Gelatin Capsules

Types of Gelatin Capsules

Hard capsules

These got their name from their stiff appearance when filled. They are a two-piece capsule system consisting of separable cylindrical gelatin shells– a shorter cap and a longer body, each closed at one end. The capsule has a slightly wider diameter, allowing the body to fit into it, forming a tight seal. Hard capsules are usually prefabricated and can be used to formulate solid, semisolid, and liquid pharmaceuticals.

Softgels

They are often one-piece hermetically sealed gelatin capsules used exclusively for formulating liquid and semisolid actives. There are various sizes, designs, and shapes of softgels that may be used for any of the above-listed reasons. In addition, twist-off and suckable softgels are made to give direct access to their content, as found in some vitamin products.

Benefits of Gelatin Capsules

Versatility and Compatibility
Gelatin capsules are known for their versatility. They can accommodate both liquid and solid supplement formulations, making them a flexible choice for supplement manufacturers. Moreover, gelatin capsules are compatible with a wide range of ingredients. From vitamins and minerals to herbal extracts, these capsules can encapsulate a diverse array of supplements.

Cost-Effectiveness and Consumer Acceptance
Gelatin capsules are a cost-effective choice for supplement manufacturers. Their production process is well-established and scalable, allowing for high-volume production at a reasonable cost. These capsules also have a long shelf life. This is a significant advantage for vitamin manufacturers concerned with product longevity and cost-efficiency.

Health Benefits and Nutrient Absorption
Gelatin, the main component of these capsules, is a protein derived from collagen. It supports joint and bone health, adding to the health benefits of the supplement. Gelatin capsules are easily digested and dissolved in the stomach. This ensures efficient nutrient absorption, enhancing the effectiveness of the supplement.

Customization and Branding
Gelatin capsules offer a high degree of customization. They can be produced in various sizes, shapes, and colors, such as blue gelatin capsules. These capsules can also be customized with logos or other branding elements. This is a significant advantage for dietary supplement makers looking to differentiate their products.

Manufacturing and Scalability
The manufacturing process of gelatin capsules is well-established. It is scalable for high-volume production, making it a reliable option for supplement manufacturers. Gelatin capsules can be quickly produced. This aids supplement manufacturers in meeting market demands and streamlines the manufacturing process.

Safety and Dietary Considerations
Gelatin capsules have a history of safe use in the pharmaceutical industry. They are less likely to interact chemically with their contents, maintaining the integrity of the supplement. The production of gelatin capsules can be tailored to meet kosher and halal dietary requirements. This makes them a versatile choice for brands targeting diverse consumer groups.

Aesthetic and Protective Qualities
Gelatin capsules are often preferred for their clear appearance. This transparency allows consumers to see the contents, showcasing the quality of the ingredients. These capsules also offer a balance between flexibility and durability. They protect the contents from light and oxygen, preserving the supplement’s potency.

Applications of Gelatin Capsules

Dietary Supplements: Commonly employed for vitamins, minerals, and herbal extracts, facilitating easier consumption and absorption.

Pharmaceuticals: Used for medicated capsules, which can enhance patient compliance by simplifying dosage administration.

Cosmetics: Integrated into beauty products, gelatin capsules are used to deliver active ingredients safely to the skin.

Food Industry: Occasionally used in food products, gelatin capsules can create unique textural experiences.

Gelatin Capsule Manufacturing: Step by Step Process Explained

Gelatin Solution Preparation
Gelatin is dissolved in demineralized water heated to about 60 to 70 degree Celsius to prepare a concentrated gelatin solution. This highly viscous solution comprises about 30 to 40 percent w/w gelatin. Vacuum is also applied in the solution to curb air bubbles which would otherwise problems during the filling stage and upon storage. Colourants and pigments are also utilized to achieve the final appearance of the capsule.

Dip-coat the gelatin solution on to moulds
Capsule shells are manufactured in an extremely controlled environment. Once the targeted level of viscosity is attained, proceed to the dipping process. The processed gelatin solution is required to be moved to the capsule manufacturing machine at this stage. This can be easily done by using gravity or a pumping mechanism.

Drying process
Coated pins are made to pass through the furnace for setting and drying purposes. It is important to control the temperature and humidity in the process to successfully remove the moisture from the capsule.

Stripping and trimming process
The pin plate now enters the table section of the machine. Capsules are divided into 2 equal or roughly equal sizes. Later these are stripped off the pins. Once the stripping process comes to an end, shell trimming takes place. The machine automatically joins the two halves for you. These blocks are now moved to the conveyor belt and later on to the container.

Printing
Printing stage involves putting on all crucial information such as dosage instructions, promotion and capsule identification.

Testing
Testing takes place once the printing bit is over. The capsule has to undergo a series of rigorous quality checks to make sure they are of the desired quality and have a good shelf life.

Packaging
The last stage of capsule manufacturing is packaging. Capsules are now packed in conventional manner. Conventional packaging method is used at this stage as it makes the capsule easy to handle.

Characteristics Comparison: Gelatin Capsules Vs. Vegetarian Capsules

Stability
Gelatin Capsule: Gelatin capsules have higher stability because they contain less moisture (3%-7%).
Vegetarian Capsule: Vegetarian capsules have lower stability as they contain more moisture (13%-15%) and are sensitive to humidity extremes.

Cross-Linking Problem
Gelatin Capsule: Gelatin capsules can experience cross-linking, which reduces their solubility when exposed to high humidity, temperature, UV light, or specific fill components. They can accommodate a variety of fill materials, including those containing aldehydes.
Vegetarian Capsule: Vegetarian capsules are suitable for dry and powdered materials, but they may not work well with some liquid materials like oils and gels containing aldehydes.

Degradation by Light
Gelatin Capsule: Gelatin capsules can degrade when exposed to light.
Vegetarian Capsule: Vegetarian capsules are more resistant to degradation caused by sunlight.

Degradation by Heat
Gelatin Capsule: Gelatin capsules start degrading at temperatures above 60°C.
Vegetarian Capsule: Vegetarian capsules have a higher heat tolerance and start degrading at temperatures above 80°C.

Oxygen Permeability
Gelatin Capsule: Gelatin capsules have higher oxygen permeability.
Vegetarian Capsule: Vegetarian capsules have lower oxygen permeability.

Solubility
Gelatin Capsule: Gelatin capsules dissolve well at body temperature (37 °C), but their solubility decreases as the temperature drops below 37°C. They become insoluble below 30°C.
Vegetarian Capsule: Vegetarian capsules dissolve easily in water at room temperature.

How Does the Company Ensure Product Quality?

Raw Material Control

Only high-quality gelatin and HPMC that meet American standards are used to make our capsules. Based on natural wood fiber, it does not contain genetically modified organisms, meets GMP standards, is safe and environmentally friendly, and can effectively avoid the potential risk of diseases of animal origin. BSE certificate can be provided according to customer needs.

Production Control

Personnel management norms. All production personnel take up their posts after passing technical training, with an average working time of 15 years. Have the ability to implement GMP standard operating practices. Each batch of finished products is fully inspected in accordance with the requirements of pharmacopoeia and other regulations in the target customer's region to ensure that the product quality meets the requirements.

Quality Control

LINQUAN capsule production equipment is from the international advanced automatic production equipment, from the sol → production→ testing → warehousing of the whole process automation, effectively improve the production efficiency, can ensure the consistency and stability of product quality. It has passed the technical review of the State Food and Drug Administration, and the registration status is "A", Kosher certification, halal HALAL certification, British BRC certification, American NSF certification, quality, environment, occupational health and safety system certification, energy management system certification and many other international certifications, which can meet the needs of customers in major countries and regions around the world.

Our Factory

Jiangxi Linquan Capsule Co., Ltd. was founded in 1994 and has two production bases with a total area of 106,000 m² and a building area of 49,000 m². There are more than 260 employees, over 60 professional and technical personnel, and 15 foreign trade personnel.

Workshop

The production workshop follows GMP specifications and is sterile, ensuring that every production process is under strict quality control. The workshop trains experienced operators and supervisors to ensure that any source of contamination cannot enter the workshop.

FAQ

Q: Are you supposed to swallow gelatin capsules?

A: Most capsules are intended to be swallowed whole so patients should be encouraged to trial the 'lean-forward' technique. If swallowing difficulties remain other options, such as a liquid or tablet form of the medicine, can be considered.

Q: How much gelatin capsules per day?

A: Gelatin is LIKELY SAFE for most people in food amounts and POSSIBLY SAFE in the larger amounts used as medicine. There's some evidence that gelatin in doses up to 10 grams daily can be safely used for up to 6 months.

Q: How long does it take a gelatin capsule to dissolve in your stomach?

A: A standard gelatin hard capsule dissolves in the stomach, under normal conditions, within twenty to thirty minutes after swallowing. Depending on the application, different gelatin types or additional process steps can influence the dissolution process.

Q: What is the difference between hard and soft gelatin capsules?

A: Soft gelatin capsules normally hold liquids and semisolids while hard gelatin capsules frequently contain dry powders, plugs that have been slightly compressed, granules, or tablets. While soft gelatin capsules come in round, oval, and tubular shapes, hard gelatin capsules are cylindrical.

Q: Should I chew gelatin capsules?

A: Softgels are another type of capsule made of soft gelatin. These can't be crushed or chewed because the contents inside can spill out and make it difficult to get a correct dose. Although some capsules can be opened and sprinkled onto soft foods, this isn't the case for all capsules.

As one of the leading gelatin capsules manufacturers and suppliers in China, we warmly welcome you to wholesale high-grade gelatin capsules from our factory. All custom made capsules are with high quality and competitive price.

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