5 Important Benefits of HPMC Capsules
Once you’ve made the decision to encapsulate your product in two-piece capsules, there are more decisions to be made. Although lay people might think that “a capsule is a capsule,” the reality is that which type of capsule you choose—and which brand of capsule you buy—can make a big difference in various aspects of your product’s success.
For many years gelatin capsules, which are animal-derived, have been the dominant choice in the pharmaceuticals industry, while HPMC (hydroxypropyl methylcellulose) capsules, which are plant-based, have been the most popular capsule in the nutraceuticals industry. Today, however, HPMC capsules are widely recognized as a viable alternative for pharmaceuticals, too.
Here are five reasons why you should consider choosing HPMC capsules for your encapsulation needs:
1. Health-conscious consumers are demanding vegetarian products
HPMC capsules are non-animal derived, as hydroxypropyl methylcellulose is made from 100% plant-based materials. Many HPMC capsules are non-GMO. Plus, some HPMC capsule manufacturers take things one step further and achieve the coveted Vegan Registration from the Vegan Society. This can be especially important for nutraceutical brands that want to be able to display the Vegan Society’s widely-recognized trademark on their products.
2. Being non-animal derived also meets religious dietary restrictions
The top brands of HPMC capsules are certified Kosher and Halal.
For those following a Kosher diet, the fact that HPMC capsules are vegetarian means that they are “parve,” meaning they can be taken with a meal that contains either meat or dairy products. Under Kosher dietary laws, meat and dairy cannot be consumed together. Therefore, those following a Kosher diet cannot consume gelatin capsules at the same time that they eat a meal that contains dairy products—which can be problematic for APIs that must be taken with meals.
3. HPMC capsules can address API formulation challenges
A problem with gelatin capsules is their tendency to lose moisture and become brittle in high temperature or low relative humidity situations. This moisture loss causes quality issues, such as breakage. Gelatin capsules’ moisture loss problem especially comes into play when you are working with hygroscopic fill materials, meaning fill materials that have a tendency to absorb moisture. Hygroscopic fill materials will dry the gelatin capsule from the inside out, often causing cracking, particularly in the capsule’s cap shoulder region.
Because of their lower moisture content, HPMC capsules do not present these problems. HPMC capsules perform reliably well with both hygroscopic and moisture-sensitive fill materials.
In addition, HPMC capsules provide superior bioavailability for formulations that have low solubility.
Be aware, though that HPMC capsules have a higher level of oxygen permeability than gelatin capsules, and are therefore not suitable for oxygen-sensitive formulations.
4. HPMC capsules are not prone to cross-linking
Another issue related to gelatin’s sensitivity to temperature and humidity is its tendency to cross-link in adverse storage or handling conditions. Cross-linking is a chemical reaction that takes place between the gelatin molecules and the API. Things can bond to the point where the capsule will not properly dissolve when consumed. HPMC is very chemically stable, and HPMC capsules pose a very low cross-linking risk.
5. The right HPMC capsules will run well on your filling machines
HPMC capsules have a reputation as being harder to run on high-speed filling machines than gelatin capsules. If you purchase lower-quality HPMC capsules this is the case. To overcome this problem you should only purchase top-quality HPMC capsules.
K-CAPS®, for example, have excellent machinability because they…
- Are made from the highest quality raw materials.
- Use a manufacturing process that ensures consistent quality and dimensions from one batch to the next.
- Have excellent separation properties, even at low suction levels, thereby reducing problems with wasted fill materials and dirty filling machines.
- Will fit precisely within your tooling, thereby minimizing the problems with capsule loading and feeding that can result in defects and waste.
- Are designed with a strong domes and capsule walls, making them less prone to breakage.
Of course, just like gelatin two-piece capsules, HPMC capsules are fully customizable for your product marketing and branding needs. HPMC capsules are available in a broad range of colors, a variety of finishes and all of the standard capsule sizes. Plus, they can be custom printed with words or images (such as your logo) on the capsule body or dome, either radially or axially.
With so many benefits to offer, it’s no wonder that HPMC capsules are such a popular alternative to gelatin capsules!
