Tag: Pullulan

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 a study published in *Frontiers in Microbiology*, pullulan nanoparticles were shown to enhance the antimicrobial properties of certain probiotic bacteria, suggesting a potential prebiotic effect. The question of whether pullulan is a prebiotic is complex, as its function appears to differ from that of traditional prebiotics like inulin and fructo-oligosaccharides. Understanding the unique way this polysaccharide interacts with the gut is essential for anyone considering it for digestive health.

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.

Pullulan is a fascinating, naturally derived polysaccharide produced through the fermentation of starch by a yeast-like fungus, *Aureobasidium pullulans*. This versatile biopolymer is gaining significant traction across numerous industries for its unique properties, answering the question: What are the benefits of pullulan?

According to the U.S. FDA, pullulan holds a Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) status, indicating its safety for general use in food products. This natural polysaccharide has gained popularity as a vegan alternative to gelatin, particularly for capsule shells and edible films.

While it's commonly thought that pullulan is derived from corn, this isn't the full story. Pullulan is actually a polysaccharide produced by the fungus *Aureobasidium pullulans*, which uses various types of starch as a food source during its fermentation process.

Pullulan, a natural polysaccharide derived from fermented starch, is gaining traction in the supplement industry as a preferred material for vegetarian and vegan capsules. This colorless and tasteless biopolymer is created by the fungus *Aureobasidium pullulans*, offering a clean-label alternative that caters to health-conscious consumers and those with dietary restrictions. Its unique properties are proving to be a significant asset for protecting the integrity of sensitive encapsulated ingredients.

In 2002, the FDA issued a 'no objection' response to the self-affirmed Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) status of pullulan, indicating that, yes, **is pullulan safe in supplements**. This natural, water-soluble polysaccharide, derived from tapioca or corn starch fermentation, is a common ingredient in many health-conscious formulations.

Approximately 4% of the global population is vegetarian or vegan, driving the demand for plant-based alternatives to animal-derived products, including supplements. This has led to the widespread adoption of vegetarian capsules, which are made from plant-derived materials such as cellulose and fermented tapioca.