Trusted Brand?
For years, we’ve been a strong advocate for transparency in supplement labeling. This includes not just the active ingredients, but also the “hidden ingredients” found in capsules. It’s this passion that brought us to examine pure encapsulation, a practice we believe more companies should embrace.
It’s become increasingly common to find supplements boasting “clean” or “pure” labels, often emphasizing their use of vegetarian capsules made from hypromellose (HPMC). While these capsules appear to be a positive alternative to gelatin, our research into pure encapsulation leads us to believe there are some serious drawbacks.
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Efficiency VS Purity of Capsules
The definition of encapsulation is the action of enclosing powders in a capsule: In order to do so with maximum efficiency manufacturers often add magnesium stearate to the powder. This has received lots of attention, however much less attention has been paid to what the capsule is actually made of. This has remained a secret for decades.
Unveiling The "Pure" Capsule Illusion
Companies have built their reputation on providing high-quality ingredients and minimal additional ingredients. Their marketing often highlights “cellulose, water” as the only components in their capsules. But, let’s be real, transforming raw materials from trees or bamboo into those perfectly smooth, clear capsules requires a more complex process than that.
This is where our concern with the purity of HPMC capsules emerges. The manufacturing process of HPMC capsules often involves using excipients — those “inactive” ingredients — that help with things like gelation. This ingredient is called carrageenan and to our best knowledge it was used in all HPMC capsules up until 2022.
While not all excipients are bad, the FDA’s regulations around them are disappointingly loose. This means companies can include potentially questionable ingredients without full transparency. This lack of transparency raises a red flag.
Companies have quietly used carrageenan, a potentially inflammatory ingredient in their capsules for years without ever mentioning it on the labels. They are good at keeping a secret but now some of the larger manufacturers eventually managed to take it out with new manufacturing techniques. However HPMC capsules are still being sold both with or without carrageenan in US. Capsules without carrageenan are more expensive, so naturally budget brands and cash strapped contract manufacturers prefer the capsules with carrageenan.
This situation underscores a crucial concern. Without clear labeling and strict regulations, it’s impossible to guarantee that currently allowed excipients are truly safe and free from long-term health risks.
The Proven Safety of Gelatin Capsules
Conversely, traditional gelatin capsules, sourced from bovine or porcine origins, provide a transparency we consider essential for health supplements. The production process is straightforward and notably lacks the extensive use of concealed processing aids.
While we understand and respect those with dietary restrictions, for anyone seeking the purest form of supplementation, we firmly believe gelatin capsules remain the most transparent option available. Gelatin capsules are also a great option for those seeking immune support or longevity nutrients.
Conclusion
Achieving pure encapsulation requires a dedication to complete transparency from supplement manufacturers. Until clear and comprehensive labeling practices are implemented industry-wide, discerning consumers need to remain vigilant. Always research brands thoroughly, prioritize ingredient lists that clearly outline every component of their capsules and push for increased accountability in supplement manufacturing. Your health is worth it.