Manufacturing For Modern Needs

The 411 On Manufacturing Supplement Capsules

30 January 2019 by Frances Gardner

Whether to ease inflammation and pain or to aid in weight loss, herbal supplements can be beneficial to your health and wellness. Of course, the creation of these supplements is not meant to be easy. Therefore, proper equipment, ingredients, and manufacturing processes are required to ensure the supplements are created in the most efficient, most effective, and safest manner possible. This guide will help you understand and prepare for the manufacturing process of herbal supplements in capsule form.

Benefits of Capsules

Many manufacturers of herbal supplements will weigh out the pros and cons of capsulizing their products versus processing into a tablet form. In reality, both options are good, but the best option will depend on a few factors including ingredients, odors, and customer preferences.

One thing is for sure, though. Capsules are ideal if you are using ingredients with strong and unappealing odors. If the ingredients used to create your supplements have a foul odor, they will not be as appealing to customers, reducing the amount that is purchased. Fortunately, the capsulation process prevents ensures the doors are not noticeable.

Because certain nutrients can be absorbed by the air, the capsules act as a layer of protection, improving the overall potency of your herbal supplements.

Types of Capsules

All capsules are not created equal. Not only will you need to decide if your herbal supplement should be in capsule form, but you will also need to decide what type of capsule to use.

Hard-shelled gelatin capsules are most commonly used for a few reasons. They are considered easier to manufacture because pressing and binding are not necessary. In addition, hard-shelled capsules have a better absorption rate, which is beneficial if using high-potency ingredients. The gelatin is also natural, making this capsule choice GMO- and allergy-free.

Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, or HPMC, capsules are also options to consider. Derived by a plant source, HPMC capsules are considered a good supplement for vegetarians. The cellulose acts as a gelling agent, which coats the digestive tract, preventing customers from tasting the ingredients or suffering from acid reflux and stomach discomfort.

Fish-gelatin capsules are also possibilities, especially if you are manufacturing marine-based supplements, such as fish oil. They are easy and affordable to manufacture, and customers prefer how easy the gelatin is to swallow and digest.

Manufactured out of potato starch, starch capsules may be preferred for your herbal supplements. Starch absorbs moisture quickly, which ensures the supplements and ingredients will dissolve efficiently in the body.

Pullulan capsules are manufactured from tapioca. This vegetarian option is natural and organic. It is GMO-free, allergy-free, starch-free, gluten-free, preservative-free, and incredibly healthy. Pullulan capsules have excellent oxygen barriers, reducing the risk of high moisture levels, oxidation, and microbial growth.

Liquid-filled hard capsules, which are also known as LFHC capsules, are manufactured using either gelatin or HPMC. The harder capsules prevent moisture penetration, allowing you to store the supplements for longer periods of time without the worry of high moisture or humidity levels. Liquid-filled hard capsules are also more affordable to manufacture since their longer shelf stability and reduced risk of cross-contamination reduce waste while cutting costs for your company.

Finally, you may consider soft gelatin capsules. Also known as soft gels, these capsules are the softest option available even though they are made using a thick layer of gelatin. Soft gelatin capsules are easy to swallow and they absorb quickly, making them a favorite choice for customers who take supplements daily.

Herbal supplement capsule manufacturing does not have to be complicated. This guide will help you understand the benefits of capsulation and which type of capsules are right for your specific supplements. 

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