Choosing the right type of capsule is one of the first steps when launching a dietary supplement or pharmaceutical product on the market. This decision affects not only the bioavailability of the active substances, but also the comfort of use and the target group. In order to consciously choose the best solution, it is worth analysing the advantages and limitations of each available option.
Dietary supplements in capsules
Dietary supplements in capsules have gained huge popularity, mainly due to their convenience of use and precise dosage. They allow easy intake of the right amounts of nutrients without the need to weigh or mix them, which is crucial to the effectiveness of supplementation.
Why are dietary supplements in capsules a popular option?
One important advantage of capsules is that they can mask the taste and smell of the ingredients they contain. Some nutrients, especially plant extracts, minerals or oils, can have an intense and often unpleasant aroma that discourages their use. Encapsulation effectively eliminates this problem, making supplementation more convenient. In addition, the wide range of capsule sizes means that you can fine-tune the portion size to suit your individual needs, which is important for both those taking small doses and those who require larger amounts of a particular ingredient.
Capsules (both gelatin or cellulose capsules) are also extremely versatile, as they enable the encapsulation of not only powdered substances, but also liquid or oily preparations, which significantly broadens their range of applications. Thus, vitamins and minerals as well as fatty acids, probiotics or plant extracts can be placed in them. Their rapid and effective solubility in the digestive system contributes to better absorption of the active ingredients, which in turn translates into greater effectiveness of supplementation.
These properties make capsules one of the most functional and convenient ways to take supplements, ensuring effectiveness and convenience for both health-conscious individuals and those looking for simple solutions to support their daily diet.
Gelatin capsules
Gelatin capsules are flexible casings with precisely controlled physical and chemical properties, designed to effectively encapsulate active ingredients. Thanks to their versatile structure, they can contain various forms of ingredients – powders, granules, suspensions and solutions. Their main function is to protect the contents from external factors such as moisture and light.
Structure of gelatin capsules
Gelatin capsules consist of a casing and a filling and are designed to be leak-proof, to protect the active substances and to provide optimal conditions for their release in the body.
The capsule casing is mainly made from animal gelatin, i.e. hydrolysed collagen, which gives it the right structure. In addition, glycerol, which acts as a plasticiser, and water, which ensures the flexibility of the coating, are added to its composition. In some cases, dyes and stabilisers are also used, which can improve the shelf life of the capsule and make it easier to identify.
Both transparent gelatin capsules and coloured variants are available, covering a range of colours such as white, red, green, blue, pink or black. The different colours can indicate specific ingredients or dosage.
Due to their simple design, gelatin capsules minimise the risk of interaction between the casing and the active ingredient, making them safe and widely used in the pharmaceutical and supplement industry. Their airtightness protects the contents from moisture, oxidation and other external factors, allowing the formulation to remain stable and of high quality for a long time.
Characteristics of gelatin capsules
Gelatin capsules are mainly made from natural ingredients of animal origin, such as bones, connective tissue or skin. They have no taste, smell or colour, which makes them a neutral carrier for various substances. Due to their properties, they are well absorbed by the body and easy to swallow.
One of the most important characteristics of gelatin capsules is their ability to precisely release substances in the digestive system. Depending on their composition and type, the capsules can dissolve in the stomach or intestines after a specific period of time, allowing for optimal absorption of the nutrients.
Advantages of gelatin capsules
Gelatin capsules have a number of advantages that make them a popular choice for both the pharmaceutical and dietary supplement industries. Their properties contribute to the effectiveness of supplementation and convenience of use.
- One of the key advantages of gelatin capsules is the rapid release of the active substances in the digestive system, which allows the ingredients to be effectively absorbed by the body. At the same time, their casing provides effective protection of the contents from external factors such as moisture, oxygen or light, which increases the stability and shelf life of the encapsulated substances.
- Another advantage is the possibility of adjusting the rate of release of the ingredients – depending on the type of casing, the capsules can dissolve immediately or gradually, which allows for controlled release of the active substances. In addition, gelatin capsules have a high degree of formulation flexibility, as they can be filled with a variety of substances, including powders, granules, solutions or suspensions.
- Thanks to their smooth surface, gelatin capsules are easy to swallow, which is important for people who have difficulty taking tablets. In addition, they effectively mask the taste and smell of the medicinal substances, which significantly improves the comfort of use. Precise dosage is another benefit, as each capsule contains the exact amount of active ingredients.
- Gelatin capsules are also relatively cheap to produce, making them an economical solution on a mass scale. Furthermore, pharmaceutical gelatin itself has some health-promoting properties, as it contains protein, minerals and vitamins that can support the body’s function.
Disadvantages of gelatin capsules
Despite their many advantages, gelatin capsules also have some limitations. First of all, they are an animal product, which means that they are not suitable for vegans and vegetarians. In addition, the protein in gelatin can cause liver or kidney problems in a very narrow group of people, so caution is needed in their use in some cases.
Cellulose capsules
Cellulose capsules, often referred to as vegan capsules, are made from plant fibres, making them an excellent alternative to traditional gelatin capsules. Due to their natural origin, they are fully suitable for vegans and vegetarians, as well as those avoiding animal products for religious or health reasons.
Like gelatin capsules, cellulose capsules are tasteless, odourless and colourless, which means that they do not affect the properties of the ingested substances. Thanks to their neutrality, they are readily used in the supplement and pharmaceutical industry, especially in products aimed at those seeking natural solutions.
Thanks to their plant origin, cellulose capsules are characterised by their resistance to moisture, which increases the stability of the substances stored in them. In addition, their structure allows a gradual and controlled release of the active ingredients, improving the bioavailability of certain formulations. These properties make cellulose capsules increasingly popular in the dietary supplement and pharmaceutical market.
What holds cellulose capsules together?
In order for cellulose capsules to perform their function effectively, it is necessary to use a suitable binder to ensure their durability and stability. Traditionally, sucrose, starch and gelatin were used for this purpose, but developments in pharmaceutical technology have led to the introduction of more modern substances.
Nowadays, polymers of plant origin, including cellulose derivatives or polyvinylpyrrolidone, which have better adhesion properties, are increasingly used. They make the capsules more resistant to moisture, have higher mechanical stability and can be tailored for controlled release of active substances.
The use of modern binders makes cellulose capsules even more versatile and can be fully animal-free, making them an ideal choice for those seeking vegan and organic solutions in supplementation and pharmaceutics.
Advantages of cellulose capsules
Thanks to their properties, cellulose capsules offer a number of benefits that make them an attractive choice for many consumers.
- One of the key advantages of cellulose capsules is their versatile use, especially for liquid and oily supplements. Compared to gelatin capsules, they show better stability, which allows products to be stored for longer without risk of losing their properties.
- The cellulose from which they are made is a natural source of fibre, which can aid digestion and reduce cholesterol absorption, making these capsules likely to have additional positive effects on digestive health.
- Their plant-based origins make them suitable for vegans and vegetarians, increasing their availability among those looking for products free of animal ingredients.
Disadvantages of cellulose capsules
Despite their many advantages, cellulose capsules also have some limitations. Their production cost is higher than gelatin capsules, which can affect the final price of supplements and medicines. In addition, due to their fibrous structure, their digestion time is longer, so people with sensitive digestive systems may experience minor discomfort.
Gelatin or cellulose capsules?
Deciding on the right capsule form depends on a number of factors, such as the speed of release of active substances, resistance to moisture, dietary preferences and production costs. Both gelatin capsules and cellulose capsules have their advantages, so it is worth examining their properties before making a decision.
Gelatin capsules are known for their rapid dissolution in the digestive tract, which promotes the rapid release of active substances. Their smooth surface makes them easy to swallow, while at the same time they provide effective protection of the contents from external agents. However, due to their animal-origin composition, they are not suitable for people on a plant-based diet.
An alternative is cellulose capsules (HPMC), which, thanks to their plant origin, are used in products for vegans and vegetarians. They are also more resistant to high temperatures, but may have greater moisture permeability, which in some cases affects the stability of the substances they contain.
The final choice of capsules should take into account not only consumer preference, but also the impact of the form on the bioavailability of the ingredients and their efficacy. In addition, the type of capsule can affect the cost of the final product, which is important for both manufacturers and those choosing to purchase supplements or medicines.