Ethan Clarke
Many people are surprised to learn that the outer shell of vitamin capsules, which can feel like plastic, may contain plastic ingredients. These plastic compounds are called phthalates and are added to make plastics more durable and flexible. However, some people are concerned that these compounds may act like estrogens and disrupt hormones. While the outer shell of capsules is not always made of plastic, it is typically made of gelatin derived from animal collagen or cellulose from plants. Gelatin capsules are often preferred due to their lower cost of production. They are easy to digest, and the medication inside is released and absorbed into the bloodstream.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Composition | Polymers, gelatin, animal protein, plant polysaccharides, cellulose, starch, glycerin, sorbitol, preservatives, disintegrants, lubricants, plasticizers, coloring agents |
| Texture | Hard, tough, water-tight |
| Manufacturing | Manual, semi-automatic, automatic capsule filling machines |
| Drug Delivery | Higher bioavailability, easier absorption into the bloodstream |
| Cost | More expensive to manufacture |
| Environmental Impact | May react to humidity |
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What You'll Learn
Plastic capsules are made from polymers
While plastic capsules may appear to be made of plastic, they are not. The outer shell of hard-shelled capsules is typically made from gelatin, a translucent, colourless, and flavourless food ingredient derived from collagen in animal body parts. The gelatin is processed from livestock byproducts such as bones, connective tissues, and skin. This gives the capsules their hard, plastic-like texture.
However, it is important to note that gelatin is not plastic but rather an animal-derived material. This distinction is crucial because consuming microplastics can have toxic effects on the body. Vegetarians and vegans may prefer plant-based capsules or tablets over gelatin ones due to ethical concerns or gastrointestinal issues associated with gelatin.
That being said, the plastic-like coating on pills or capsules is achieved through the use of polymers. Polymers possess desirable characteristics such as hardness, toughness, and the ability to withstand various conditions. They are also easy to manufacture. The polymers used in pharmaceutical capsules are not based on traditional plastics like ethylene, styrene, or vinyl. Instead, they are organic polymers derived from sources like starch or cellulose.
Organic polymers have gained popularity due to the push for biodegradable plastics and government initiatives promoting the corn industry. These polymers are susceptible to bacterial and fungal infections, which has limited their use in certain applications. However, they offer a more environmentally friendly alternative to traditional plastics.
In summary, while the plastic-like appearance of pharmaceutical capsules is achieved through the use of polymers, the capsules themselves are primarily made from gelatin or, in the case of vegetarian capsules, plant-based sources like cellulose. The use of polymers in capsules allows for a hard, durable shell that protects the medication inside while also being safe for human consumption.
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Plastic capsules are not plastic, they are gelatin
Many people are concerned about the safety of ingesting plastic capsules in their vitamin supplements. These capsules do appear to be made of plastic, and chemically speaking, they do have the same properties as most plastics. However, they are not made of plastic. They are typically made of gelatin—a brittle, flavourless, and translucent food ingredient derived from collagen, which is commonly sourced from animal body parts like skin and bones.
Gelatin capsules are also sometimes referred to as gel caps or gelcaps. They are often used for soft-gel capsules, which are typically wider and semi-transparent, and contain medication suspended in gelatin or a similar substance. This substance is easily digested, and the active ingredients are then released and absorbed into the bloodstream.
Hard-shelled capsules are also made of gelatin. They are manufactured by a dipping method, which involves dipping, rotation, drying, stripping, trimming, and joining. They are made in two halves, with one half fitting inside the other to form a closed casing. The inside is filled with dry medication in powder or pellet form.
Gelatin is a popular choice for capsules because it is easily digestible, inexpensive, and has a higher bioavailability, meaning more of the drug enters the bloodstream. Additionally, the process of encapsulation of hard gelatin capsules can be done on manual, semi-automatic, and automatic capsule-filling machines, making it a lower-cost option.
While gelatin capsules are the most common, there are also vegetarian options made from plant-based cellulose, such as hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose or hypromellose. These capsules are derived from plants and do not contain any animal products.
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Plastic capsules are edible
Many people are surprised to learn that the outer shell of vitamin capsules is made of plastic. The capsules appear to be made of edible plastic, but they are not. They are typically made of gelatin derived from animal protein or plant polysaccharides. Gelatin is a brittle, flavourless, and translucent food ingredient commonly derived from collagen taken from animal body parts. It is gummy when moist and can be easily crushed when empty.
The capsules are usually made from a polymer, which is what we call plastic. Polymers have desirable properties such as being hard, tough, and water-tight. However, the polymers used in capsules are not based on tough plastics like ethylene, styrine, or vinyl. Instead, they are organic polymers that can be easily broken down by enzymes in our spit. These organic polymers have not traditionally been used where regular plastic is used because they can be easily infected by bacteria or fungi.
Some capsules are made from vegetable sources, such as cellulose, the structural component of plants. The main ingredient in vegetarian capsules is hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose (HPMC) or hypromellose. These plant-based capsules are suitable for vegetarians and vegans, unlike capsules made from animal gelatin.
While the capsules themselves are not made of plastic, some capsules may contain plastic ingredients called phthalates. Phthalates are added to make plastics more durable and flexible. However, there are concerns that these compounds can act like estrogens and disrupt hormones. Research has found potentially toxic phthalates in some prescription drugs and dietary supplements, including fish oil, garlic, magnesium, vitamin C, probiotics, and enzymes. Further investigation is needed to understand the effects of human exposure to these phthalates through medications.
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Plastic capsules are hard or soft-shelled
Plastic capsules are generally hard or soft-shelled, with both types made from aqueous solutions of gelling agents. Hard-shelled capsules contain dry, powdered ingredients or miniature pellets. They are made in two halves: a smaller-diameter "body" that is filled and then sealed with a larger-diameter "cap". Soft-gel capsules, on the other hand, are typically used for oils and active ingredients dissolved or suspended in oil. They are usually wider and semi-transparent, and they contain medication suspended in gelatin or a similar substance.
The main ingredient in hard capsules is gelatin, which is manufactured from the collagen of animal skin or bone. Soft capsules can also be made from gelatin, but they may also be made from vegetable sources such as cellulose, a structural component in plants. The main ingredient in vegetarian capsules is hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose, or hypromellose.
While capsules appear to be made of plastic, they are not typically made from petroleum-based plastics. Instead, they are made from gelatin, which is a type of plastic made from animal or vegetable sources. Gelatin is a translucent, colourless, flavourless food ingredient commonly derived from collagen taken from animal body parts. It is brittle when dry and gummy when moist.
Some capsules may contain plastic ingredients called phthalates, which make plastics more durable and flexible. However, these compounds can act like estrogens and potentially disrupt hormones. Research has found phthalates in some prescription drugs and dietary supplements, leading to concerns about the potential effects of human exposure to these compounds through medications.
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Plastic capsules are more effective than tablets
While the outer shell of a capsule may feel like plastic, it is typically made from a gelatin-like substance such as collagen or cellulose. These capsules are usually made from a polymer, which shares many properties with plastic, such as being hard, tough, and water-tight.
Despite tablets being the most common type of pill, capsules are often more effective. Firstly, capsules have higher bioavailability, meaning that more of the drug is likely to enter your bloodstream. This is because capsules tend to break down more quickly than tablets, which may take longer to work. The faster absorption of capsules means they can offer faster relief from symptoms. Furthermore, capsules are tasteless, unlike tablets, which often have a bitter taste. This, along with their smooth coating, makes capsules easier to swallow.
However, it is important to note that tablets have certain advantages over capsules. For example, tablets are more stable and durable, with a longer shelf life. They can also accommodate higher doses of medication and are generally cheaper to manufacture, making them more affordable.
Ultimately, the decision between capsules and tablets may come down to individual preferences and specific medical needs.
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Frequently asked questions
Vitamin capsules are typically made of gelatin, a flavourless food ingredient commonly derived from collagen taken from animal body parts. They can also be made from vegetable sources, such as cellulose, or other raw materials like HPMC and Pullulan.
Gelatin capsules have desirable properties such as being hard, tough, and water-tight. They are also easy to manufacture.
While vitamin capsules are not made of plastic, they do appear plastic-like and are sometimes referred to as edible plastic. They are made from polymers, which are also used to make plastic.
Plastic capsules are safe to ingest. They dissolve in water and are broken down in the digestive tract. However, some plastic capsules contain compounds called phthalates, which may have adverse health effects.
Vitamin capsules have higher bioavailability, meaning more of the drug enters your bloodstream. They are also easier to swallow and can contain liquid ingredients.
