The Gelatin in capsules typically comes from animal byproducts, specifically it can originate from the collagen found in the skin, bones, and connective tissues of animals like cows and pigs, and sometimes even fish. The process to make them involves boiling these tissues to extract the collagen, which is then processed into a very fine powder or gel form that can be used to make capsules.

For those looking for non-animal alternatives, there are also vegetarian capsules made from plant-derived substances like hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC), often sourced from pine or other plant fibers. These are great options for brands that are seeking to offer vegan or vegetarian products.

Yes, most gelatin capsules are made from animal-derived gelatin, primarily sourced from the collagen found in the skin, bones, and connective tissues of cows (bovine), pigs (porcine), or sometimes fish. This is a standard practice in the manufacturing of gelatin capsules due to the abundance of collagen in these animal byproducts, which gives gelatin its gelling properties.

However, there are alternatives like vegetarian or vegan capsules, which are made from plant-based materials such as hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC). These offer a non-animal option for brands looking to cater to consumers who prefer plant-based or animal-free products.

Here are four common types of capsules used in manufacturing:

1. Hard Gelatin Capsules: These are the most common type of capsules today, typically made from animal-sourced gelatin. They consist of two rigid pieces, a body and a cap, which are filled with powdered or granulated ingredients. They’re commonly used for supplements and medications.
2. Soft Gelatin Capsules (Softgels): These are made from a more flexible form of gelatin and are often used for liquid or oil-based ingredients, such as fish oil or vitamin E. Softgels are sealed during manufacturing and can improve the absorption of certain nutrients.
3. Vegetarian Capsules (HPMC Capsules): These are made from hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC), a plant-derived material. They are a great alternative for individuals who avoid animal products and are commonly used in the natural supplement market.
4. Enteric-Coated Capsules: These capsules are designed with a special coating that allows them to pass through the stomach without breaking down. They dissolve in the intestines instead, which can be beneficial for ingredients that need to be absorbed later in the digestive process or to prevent stomach irritation.

Each of these types serves specific needs, depending on the formulation and the intended use of the product.

Yes, capsules can be made without gelatin. There are plant-based alternatives available that do not use animal-derived gelatin. The most common type is vegetarian capsules, made from hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC), which is derived from plant cellulose. These capsules are suitable for individuals who prefer vegan, vegetarian, or animal-free products.

Another common alternative is pullulan capsules, made from fermented tapioca, which is also plant-based and commonly used in many natural supplement formulations. Both HPMC and pullulan capsules offer a great solution for brands seeking to cater to consumers looking for plant-based options.

Capsules and tablets are both very popular forms for delivering supplements, and herbs but their manufacturing processes do differ greatly. Here’s how capsules are made instead of tablets:

1. Formulation and Preparation: For capsules, the active ingredients (such as vitamins, minerals, or herbs) are mixed with something called 'excipients' like fillers or flow agents. These help with the consistency and flow of the powder or liquid, ensuring it can easily be filled into the capsule.
2. Encapsulation Process:
3. Sealing and Polishing: After filling, hard gelatin capsules are sometimes sealed to prevent tampering or leaking. Softgel capsules, on the other hand, are naturally sealed as part of the encapsulation process. Afterward, capsules are polished to remove any excess powder or oils and ensure a clean appearance.
4. Quality Control and Packaging: Capsules go through quality checks to ensure proper dosage, weight, and consistency. Afterward, they are packaged in blister packs or bottles, ready for distribution.

Capsules are often chosen over tablets when the ingredients need to be delivered quickly (like with softgels) or when the formulation might be sensitive to the heat and pressure used in tablet production.

Capsules are often coated with gelatin for several key reasons:

1. Easy Swallowing: Gelatin creates a smooth surface, making capsules easier to swallow compared to dry, hard tablets.
2. Protection of Ingredients: The gelatin coating helps shield the contents inside from moisture, air, and light, which can degrade sensitive ingredients like vitamins or herbal extracts over time. This helps maintain the potency and effectiveness of the product.
3. Delayed Release: In some cases, gelatin can be used in enteric-coated capsules, designed to dissolve later in the digestive system, such as in the intestines rather than the stomach. This protects ingredients that may be sensitive to stomach acids or intended to be absorbed further down in the digestive tract.
4. Taste Masking: Some active ingredients have unpleasant tastes or odors. The gelatin coating acts as a barrier, ensuring that consumers don't taste the contents when swallowing the capsule.

Overall, gelatin serves both functional and practical roles, helping ensure the capsule's effectiveness and consumer experience.

Certain supplements work better in capsule form compared to tablets for various reasons related to ingredient stability, ease of consumption, and effectiveness. Here are some types of supplements that are often more suited for capsules:

1. Herbal Extracts: Herbs like ashwagandha, turmeric, and milk thistle are often encapsulated because their powdered form is easier to work with in a capsule than a compressed tablet. Capsules also protect the integrity of volatile compounds in these herbs.
2. Oil-Based Supplements: Omega-3 fish oils, flaxseed oil, and evening primrose oil are better suited for softgel capsules. Softgels seal in the liquid, prevent oxidation, and protect the oils from degradation, unlike tablets, which aren’t suitable for liquid-based ingredients.
3. Probiotics: Probiotics, like Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, are sensitive to moisture and heat. Capsules can offer protection and help ensure that live bacteria reach the digestive tract intact, especially when combined with delayed-release technology.
4. Digestive Enzymes: Digestive enzymes, which are used to aid digestion, often work best in capsules because they can be released quickly in the stomach, where they start to take effect. Tablets, which take longer to break down, may not deliver enzymes as efficiently.
5. Amino Acids: Supplements like glutamine, BCAAs (branched-chain amino acids), and lysine are commonly offered in capsule form because it’s easier to handle and dose amino acids as a fine powder, making encapsulation more practical.
6. Nutritional Powders: Some vitamin blends or supplements like magnesium citrate or multivitamins contain powders that may not compress well into tablet form or may lose potency during the compression process. Capsules allow for easier delivery without adding unnecessary binders or fillers.

In summary, supplements that are sensitive to moisture, heat, or oxidation, as well as those in liquid or powder form, are typically more effective and stable in capsules than in tablets. Capsules can also be more convenient for delivering certain nutrients quickly and efficiently.