Chloe Zhang
The plastic-like shell around pills, or capsules, are traditionally made from gelatin, a common ingredient in medicines and food products. Gelatin is derived from boiling the skin and bones of cows and pigs, and it is brittle when dry and gummy when moist. Other materials used to make capsules include Hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC) and Pullulan, which are derived from plants. The process of creating these capsules is called encapsulation, and capsules can be hard-shelled or soft-shelled. Hard-shelled capsules contain fewer extra ingredients, while soft gels tend to have more synthetic ingredients.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Plastic-like appearance | Capsules appear to be made of edible plastic |
| Plastic ingredients | Phthalates |
| Plasticizer | Glycerin or sorbitol |
| Composition | Gelatin, Hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose, Pullulan, animal protein, plant polysaccharides, carrageenans, modified starch, cellulose |
| Side effects | Indigestion, upset stomach, bloating, hypersensitivity, gastric problems, kidney and liver damage |
| Vegetarian capsules | Purified water, Hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC) |
| Hard capsules | Two halves joined together |
| Soft gels | Semi-transparent, contain liquid ingredients |
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What You'll Learn
Plastic ingredients in pills are called phthalates
The plastic ingredients in pills are called phthalates. Phthalates are added to pills to make the plastic in the capsules more durable and flexible. Phthalates are also commonly found in plastic containers and can migrate from these containers into the food inside.
The concern with phthalates is that they can act like estrogens and disrupt hormones. Research published in Environmental Health Perspectives in March 2012 found that out of the prescription drug products and dietary supplements tested, 50 drugs and 26 supplements included a potentially toxic form of phthalate. These supplements included some forms of fish oil, garlic, magnesium, vitamin C, probiotics, and enzymes.
The potential effects of human exposure to these phthalates through medications are still unknown, and scientists have called for further investigation. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not require companies to disclose whether they use phthalates in their pill coatings as this is often considered a trade secret. However, due to the potential health risks, some suggest that consumers take steps to protect themselves from exposure to phthalates, especially in the case of infants and pregnant women.
It is important to note that not all pills are made of plastic. Pharmaceutical capsules, whether soft or hard, are often made from gelatin, a translucent, colourless, and flavourless food ingredient derived from collagen in animal body parts. However, gelatin capsules have been associated with negative side effects, including indigestion, bloating, hypersensitivity, and gastric problems. As a result, vegetarian capsules derived from cellulose in pine trees are becoming more popular.
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Phthalates are found in many prescription drugs
The plastic-like coating on pills, or capsules, is traditionally made from gelatin, a flavourless and edible derivative of animal collagen. However, gelatin is not a plastic, and capsules can also be made from vegetarian alternatives like cellulose and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC).
While capsules themselves are not made of plastic, the medications inside them may contain phthalates. Phthalates are chemicals used to make plastics more flexible and durable, and they are commonly found in consumer products like food packaging and personal care items. They are also used in pharmaceuticals, where they serve as binding agents in extended-release formulas. Phthalates ensure that medications are gradually released into the body, improving treatment effectiveness and minimising side effects.
Phthalates have been identified in prescription and over-the-counter medications, as well as dietary supplements, in the United States and Canada. A 2004 case study found that Asacol®, a medication for ulcerative colitis, was coated with dibutyl phthalate (DBP), a type of phthalate. Other medications likely to contain phthalates include mesalamine (generic Asacol), didanosine (an antiretroviral agent), omeprazole (inhibits gastric acid secretion), and theophylline (treats asthma and lung diseases).
The presence of phthalates in medications is concerning because they are known hormone disruptors. They can interfere with the body's endocrine system, potentially causing reproductive and developmental issues. As a result, some people may want to discuss alternatives or lifestyle changes to reduce their exposure to phthalates. However, it's important to note that phthalate additives may be necessary for certain drugs to function optimally, and their inclusion should be carefully considered in the context of overall health and fertility.
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Gelatin capsules are made from animal products
The outer shell of pharmaceutical capsules, also known as 'capsule covers', can be hard or soft. Traditional capsules are made from gelatin, which is derived from animal body parts, such as the skin, bones, and cartilage of cows and pigs. Gelatin is a translucent, colourless, flavourless, and edible food ingredient. It is a protein made from animal collagen, which is one of the materials that make up cartilage, bone, and skin.
Gelatin capsules are commonly used in the pharmaceutical industry to enclose medicines. This process is known as encapsulation, which allows capsules to be used as oral medications. The gelatin capsules are a smart choice for arthritis patients as the collagen in the gelatin can provide relief from joint pain.
However, capsules made from gelatin carry some side effects. They are reported to cause indigestion, upset and bloated stomachs, hypersensitivity, exposure to toxins leading to gastric problems, and excessive consumption can also cause kidney and liver damage. The protein from gelatin cannot be used by the body due to its incomplete form. There is also a concern about contamination from sick animals, although there have been no reports of people getting sick from using gelatin products derived from animals.
To avoid the problems arising from gelatin intake, vegetarian capsules are an alternative. These capsules are made from cellulose derived from pine and do not contain any animal products. They are completely natural and do not carry any negative health impacts.
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Vegetarian capsules are made from cellulose
The outer shell of pharmaceutical capsules, also known as the cover, is traditionally made from gelatin, a form of edible plastic. Gelatin is derived from collagen, which is obtained by boiling the skin, tendons, ligaments, and/or bones of animals, commonly cows and pigs. This raises concerns for vegetarians, vegans, and people from certain religious or ethnic groups who are forbidden from using animal products.
As a result, vegetarian capsules, also known as vegetable capsules, have been developed as an alternative. These capsules are made from cellulose, a structural component in plants. Specifically, they are made from hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose (HPMC), a plant-based material derived from cellulose sourced from softwood trees, such as pine or poplar. HPMC is also sometimes derived from tapioca.
Vegetarian capsules are completely natural, containing only two ingredients: HPMC and purified water. They are free from animal products, preservatives, gelatin, wheat, gluten, animal by-products, and starch. This makes them suitable for vegetarians, vegans, and those with religious dietary restrictions. They are also hypoallergenic, lacking common allergens found in gelatin capsules, such as pork or beef derivatives.
In addition to their inclusivity, vegetarian capsules offer several other benefits. They are chemically stable and resistant to moisture, effectively protecting sensitive ingredients. They are also versatile, as the properties of HPMC can be adjusted to control the dissolution rate, accommodating a range of dietary and therapeutic needs. Furthermore, they are easily digestible, breaking down more quickly in the digestive tract than gelatin capsules.
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Hard capsules can contain liquid medication
The plastic-like appearance of pharmaceutical capsules is due to the gelatin used in their composition. Gelatin is commonly derived from collagen, sourced from animal body parts. However, it is not plastic, and the consumption of gelatin in food is considered safe by the FDA. Hard capsules, whether gelatin-based or vegetarian, can contain liquid medication.
Hard capsules are one of the two main types of capsules, the other being soft gels. Hard capsules are typically opaque, while soft gels are semi-transparent. Hard capsules consist of two halves that fit together to form a closed casing. One half has a smaller diameter rim that fits inside the other half, which has a larger rim. This design allows the capsule to be sealed. The two halves are manufactured separately and then filled with medication, either by machinery or by hand for smaller batches.
Hard capsules can contain liquid or dry medication. When filled with liquid, this type of capsule is known as a liquid-filled capsule. Both hard gelatin capsules and soft gels can be filled with liquids. Liquid-filled hard gelatin capsules are flavourless, odourless, and affordable. However, soft gels have traditionally been more popular for liquid formulations.
Vegetarian hard capsules, made with hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC), can also contain liquid medication. HPMC is derived from plants, such as pine or fermented tapioca, and is well-suited for moisture-sensitive and hygroscopic products. It offers the advantage of eliminating the risk of contamination with certain animal-borne diseases associated with gelatin capsules. However, HPMC capsules are more expensive than their gelatin counterparts, which may be a consideration for manufacturers.
Liquid capsules are a common oral-solid dosage form for medications. They offer advantages over tablets, such as faster dissolution, better suitability for sustained release, and targeted delivery. However, tablets have their benefits, including higher doses of active ingredients, longer shelf lives, and lower manufacturing costs. Ultimately, the choice between capsules and tablets depends on various factors, including patient preference, drug formulation, and cost considerations.
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Frequently asked questions
The plastic ingredients found in many capsules are called phthalates. They help make a variety of plastics more durable and flexible. However, capsules are not always made of plastic. The majority are manufactured from gelatin, a derivative of animal collagen, though some capsules are made from plant-based materials such as cellulose.
According to the FDA, the intake of gelatin in food is safe, although there is no standard dosage. However, capsules made from gelatin carry some side effects, including indigestion, upset and bloated stomach, hypersensitivity, exposure to toxins leading to gastric problems, and excessive consumption can cause kidney and liver damage.
Vegetarian capsules are made from cellulose derived from pine and purified water. They are completely natural and carry no negative impact on health.
