Nowadays, it is part of our everyday lives and an ingredient of choice for many consumers around the world. The use of gelatin as a food ingredient can be traced back to the Middle Ages, when it was used as an ingredient for jellied food products. The HPMC manufacturing process, for example, involves a reaction of purified cellulose with reagents such as methyl chloride and propylene oxide, the latter being classified - by the US Environmental Protection Agency - as a probable human carcinogen. These two products are relatively new on the market, are plant derived, and processed using synthetic chemicals.

Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose (HPMC) and modified starch. Many gelatin alternatives carry an E-number e.g. Because gelatin is classified as ‘food’, it is not considered a food additive and therefore does not have an E-number. the EU law on food information to consumers.įood additives (also known as E-numbers) are substances not normally consumed as a food in itself and not normally a characteristic ingredient of food. This is partly fueled by the tightening of labelling legislation and transparency on food products e.g. In recent years, consumers have become more aware of the origin, sustainability and health aspects of the products they buy. In recent years, however, plant-based alternatives such as HPMC and modified starch have come on the market to cater for vegetarians. This is because capsules tend to be smaller which makes them easier to swallow, and they perfectly disguise the unpleasant tastes associated with liquid medicine or chalky tablets.Īnother benefit of capsules is that they are customizable, which is to say, they come in different shapes, sizes and colors for unique identification.Ĭapsules are traditionally made from gelatin, an animal protein derived from collagen. Capsule technology also allows pharmaceutical manufacturers to encapsulate liquid and semi-liquid fills, something that’s not possible with tablets.Ĭapsules help to improve patient compliance. This speeds up the development process, meaning a faster time-to-market. They are a safe alternative to tablets and offer numerous benefits over the tablet form.įor starters, capsules are easier to formulate than tablets.

Capsules are dosage forms that encapsulate an active ingredient (e.g.

Cvs liquid starch