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About vegetarian capsules

Types of Vegetarian Capsules

Vegetarian capsules are of three types based on the content of the capsules.

  • HPMC Capsules

    These are vegetarian capsules made from hydroxypropyl methylcellulose. It is a plant-derived polymer gained from cellulose, HPMC capsule shells have excellent film-forming properties and a highly resistant nature to high temperatures and humidity. They are transparent, leaving the supplement inside visible. This is great for manufacturers who want to showcase the quality of their ingredients. They are widely available in different sizes. Cosmetic and pharmaceutical companies prefer them because they help protect medicines and supplements from dampness and ensure controlled release in the body.

  • Pullulan Capsules

    These are vegetarian capsules made from pullulan, which is a natural polymeric compound produced by the fungus Aureobasidium pullulans through the fermentation process. It is biodegradable. Its capsule contrasts the others because of its stickiness. This helps it adhere better to the coating even during capsule manufacturing. They also have superior oxygen barrier properties, which keep the encapsulated contents fresher for longer. Its transparency lets users see the product, increasing trust and appeal. It is also vegan-friendly, appealing to the growing market of plant-based consumers. They are normally popular in the pharmaceutical and nutraceutical sectors for their clean and natural composition.

  • Gelatin Capsules

    These are capsules made from animal-derived gelatin. Gelatin is a natural polymer that comes from collagen sourced from animal bones and skin. They dissolve easily in the gut, making them ideal for quick-release formulations. They have a classic, clear, and golden appearance, which consumers often associate with traditional supplements. Although many of today’s consumers prefer vegetarian options. They are still favored by some manufacturers for specific markets that require certain textures or colors. For example, in the confectionery space, they are used to make vitamin gummies.

Materials Used to Manufacture Vegetarian Capsules

Capsule manufacturers use a variety of materials to produce capsules.

  • Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose (HPMC)

    As mentioned before, it is derived from cellulose, a natural polymer found in plant cell walls. HPMC is a chemically-modified form of cellulose. It is derived from plant cellulose, possibly from a blend of cotton and wood pulp. The cellulose is treated with alkali and monochloroacetic acid to form hydroxypropyl methylcellulose. This gives it a rigid structure that’s easily moldable into capsule shells because of its exceptional film-forming quality. The resulting polymer has hydroxypropyl and methyl groups attached. They are responsible for controlling its solubility and viscosity. This makes it perfect for capsule production.

  • Pullulan

    As explained before, pullulan is formed from the fungus Aureobasidium pullulans. It is a natural polysaccharide made up of maltotriose units. It is produced by fermenting glucose or other sugars with the fungus. The glucose molecules are linked by α-(1→6) glycosidic bonds. Then, the maltotriose units are linked by α-(1→4) glycosidic bonds. This forms a sticky and flexible polymer. The fermentation process is known as biopolymer fermentation. It produces a smooth, transparent film that can easily be molded into capsule shells because of its excellent film-forming properties.

  • Vegetable Glycerin

    It is an organic compound with the formula C3H8O3. It is extracted from plants like palm, coconut, or soy. Glycerin is a colorless, odorless, viscous liquid. It has a sweet taste and a high boiling point. These qualities make it a versatile ingredient in many different applications, including capsule production. In the manufacturing of capsules, vegetable glycerin works as a plasticizer. It helps make the capsule shells flexible and retains moisture, preventing them from drying out and becoming brittle. This is critical in ensuring the capsules have a smooth and easy-to-swallow texture.

  • Agar-Agar

    Agar-agar is extracted from red algae, also known as seaweed. It is a gelatinous substance obtained by boiling the algae, which is then cooled and dried to form a powder or flakes. The powdered agar is then mixed with water and heated to create a gel. This process forms a firm, brittle gel that sets quickly at room temperature. It is often preferred in capsule-making for its vegan-friendly property. Manufacturers derive it from natural sources, reducing their carbon footprint and appeal to environmentally-conscious customers.

Customization Options for Vegetarian Capsules

  • Capsule Colors

    Color customization enhances brand recognition and aligns with a product's aesthetic. It also allows for different capsule colors to signify various supplement types or benefits, helping consumers easily identify their preferred products. Companies often choose colors that reflect their brand identity or the natural ingredients within the capsules for a cohesive look. There are several vegetarian capsule colors available. They include clear, opaque, white, black, and green.

  • Capsule Sizes

    The choice of size affects the dosage per serving and consumer experience. HPMC capsules range from size '000,' which hold more content, to smaller sizes like '5' for concentrated formulas. Larger capsules may be suited for supplements requiring higher doses, while smaller ones are more for highly concentrated oils or extracts. Companies may offer a range of sizes to meet diverse customer preferences and needs.

  • Capsule Shapes

    Capsules come in different shapes to appeal to different consumer preferences and market needs. Manufacturers normally have standard shapes like oval and cylindrical as well as unique shapes like gummies for vitamin C to keep up with the trends in the market. Having different shapes also help with brand differentiation as well as functionality. Today, companies are switching to capsules with heart or curved shapes because of their softer and more appealing look.

  • Printing Options

    Printing customization on vegetarian capsules can be for branding or informational purposes. It can be for marking the company name, product name, or dosage information directly onto the capsule. This adds to the visual appeal and ensures that important information is readily visible to customers. Companies can choose from several printing colors and styles, like standard or matte finish, to ensure the printed text stands out. Advanced offset printing techniques make the text clear without compromising the capsule's quality.

  • Flavors and Scents

    Flavor and scent are ideal for customers who prefer a more pleasant supplement experience. It is normally ideal for products like vitamin D capsules, where palatability can be a deciding factor. Companies have a choice of natural flavors like citrus, mint, or vanilla. They also have a range of proprietary blends that mask unpleasant tastes, especially for herbal supplements. Adding a subtle scent to capsules increases their appeal, particularly in markets focused on holistic health and wellness.

Benefits of Vegetarian Capsules

  • Suitable for All Dietary Needs

    Vegetarian capsules are suitable for all dietary needs because they are vegan-friendly and gluten-free. Manufacturers make them from plant-based materials like HPMC or pullulan. These capsules ensure that brands can distribute their products to a much wider audience and cater to different tastes, including those who follow a keto, halal, or kosher diet. Unlike gelatin capsules, which contain animal byproducts and are therefore unsuitable for vegetarians and vegans, vegetarian capsules provide a neutral option for everyone.

  • Simplify Supplement Consumption

    Taking vitamin D supplements regularly helps build immunity and bone density. All capsules discreetly conceal their contents and can be easily swallowed, making them more consumer-friendly than powders or liquids. Their smooth, easy-to-dissolve shell enhances the consumer experience by eliminating any grittiness or aftertaste. This is especially for liquid-filled soft gels, making capsule supplementation more pleasant and convenient for consumers. They are also easy to carry around and consume on the go.

  • Capsules Have a Longer Shelf Life

    Vegetarian capsules offer a longer shelf life than other supplement delivery forms. Their airtight seal protects the encapsulated ingredients from environmental factors such as moisture, light, and air. These factors often lead to ingredient degradation. The HPMC material and its excellent oxygen barrier properties contribute to this enhanced stability. This ensures that the Vitamin D or multivitamin capsules maintain their potency and efficacy for an extended period. Manufacturers can then provide consumers with products that remain fresh and effective even past their sell-by dates.

  • Versatile Filling Options

    Buyers can fill in the vegetarian capsules with a variety of supplements. They can include powders, liquids, or even herbs. They are therefore a flexible choice for brands that cater to different product lines. The capsule material's ability to hold various formulations, from finely milled powders to viscous oils, makes them suitable for a wide range of nutritional products. Companies can easily adapt their fillings to market trends or consumer demands, like turmeric for inflammation or omega oil softgels for heart health.

  • Sustainable & Ethical Choice

    Sustainability and ethical choice is a benefit that appeals to many today. Manufacturers normally source the raw materials used for vegetable capsules from renewable plant sources. It makes the carbon footprint of Veg capsules much lower than that of gelatin capsules, which are derived from animal byproducts. By choosing HPMC or plant-derived pullulan capsules, brands can market themselves as environmentally responsible and cruelty-free. This resonates particularly with eco-conscious consumers who prioritize sustainability in their purchasing decisions.

How to Choose Vegetarian Capsules

Some of the factors that businesses can consider when choosing the vegetarian capsules are:

  • Capsule material

    Carlene manufacturers offer veggie pills in two main types of materials. One is a hydroxypropyl methylcellulose capsule made from plant cellulose. The other is a pullulan capsule made from the polysaccharide pullulan, which manufacturers get from the fermentation of maize. Both capsule types are suitable for the keto diet and can be used to make both hard and soft capsules. The capsules' material strongly affects the vitamin D supplements' stability, shelf life, and bioavailability.

  • Customization options

    Various coupon codes are available, from flavors and colors to sizes and scents. There are also printing choices for capsules. Businesses should get a manufacturer that offers high levels of customization to help them stand out in a competitive market. They should also print vital information like ingredients and serving details in a visible and legible font.

  • Certifications and standards

    It is important for buyers to prioritize certifications when choosing vegetarian capsules for wholesale. They were to look for herbal extracts capsules that have been certified vegetarian or vegan by reputable organizations. The capsules should also be non-GMO and gluten-free. It ensures that the product adheres to stringent quality measures. Additionally, they can look for other certifications like CGMP, ISO, and NSF. They highlight the manufacturer’s commitment to producing safe and regulated products.

  • Supplier reputation

    When making any bulk purchases, it is important for businesses to perceive their supplier's reputation truly. They should read online reviews, testimonials, and case studies and consider peer recommendations. They should also request samples of the vegetarian capsules to assess their quality and integrity physically.

Q&A

Q1. What are vegetarian capsules made from?

A1. Manufacturers make vegetarian capsules from two main materials. One is Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose capsules, and the other is pullulan capsules. They are both suitable for vegetarian and vegan diets and for gluten-free diets.

Q2. Are vegetarian capsules good for Vitamin C?

A2. Yes, they are. Vitamin C capsules are normally made from HPMC or pullulan. They are perfect substitutes for gelatin capsules. Taking vitamin C regularly helps boost immunity and skin health. Vitamin C also helps with its natural collagen formation.

Q3. How long does it take for a vegetarian capsule to dissolve?

A3. Vitamin D capsules normally take between 30 and 60 minutes to dissolve. A voiding factors such as capsule size and content can increase or decrease this duration.

Q4. Which is better between gelatin and vegetarian capsules?

A4. As long as they are manufactured hygienically, both capsules deliver the same therapeutic effect. However, veg capsules are suitable for all dietary requirements, including vegan and keto. Meanwhile, gelatin capsules are not suitable for this because they are made from animal byproducts.