Omar Khalid
Many people are surprised to learn that the pills they take may be coated in plastic. These plastic ingredients are called phthalates, and they are used to make plastics more durable and flexible. However, the good news is that hard-shelled capsules only look like plastic; they are not actually made from plastic. Instead, they are typically made from hardened gelatin derived from animal by-products such as bones, connective tissues, and skin. For vegetarians and vegans, capsules can be made from plant-based materials such as hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC) or pullulan, which are just as effective and allow pills to be swallowed and dissolved in the stomach like regular capsules. The main function of hard-shelled capsules is to act as watertight containers to protect the dry medication inside. Additionally, the small, light objects found inside pill bottles are used to hold silica salts, which help maintain controlled humidity levels and prevent the pills from getting exposed to moisture.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Enclose medicines to protect dry medication inside |
| Composition | Hardened gelatin, water and hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC) or pullulan, plasticizers such as glycerin or sorbitol, coloring agents, preservatives, disintegrants, lubricants, and surface treatment |
| Types | Hard-shelled capsules, soft-shelled capsules |
| Benefits | Act like watertight containers, easy to swallow, have little to no flavor |
| Concerns | Plastic coatings may contain phthalates, which can have potential health risks |
| Alternatives | Vegan hard-shelled capsules, vegetable capsules |
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What You'll Learn
- Plastic coatings on pills are often made with phthalates, which may have negative health effects
- Hard-shelled capsules are typically made from animal gelatin, which can be controversial
- Vegetarian and vegan alternatives are available, but they are more expensive to produce
- Capsules act as watertight containers, protecting the dry medication inside
- Capsules are also tasteless, making them ideal carriers for unpleasant-tasting medication
Plastic coatings on pills are often made with phthalates, which may have negative health effects
While hard-shelled capsules may appear to be made of plastic, they are typically made from hardened gelatin, a byproduct of processing livestock. However, some capsules may be coated in plasticizing chemicals, and these plastic additives may have negative health effects.
Plastic coatings on pills are often made with phthalates, which are also found in vinyl flooring, shower curtains, cleaning products, nail polish, perfumes, and fragranced personal care products. Phthalates are plasticizers that make plastics more durable and flexible. They are added to pills to slow the release of ingredients into the body. However, researchers have found that these chemicals may be linked to lifelong health problems.
In a study published in Environmental Health Perspectives, U.S. researchers found that 10 to 20 percent of sampled pills on the market contained phthalates. These pills were for various conditions, including acid reflux, infections, inflammation, ulcerative colitis, and high blood pressure. Another study in the same journal from 2012 found 50 prescription-drug products and 26 dietary supplements that included a potentially toxic phthalate.
Phthalates are not the only plastic additive of concern. Bisphenol A (BPA), a chemical used in various plastic products, has also come under scrutiny for its potential health risks. The FDA has expressed concern over its effects on brain development in fetuses, babies, and young children, as well as its potential influence on breast and prostate development.
To reduce exposure to phthalates, individuals can avoid pills with certain labels, such as "enteric coated," "time release," or "film coated." They can also opt for vegan or plant-based capsules, which are made from cellulose and do not contain animal-derived gelatin or plastic additives.
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Hard-shelled capsules are typically made from animal gelatin, which can be controversial
Hard-shelled capsules are typically made from gelatin derived from animal products, which can be controversial for several reasons. Firstly, while the gelatin shell may appear plastic-like, it is not made of plastic. This is important because microplastics can have toxic effects on the respiratory system and other bodily systems. However, the use of animal products can be controversial for vegetarians and vegans who may be opposed to consuming animal-derived products. The gelatin in hard-shelled capsules is often sourced from livestock by-products such as bones, connective tissues, and skin, which are not typically consumed. As a result, those adhering to specific dietary restrictions may prefer tablets over capsules.
In recent years, there has been a rise in the demand for vegan and vegetarian alternatives to traditional gelatin capsules. Plant-based capsules made from hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC) or pullulan provide an option for those seeking animal-cruelty-free alternatives. These capsules are just as effective as their animal-based counterparts, allowing pills to be swallowed and dissolved in the stomach reliably. Additionally, some people may experience gastrointestinal issues or allergic responses to traditional gelatin capsules, making plant-based alternatives a preferable option.
The process of manufacturing gelatin capsules has been refined over the years, with methods such as the ""Accogel" process developed by Lederle Laboratories in 1949, allowing for accurate filling of soft gelatin capsules. The two-piece telescoping gelatin capsule, patented by James Murdoch in 1847, is another example of innovation in capsule design. Despite these advancements, the use of animal gelatin in hard-shelled capsules remains controversial due to dietary, ethical, and health considerations.
It is worth noting that gelatin capsules have been widely used for centuries due to their flavourless and odourless nature, making them ideal carriers for medications that may have unpleasant tastes or odours. The absence of flavour and odour enhances the palatability of oral medications and masks any undesirable sensory characteristics of the active pharmaceutical ingredients. This feature, along with the protective watertight properties of the hard shell, has contributed to the enduring popularity of gelatin capsules in the pharmaceutical industry.
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Vegetarian and vegan alternatives are available, but they are more expensive to produce
Hard-shelled capsules, commonly referred to as gel caps or gelcaps, are used to contain dry, powdered ingredients or miniature pellets. They are typically made from gelatin, which is derived from processing livestock byproducts, such as bones, connective tissues, and skin. This makes them unsuitable for vegetarians and vegans, who prefer alternatives that align with their animal-cruelty-free lifestyles.
Vegetarian and vegan alternatives to gelatin capsules are available and offer the same basic effects as traditional capsules. These plant-based capsules are made from cellulose, a structural component in plants, and hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC) or pullulan. While these vegan capsules are equally effective, they are more expensive to mass-produce than gelatin capsules. The higher cost of production is attributed to various factors, including the demand and scale of production. With a smaller consumer base for vegan products, the production volume is lower, resulting in higher costs per unit.
Additionally, government policies and subsidies also contribute to the higher prices of vegan alternatives. In some countries, VAT (Value-Added Tax) is applied to plant-based alternatives while many animal-based products are zero-rated, exempt from VAT. Agricultural subsidies, which are government payments to farmers, also make meat and dairy seem more budget-friendly in comparison to plant-based options.
The development of vegan alternatives is crucial for accommodating diverse dietary preferences and ethical choices. While the higher production costs of these alternatives are currently a challenge, efforts are being made to close the price gap. Some retailers, like Lidl, are taking initiatives to price their vegan ranges at parity with animal-based products.
Overall, the availability of vegetarian and vegan alternatives to gelatin capsules is a positive step towards accommodating diverse lifestyles. However, the higher production costs and market dynamics contribute to their more expensive nature, creating a financial challenge for those seeking animal-free options.
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Capsules act as watertight containers, protecting the dry medication inside
Capsules are small shells that enclose medicines to make them easier to take. The two main types of capsules are hard-shelled and soft-shelled. 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 using a larger-diameter "cap".
Hard-shelled capsules act as watertight containers, protecting the dry medication inside. This coating is conventionally made from hardened gelatin, which is typically produced from processing livestock byproducts such as bones, connective tissues, and skin. The gelatin capsule, also known as a gel cap or gelcap, is composed of gelatin manufactured from the collagen of animal skin or bone.
Vegetarians and vegans may oppose consuming capsules derived from animal gelatin and may instead opt for tablets or vegan-friendly capsules. Vegan hard-shelled capsules use a combination of water and hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC) or pullulan to replicate a conventional capsule coating. These plant-based capsules allow pills to be swallowed and dissolved in the stomach just like any other capsule, providing an alternative to animal-based gelatin capsules.
Vegetable capsules were introduced in 1989 and are made from cellulose, a structural component in plants. The main ingredient of vegetarian capsules is hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose. In the 21st century, gelatin capsules are more commonly used than vegetarian capsules due to their lower production costs.
The hard-shelled capsule has been a popular form of medication delivery for millennia, dating back to ancient Egyptian times. Its lack of flavour makes it an excellent carrier for medications that may not taste pleasant.
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Capsules are also tasteless, making them ideal carriers for unpleasant-tasting medication
Capsules are small shells that enclose medicines to make them easier to take. They are typically made from gelatin derived from animal body parts, giving them a translucent, colourless, and flavourless quality. This makes them ideal for delivering medications with unpleasant tastes.
The process of encapsulation involves filling the capsules with the active ingredients and any excipients, such as binders, disintegrants, fillers, and preservatives. The capsules act as watertight containers, protecting the dry medication inside. This method of drug delivery has been used for centuries, including by the ancient Egyptians, due to its effectiveness and convenience.
While gelatin capsules are widely used, there are concerns about their impact on those with specific dietary preferences or restrictions. Vegetarians and vegans may object to consuming capsules derived from animal products, leading them to opt for tablets or alternative capsule options. In response to consumer demand, plant-based capsules have been developed, utilising hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC) or pullulan. These vegan capsules are more expensive to produce but offer the same functionality as their animal-based counterparts, allowing those with dietary restrictions to benefit from the tasteless and convenient delivery method that capsules provide.
It is important to note that while capsules may appear plastic-like, they are not made from traditional plastics derived from petroleum products. However, some capsules may contain plasticizers, such as glycerin or sorbitol, added to adjust their hardness. Additionally, there are concerns about the presence of phthalates in pill coatings, which can act like hormones and potentially disrupt the endocrine system. As a result, it is recommended that individuals, especially pregnant women and infants, minimise their exposure to plastic coatings on pills and choose alternative options when possible.
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Frequently asked questions
The plastic-like coating on pills is conventionally made from hardened gelatin, which acts as a watertight container to protect the dry medication inside.
The plastic ingredients found in many capsules are called phthalates. They help make a variety of plastics more durable and flexible.
There is controversy over the potential health risks of ingesting plastic. Some researchers consider phthalates to be endocrine disruptors, which can throw hormones out of balance.
