Encapsulation is a critical step in the production of nutraceuticals. To guarantee the safe transport of the active component into the digestive tract, we keep it in a capsule. The vitamin coating also keeps the materials within from deteriorating. As a result, the supplement has a high absorption potency.
Cellulose is used to produce the supplement casings. Cellulose is obtained from plants or animals. Gelatin capsules hydrolyse cow, fish, or pig collagen, whereas vegetarian cellulose is made from plants.
An outstanding product that is poorly enclosed can reduce potency and cost you money. Choosing a good capsule for your product and intended market requires careful study. Both types of capsule shells do their jobs well. They must, however, be compatible with your product. They must also be appealing to your target market.
Capsule stability
The hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) in vegetarian capsules is more stable than gelatin. Because of the low moisture content, it retains its structural integrity. Because it contains 3% to 7% moisture, plant cellulose polymer can also endure dampness.
Vegetarian capsules’ stiffness makes them ideal for water-loving contents, moisture-sensitive granulates, and liquid, gel, and oil formulae. It is also capable of holding powdered materials. In addition, the plant-derived casing is stable in dry environments.
Gelatin, on the other hand, absorbs moisture from its environment. It has a moisture content ranging from 13% to 17%. In humid situations, it quickly disintegrates. As a result, extra banding is required to allow the capsule to effectively contain liquids and oils for an extended period.
The optimal capsule to use is determined by your formula. Powdered formulations, for example, function well with gelatin capsules. Vegetarian capsules, on the other hand, function well with liquid and oil formulations.
Dissolving Rate
Although both capsules dissolve well in the body at 98.6°F, vegetarian shells are more soluble or dissolve more quickly in water. The cellulose polymers generated from plants are not intertwined.
Gelatin polymers, on the other hand, feature cross-links in their chains that slow their dissolution rate. When polymer chains tangle, it takes longer for dissolving molecules to saturate the strands and break the bonds. The higher the degree of linking, the longer the polymer takes to disintegrate.
Absorbability
The ease with which a capsule may be absorbed by the body is critical. It improves the absorbability of the product. The greater the absorbability, the greater the likelihood that the nutrient will be absorbed by the body. The absorption rate of vegetarian capsules is greater. They produce material at a much quicker rate. While gelatine is similarly effective, it falls short in terms of absorption.
Affordability
Gelatin capsules are substantially less expensive to produce. The finished product does not require much processing from the basic components. The technique is quite simple and quick.
Plant cellulose, on the other hand, is significantly more costly. The cost of production is passed on to the finished product. HPMC is made from the pulp of pine or spruce trees. Manufacturers extract and process this plant-based substance using sophisticated gear. The procedure is complex and necessitates the services of professionals. As a result, vegetarian capsules are substantially more expensive.
Cost differences are what make gelatin so popular on the market. Despite the benefits of HPMC casings, the cost-benefit analysis does not support their use. Before selecting the vegetarian capsule, consider your own and your client’s budgets.
Tolerance
Most chemical formulations may be tolerated by vegetarian capsules. As a result, it can manage various formulation states. Gelatin capsules, on the other hand, perform well with powdered compositions. They may degrade when exposed to oil or liquid components.
To improve the digestion qualities of a vegetarian capsule, add a gelling agent. It prevents acidic stomach contents from destroying active components before they reach the small intestine for absorption.
When compared to gelatin capsule, vegetarian capsule stands out in terms of stability since it has a lower moisture content, reduced hygroscopicity, and superior stability in varied temperature and humidity ranges. Both types of capsules dissolve effectively at human body temperature (37 °C) in terms of solubility.
However, vegetarian capsules dissolve easily in water at normal temperatures, but gelatin capsules lose solubility when the temperature goes below 37°C and fail to dissolve below 30°C.
Furthermore, vegetarian capsules may store a wider range of fill materials, whereas gelatin capsules are quickly damaged by aldehydic end-products, primary components in liquid and semi-liquid form.
Despite their differences, gelatin and vegetarian capsules are similar in many aspects. Both types of capsules may be stored correctly for many years without risk of bacterial development.
Furthermore, both types are adaptable in that they may be formed into various forms and sizes, as well as coloured to separate the fill materials. The answer to whether one type is preferable to the other is found in customer preference.
If there are no religious or dietary restrictions, gelatin capsules may be used since they are less expensive. If one is concerned about the stability and solubility of animal products, vegetarian capsules ease any concerns.
Consider Renown for manufacturing any type of supplement, A good product label is one that abides by the rules and regulations and provides accurate information for consumers.