Capsugel Develops Capsules For Acid-Sensitive Products And Taste-Masking

March 15, 2011
Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose (HPMC) capsules help protect probiotics and other acid-sensitive dietary supplement ingredients without the need for costly capsule coatings
Capsugel has introduced DRcaps capsules, a vegetarian capsule with unique properties that slow down capsule opening after swallowing.DRcaps capsules are made from hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) and disintegrate more slowly than conventional gelatin or HPMC capsules, helping protect ingredients in the capsules after swallowing from early activation caused by stomach acid, without adding synthetic chemicals, solvents, or other coating ingredients. In vitro studies show the capsule contents are protected for at least 30 minutes at a gastric pH of 1.2 and release fully at an intestinal pH of 6.8.DRcaps capsules have the added benefit of helping to minimize the bad taste or aftertaste of some ingredients. DRcaps capsules can be used with probiotics. The capsules' low moisture level of 4 to 6% in 50% relative humidity compared to gelatin at 12 to 14%, helps keep the probiotics stable in the package before ingestion.