HPMC capsules feature stability, and low moisture content. Their compatibility with various ingredients makes them ideal for different formulations. Whether for herbal supplements, probiotics, or pharmaceutical drugs, HPMC capsules provide a reliable and safe option. By looking the the following content, you may have a further understanding.
- What are HPMC capsules?
- What are HPMC capsules made from?
- Are HPMC capsules safe?
- How do HPMC capsules and gelatin capsules differ?
What are HPMC Capsules?
HPMC capsules are made from hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC), a plant-based material. HPMC is usually derived from wood pulp or cotton through a chemical process. It has good solubility and stability. This compound can also be used as a thickener, stabilizer, and emulsifier. HPMC is now widely used in the food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries.
HPMC are also called vegetarian or vegan capsules because they only contain animal-free materials. It makes them an ideal choice for people who follow religious dietary restrictions, such as Halal or Kosher diets.
Benefits of HPMC capsules
HPMC capsules have low water content. This makes them suitable for probiotics, plant extracts, and moisture-sensitive drugs. This helps keep the ingredients stable for a longer time. HPMC capsules also adapt well to temperature and humidity. Thus, they do not easily become sticky or change shape in hot and humid environments. Because of this, they stay more stable during storage and transport.
HPMC capsules use
HPMC capsules are widely used in many industries. Here are some applications.
- Pharma industry. HPMC capsules are used to deliver prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) medications. They help protect the active ingredients and ensure controlled release in the body. Common pharmaceutical applications include powder medications, delayed-release and enteric-coated formulations, and moisture-sensitive drugs.
- Dietary supplement. HPMC capsules are widely used in vitamins, minerals, and herbal supplements, such as ginseng, calcium, magnesium, etc.
- Probiotics and enzymes. HPMC capsules help protect probiotics and digestive enzymes. These materials are both sensitive to moisture and heat. Many probiotic bacteria can remain stable in HPMC capsules, and then increase their shelf life.
What are HPMC Capsules Made from?
HPMC is the primary ingredient. It provides the capsule structure and ensures it dissolves properly in the body. Besides HPMC, vegetarian capsules consist of many other ingredients. Water is added in small amounts to help shape the capsule during production. Its content is about 2-10% during making. It helps keep the capsule flexible and prevents brittleness. But the final water content is low, making HPMC capsules more stable in different storage conditions.
Other optional ingredients include natural or synthetic colorants. They are used to give the capsule a specific color for branding or differentiation. Common colorants contain chlorophyll for green, caramel for brown, etc.
Gelling agents are also needed. They are added to modify the texture and improve capsule firmness. HPMC capsule manufacturers always use gellan gum or carrageenan for making.
Are HPMC Capsules Safe?
These veggie capsules are actually safe. HPMC is approved as a safe ingredient for food and drugs by many authorities. In the EU, the EFSA has reviewed HPMC. It concluded that HPMC does not pose significant health risks when used within regulatory guidelines. Similarly, the FDA has classified HPMC as Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) for its use in food and pharmaceutical applications. These approvals show that HPMC is totally safe for human consumption. More importantly, HPMC capsules are 100% plant-based, so they do not carry the risk from animals or allergy.
HPMC VS Gelatin Capsules
HPMC capsules and gelatin capsules are both widely used in the market. They differ in many aspects. Below are the main differences.
Different ingredients and target customers
HPMC capsules are vegetarian capsules. They don’t contain any animal material. So they are suitable for vegans or people who have diet restrictions. On the other hand, gelatin capsules are made from animal content. It is usually sourced from bovine, porcine, or fish collagen. so these capsules are not suitable for vegetarians, and people who are sensitive to these ingredients.
Disintegration
Compared to gelatin, HPMC is not easily broken down by microorganisms. This is preferred for medicines that need to be stored in different climates and conditions. In addition, HPMC can resist changes in pH levels. Gelatin may break down or lose effectiveness at different pH levels, but HPMC stays stable over a wide pH range. It makes HPMC a great choice for formulas that need to remain effective in both acidic and alkaline conditions.
Dissolution and absorption
Gelatin capsules dissolve easily in the stomach under normal conditions. One potential issue with gelatin capsules is cross-linking. This is a chemical reaction that can sometimes slow down the dissolution and affect the release of active ingredients. This problem is more likely when gelatin capsules contain certain ingredients, such as aldehydes or reactive compounds.
HPMC capsules dissolve consistently in the stomach, regardless of temperature or humidity changes. Their dissolution is not affected by cross-linking. Therefore, HPMC capsules are more flexible. They can be taken with cold or warm drinks, while the other is best taken with warm drinks.
Storage conditions
Gelatin capsules are more sensitive to storage conditions. High humidity can make them soft and sticky, while low humidity can make them brittle and break easily. This requires careful storage to maintain their quality. HPMC capsules have a longer shelf life because they are less sensitive to temperature and humidity changes. They do not become brittle or sticky under normal storage conditions.
Cost
HPMC capsules are generally more expensive than gelatin capsules. Because they require complex processes to get raw materials. Moreover, manufacturing processes need advanced technology to achieve the right texture, flexibility, and dissolution properties. In contrast, Gelatin is widely available as a byproduct of the meat industry. So it is cheaper than plant-based alternatives. Its production is also simpler, leading to lower manufacturing costs.
The End
With growing demand for gelatin-free alternatives, HPMC capsules continue to be an excellent choice. They are ideal for people who looks for a safe, effective, and plant-based delivery form for medications and supplements.