made of cellulose or acrylic acid derivatives. This coating prevents the pill from dissolving in the stomach, protecting the drug from stomach acid and potential degradation.
Pill coatings serve multiple purposes, including improving taste, improving appearance, and stability, as well as protecting the drug from stomach acid and controlling the release of the medication.
A wide range of pills are coated, including pain medications like NSAIDs, aspirin, proton pump inhibitors, and drugs that can irritate the stomach lining, such as aspirin and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
