Gelatin is the main ingredient in the capsules of many vitamins and medicines. The source of gelatin is collagen, a protein found in the skin, bones, hooves, veins, tendons, and cartilage of cows, pigs, poultry, and fish. Gelatin capsules became widespread in the middle of the 19th century, when a patent was issued for the first soft gelatin capsule. Very soon, gelatin capsules gained popularity as an alternative to traditional tablets and oral suspensions. There are two standard varieties of gelatin capsules that differ in texture. The outer shell of the capsule can be soft or hard. Soft gelatin capsules are more flexible and thicker than hard gelatin capsules. All capsules of this kind are made from water, gelatin and plasticizers (softeners), substances due to which the capsule retains its shape and texture. Usually, soft gelatin capsules are one piece, while hard gelatin capsules are two-piece. Soft gelatin capsules contain liquid or oil medicines (medicines mixed with or dissolved in oils). Hard gelatin capsules contain dry or crushed substances. The contents of gelatin capsules can be classified according to certain characteristics. All drugs are either hydrophilic or hydrophobic. Hydrophilic drugs mix easily with water, hydrophobic drugs repel it. Drugs in the form of oils or mixed with oils, usually found in soft gelatin capsules, are hydrophobic. The solid or powdered drugs commonly found in hard gelatin capsules are more hydrophilic. In addition, the substance contained within the soft gelatin capsule may be a suspension of large particles floating in the oil and not miscible with it, or a solution in which the ingredients are completely mixed. The advantages of gelatin capsules include the fact that the drugs they contain penetrate the body faster than drugs in a different form. Gelatin capsules are especially effective when taking liquid medicines. Liquid medicines in non-encapsulated form, such as in bottles, may deteriorate before the consumer uses them. The hermetic seal created during the production of gelatin capsules does not allow potentially harmful microorganisms to enter the drug. Each capsule contains one dose of a drug that has an expiration date that is longer than bottled counterparts. In the past, when all capsules were made from gelatin, even vegetarians were forced to take gelatin capsules because they had no alternative. However, as awareness of the consequences of eating murderous products grows and the market for vegetarian products grows, many manufacturers are now producing various types of vegetarian capsules.
The raw material for the production of vegetarian capsules is primarily hypromellose, a semi-synthetic product that includes a cellulose shell. Another material used in veggie capsules is pullulan, which is derived from a starch derived from the fungus Aureobasidium pullulans. These alternatives to gelatin, an animal product, are ideal for making edible casings and also pair well with moisture-sensitive substances. Vegetarian capsules have many advantages over gelatin capsules. Here is some of them. Unlike gelatin capsules, vegetarian capsules do not cause allergies in people with sensitive skin. Hypersensitivity to products from the bodies of cows and bulls causes itching and rash when taking gelatin capsules. People suffering from kidney and liver diseases can take medications and supplements in vegetarian capsules without worrying about the side effects that are possible with gelatin capsules – due to the protein they contain. The liver and kidneys have to work hard to rid the body of it. Vegetarian capsules are ideal for people on a kosher diet. Since these capsules do not contain any animal products, Jews can be sure that they are eating “clean” food, free from the flesh of non-kosher animals. Vegetarian capsules are free of chemical additives. Like gelatin capsules, vegetarian capsules are used as shells for various substances – medicines and vitamin supplements. Vegetarian capsules are taken in the same way as gelatin capsules. The only difference is in the material they are made from. The typical size of vegetarian capsules is the same size as gelatin capsules. Empty vegetarian capsules are also sold, starting with sizes 1, 0, 00 and 000. The volume of the contents of a size 0 capsule is the same as in gelatin capsules, approximately 400 to 800 mg. Manufacturers are trying to make veggie capsules more attractive to customers by releasing them in different colors. As with gelatin capsules, empty, colorless vegetarian capsules are available, as well as capsules in red, orange, pink, green, or blue. Apparently, vegetarian capsules have a good future ahead of them. As the need for organic and naturally grown foods increases, so does the need for vitamins and medicines enclosed in plant-based shells. According to statistics, in recent years there has been a significant increase in sales (by 46%) of vegetarian capsules.