     |
Vegetarian CapsulesAbout The Gelatin & Gelcaps (1)Welcome to vegetarian capsules - Many of us knowingly or unknowingly consume non-veg shiny shells derived from cows, pigs and other animals. Enjoy this lead starting from gelcaps, to FDA status and guidelines, the potential risk of CJD and finally vote for vegcaps by using them. Choosing The Capsule Over Tablets:Whenever we are taking medicine orally - herbal or pharmacological drug - the choice goes with either coated tablets or capsules. Both media are useful for enhancing patient compliance. Both of them are well proven and well accepted form of dosage. The capsules appear better as there is no need to add gum or other "inactive" substances as the binding agent. Some of the binding agents could be natural and others artificial that can burden our system further. There is no need for the preservatives and the shelf life of the product is also more comparatively. Some of the chemical coatings of the tablets can cause trouble to some sensitive patients. Capsules are easy-to-swallow, attractive, neutral in taste and free from inactive substances, so they gained popularity. Most of us remain uninformed about the nature of ingredients that makes up the capsule. Can these attractively colored bright capsules cause some harm in our body? If we all know this before, the need for the vegetable capsules might have been raised earlier. The Monarchy Of Gelatin Capsule Before Vegetarian Capsules:Previous to the advent of vegetable capsules, there had been the monarchy of the gelatin capsules in both the pharmaceutical and health and herbal supplements world. People knowingly or unknowingly had to use them. Even the strict vegetarians that associate vegetarianism with deep religious sentiments didn't raise their voice against using these 'non-veg' capsules as the vegetarian capsules were absent from the scene. What Is Gelatin?The Webster Dictionary describes gelatin as - Gelatin or Gelatine \Gel"a*tin\, Gelatine \Gel"a*tine\, n. [F. g['e]latine fr. L. gelare to congeal. See Geal.] (Chem.) Animal jelly; glutinous material obtained from animal tissues by prolonged boiling. Specifically (Physiol. Chem.), a nitrogenous colloid, not existing as such in the animal body, but formed by the hydrating action of boiling water on the collagen of various kinds of connective tissues as tendons, bones, ligaments etc.). Its distinguishing character is that of dissolving in hot water, and forming a jelly on cooling. It is an important ingredient of calf's-foot jelly, isinglass, glue etc. It is used as food, but its nutritious qualities are of a low order. (1913 Webster) Gelatin is a kind of denatured collagen protein that is especially rich in proline and hydroxyproline amino acids. This animal jelly or denatured collagen is derived from the connective tissues of vertebrate animals like hoofs, tendons, ligaments, cartilage, skin etc. The connective tissue is processed by boiling in water or with some acids. The complex manufacturing process includes the removal of foreign substances, boiling and purifying from the chemicals used in processing. The end product is brittle, colorless, tasteless, odorless. It gets easily dissolved in hot water and undergoes congealing in cold water. It swells to an elastic and transparent mass by taking five to ten times its weight of cold water. Gelatin is readily digested and absorbed so it is considered as a good food stuff for children and convalescent persons. The Use Of Gelatin:
So we see clearly that gelatin possess so important role in several important industries. The Gelatin Capsules:The capsule is made from gelatin. The most important significance till date has been their long term safety in capsules as well as in other dietary products. Their shelf life is five years under proper packing. As gelatin is water soluble derivative of collagen, a connective tissue from animals, it gets readily dissolved in stomach. Within a few minutes the contents of the capsule are freed into stomach. Gelcaps Of Softgels:Gelcaps are basically tablets that have a coating of gelatin. Some plasticizers are added to the thick gelatin layer to give it more flexibility and stability. Softgels contain some liquid form of drug or medicine inside them. Hard Gelatin Capsules:Some capsules that look hard are also made from gelatin. They have 86% bovine or pig skin and 14% purified water. Hard capsules are also made by following GMP or Good Manufacturing Practices guidelines. Pharmaceutical grade gelatin is processed by mixing and melting in precise machineries where all the processes from the begining to packaging is done under control of quality experts. Kosher Certification:Kosher stands for "right, fit or proper". It is in use to designate food with Jewish dietary regulations. Any manufacturer of food and health supplement can apply for premarket review by Kosher council. Even after the approval of the product there are many random inspections to assure the quality. Kosher also ensures for the cross contamination of products. Kosher certification is regarded as equal or better to FDA. There are many manufacturers of gelatin capsules with Kosher certification. So now enough is covered for the important role of gelatin. To move further to vegetable capsules, we need to know how the gelcaps have can cause potential trouble to our health. How the need for the vegetable capsules emerged? Then we will deal with the much adored vegetarian capsules. The vegetarian capsules are definitely a better option. At least the persons who relate vegetarianism with religious sentiments will thank God for vegetarian capsules.
Vegetarian Capsules - Gelcaps VS Vegcaps(1st) Vegetarian Capsules - Gelcaps VS Vegcaps(3rd) - The adorable Vegcap is here.
|
