Difference between Gelatin capsules and HPMC capsules
Encapsulation, which is used for both medications and dietary supplements, is one of the most widely utilized processes by both pharmaceutical and nutraceutical companies worldwide. Two of the most popular types of empty capsules used by both industries are gelatin and HPMC (hydroxypropyl methylcellulose), which is more widely known as “vegetarian capsules.” Today the global demand for empty capsules is skyrocketing.
Beyond the impressive growth and current value of empty capsules in the human health and welfare industry, there is also a need to understand the characteristics and differences between gelatin capsules and plant-based capsules. Let’s take a look at each of these capsule types…
The long-popular gelatin capsules
Gelatin capsules are composed of gelatin manufactured from collagen derived from pork or bovine sources. Bovine hide is considered to be one of the best choices, as it enables the capsules to be certified Kosher and Halal to meet the religious and dietary needs of a broader range of consumers.
Gelatin capsules are commonly used in the global market. Their most notable features are:
Most common type of capsule used in the pharmaceutical industry.
Flexible option that works for a wide range of formulations and applications.
With the addition of custom flavors, can mask the unpleasant smell and taste of the encapsulated drug.
Recognized by most of the world’s regulatory authorities as “Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS)” for human consumption.
Do not contain GMOs, are completely natural, and are allergen free.
Remarkable cost efficiency: the production cost of gelatin capsules is at least 30% lower than other alternatives.
The increasingly-popular HPMC capsules
The other option we are examining today is HPMC “vegetarian” capsules. As their name indicates, these capsules are manufactured from 100% plant-based materials, including hydroxypropyl methylcellulose. HPMC capsules do not contain animal-derived ingredients; they were developed about 30 years ago during the search for an equally-efficient alternative to hard gelatin capsules. Since their introduction, HPMC capsules have acquired a market share in the global empty capsule industry thanks to their natural origin, an increased demand for vegetarian products, and the capsules' excellent stability with a variety of API's.
Their most notable characteristics are:
Provide health-conscious consumers with a natural, 100% vegetable-derived alternative to animal-derived capsules.
Ideal for individuals with religion-based dietary restrictions.
Offer the ability to address today's API challenges as well as the requirement for rapid product development.
Can withstand high temperature and humidity conditions, protecting their content from all kinds of fluctuations; this makes them ideal for hygroscopic formulations.
At the end of the day, when it comes to choosing one or the other, the final decision depends on the needs of each one. Fortunately, HGCAPS has hundreds of products to satisfy industry and consumer.
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