HOW ARE GELATIN HARD CAPSULES PRODUCED?

　　Hard capsules are produced on a large machine that is comprised of polished stainless-steel pins that are dipped in a gelatin mass solution. Within the drying tunnel the gelatin is dried in a gentle way where the airflow, the temperature and humidity are precisely controlled. In these conditions, the gel mass forms a film over the pins shaped like a cap. This half of the capsule is then stripped from the pin.

　　The dry cap and body of the capsule are cut precisely and joined together with the counterpart of the hard capsule. Before the empty caps are packed for shipping, producers can print on the capsules for consumer identification purposes.

　　WHY ARE GELATIN HARD CAPSULES PREFERRED OVER OTHER FORMATS?

　　For consumers, gelatin dissolves in the human body at normal body temperature, making it the ideal ingredient in hardcaps. While protecting the precious actives inside the capsule against oxygen, light, moisture and dust, the gelatin of the hardcaps affords consumers easy swallowing. Consumers also appreciate that the capsule size and color can help them to more easily identify the respective pharmaceutical drug or nutrient inside.

　　For producers, gelatin provides fast machinability and setting times, ideal dissolution properties and an optimal protection of fill ingredients.  Producers can then market the empty hard gelatin capsules to brand owners who are filling with medications or nutrients. 

　　And, reputable gelatin suppliers offer Halal and Kosher certifications for different gelatin types to satisfy wide-ranging consumer requirements and preferences. Hard gelatin capsules also allow easy filling. 

　　HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE HARD GELATIN CAPSULES TO DISSOLVE?

　　A standard gelatin hard capsule dissolves in the stomach, under normal conditions, within twenty to thirty minutes after swallowing.

　　Depending on the application, different gelatin types or additional process steps can influence the dissolution process. Some gelatin types dissolve faster than others when they are in contact with acidic fluids and higher temperatures (stomach conditions).

　　For other applications, as for example pain relievers it is necessary to have an even faster dissolving shell. For applications where the drug is targeting the intestines a slower dissolving shell is required.