What is a gelatin capsule？

Gelatin Capsule Essentials

1. Source of core raw materials
Animal skin and bone stew: Pig/cow/fish skin or bones are boiled at high temperature with strong acid/alkali, and collagen is extracted and condensed.
Cannot eliminate animal attributes through purification processes: regardless of the degree of refinement, its animal derived nature remains unchanged.

2. Production process characteristics
Key control points in the process
Sol animal gelatin+water heated to 80 ℃ to form a viscous gel solution
Dip the stainless steel mold with adhesive solution and solidify it by low-temperature cooling
Drying and cutting into 35 ℃ low-temperature dehumidification, mechanically cutting into capsules

3. Irreplaceable defect advantages
Low cost: 30-50% cheaper than plant capsules, preferred for large-scale pharmaceuticals.
Easy to digest: Dissolve in gastric juice within 10 minutes, quickly release drugs (plant capsules take more than 20 minutes).
Sealing: It has better oxygen isolation performance than cellulose capsules, extending the shelf life of chemical drugs.

4. Religious and Ethical Taboos
Halal taboos: Beef gelatin and all pig gelatin that have not been slaughtered according to Islamic law are considered illegal (Haram).
Vegetarianism boycott: Vegetarians refuse any animal gelatin, including fish sources.
Concerns about mad cow disease: Some European markets strictly prohibit the use of bovine gelatin in human pharmaceuticals.

5. Identification and Alternative Solutions
Appearance: Translucent pale yellow (pig gelatin tends to be white, cow gelatin tends to be yellow).
Burning test: Gelatin capsules produce a burnt smell when burned (plant capsules have a paper ash smell).
Mainstream alternative: Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) capsules - high cost but compatible with all religious dietary restrictions.