Tag: Hpmc

Traditional gelatin capsules are made from animal collagen, meaning they are neither vegetarian nor vegan. This fact is a crucial distinction for people with dietary restrictions, as gelatin is processed from the bones, connective tissues, and hides of animals like cows and pigs. Fortunately, numerous plant-based and cruelty-free alternatives are now widely available for a variety of supplements and medications.

Over 18,000 products listed by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) contain cellulose-based additives, including the popular thickener E464. This ingredient, known as Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose (HPMC), is used to improve the texture and stability of countless processed foods and non-food items.

According to research published by the National Institutes of Health, while most capsules are made of gelatin, cellulose-based capsules have become a popular vegetarian alternative. This leads many to ask: **Do all vitamins have gelatin?** The answer is no, and understanding the ingredients is key for those with specific dietary or ethical concerns.

The global non-gelatin empty capsule market was valued at approximately USD 1.8 billion in 2022, reflecting a significant and growing demand for plant-based drug delivery systems. In response, many consumers are asking: **What are non gelatin capsules made of?**.

According to the FDA, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) is categorized as 'Generally Recognized as Safe' (GRAS), confirming its safety for widespread use in consumer products. This versatile, semi-synthetic polymer is found in an astonishingly wide array of products across the pharmaceutical, food, cosmetic, and construction industries.

According to a 2023 study published in the Yonsei Medical Journal, microplastics can have a toxic effect on respiratory and other systems, leading many to question the contents of their daily supplements. This has caused a misconception: are vitamin capsules made of plastic? The answer is no, but the real story behind what they are made of is quite interesting.

While the vitamin E itself is often plant-derived from sources like soy or sunflowers, most vitamin E softgel capsules are not vegetarian because they use animal-derived gelatin for the casing. Navigating supplement labels is key to ensuring you select a product that aligns with a vegetarian or vegan lifestyle.

Hypromellose, also known as HPMC, is a versatile, plant-derived substance that is gluten-free by nature. It is important for individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivities to verify the components of every product they consume, from food to medicine, to ensure there is no hidden gluten or cross-contamination.

With the global vegetarian capsule market experiencing significant growth, driven by increasing demand for vegan and ethical products, more people are asking about the materials used in their supplements. This guide explains what are vegetarian vitamin capsules made of, detailing the primary plant-based materials and their sourcing.

Dietary supplement capsules account for over 10% of all supplement formats, and an increasing number of consumers are seeking plant-based alternatives. This shift is driving innovation in capsule materials beyond traditional gelatin, prompting many to question which capsules are truly vegetarian.