Everything You Should Know About Acid Resistant Capsules

1.What do you know about the acid resistant capsules?

Acid resistant capsules

Acid resistant capsules, also known as enteric coated capsules are designed in unique way, in which the shell of capsules protect the ingredients like some medications, enzymes and probiotics. This capsule withstand the acidic environment of gastric juices that reside in stomach and become naturalized in the intestine alkaline environment.

These capsules are used to reduce the stomach irritation and used for curing various intestinal diseases.

2.How do the acid resistant capsules work in your body?

The acid resistant (enteric-coated) capsules work in your body according to the site (PH sensitivity). The organs in digestive tract control its action by commanding where and how will it dissolve and release the drugs for its action. Let’s explain how it works:

In the stomach:

Working of acid resistant capsule in stomach-Picture courtesy: vecteezy.com

When you swallow the acid resistant capsule, having medication resides and protect shell protect it, it goes from mouth to the stomach. The stomach has low PH which means the acidity is from 1-3, and the capsule content is also acidic but despite of high stomach acidity, it does not dissolve in the stomach,

The shell safeguard the medication and it is protected against the action of stomach acids.

In the small intestine:

Working of acid resistant capsule in the small intestine

The capsules is then transferred from stomach to the intestine. The alkaline environment of the intestine dissolves the capsule shell and release the medication. The medication is then neutralized with the alkaline environment which makes it suitable for the absorption in the body.

3.What are the benefits of using acid resistant capsules?

Acid resistant capsules are the silent guardians that protect and shield the sensitive ingredients and protecting them from the harsh environment of the stomach. They just wait for the right time for dissolving when the right conditions are ensured. Here are the key benefits:

Protect sensitive ingredients:

Protect sensitive ingredients

The capsules have some sensitive ingredients like enzymes, probiotics and other sensitive drugs which can react and can destroyed by the stomach acid. But these ingredients are stored and protected by the capsule shell where shielding against the stomach acid occur and the drugs are securely delivered to the intestine.

Prevent stomach irritation:

Some medications when interact with stomach tissue, it cause stomach pain and ulcer but the capsules protect these drugs from interaction with and dissolving in the stomach. In this way, acid resistant capsules prevent irritation.

Improved drug absorption and effectiveness:

Some drugs can be effective if absorbed in the intestine as compared to the stomach. The absorption of the drug depends upon the surface area of the site, PH level and the digestive enzymes. The acid resistant capsules have medication that are effective when slowly absorbed in the intestine.

Targeted delivery for intestinal conditions:

Targeted delivery for intestinal conditions

Some capsules are used for the treatment of diseases like intestinal infections, Crohn’s disease, and ulcerative colitis. The capsules are designed in such a manner that it opens exact at the site where medication is needed. In this way, the absorption and wastage of drugs is avoided.

Improved patient compliance:

Some patients avoid medication due to side effect of these medications like stomach ulcer etc. and people do not stick to the routine medications because stomach discomfort occur. But acid resistant capsules can minimize these discomfort because these capsules do not dissolve in stomach.

The reduced risk factor and healthy stomach condition can improve your daily treatment outcomes.

4.What are the types of acid resistant capsules?

The diversity of acid resistant capsules are vast. Different types of acid resistant capsules are available depending on the function and their making procedure. The key types of acid resistant capsules are as follows:

Enteric-coated capsules:

Enteric-coated capsules-Picture courtesy: capscanada.com

These are regular capsules having shell coating is made up of polymer that is sensitive to PH. This type of capsules show resistant against stomach acid and provide a shield against the drug inside it. When it reaches to the small intestine, the capsule dissolves and the drugs become active and start their work. In this way it absorbed in the body.

The coating is made up of polymers and copolymers. Some of the common coating polymers are cellulose acetate phthalate, alginate, methacrylic acid and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose phthalate.

Capsules made from enteric polymer shells:

Capsules made from enteric polymer shells

This type of capsules shell are made up of enteric resistant materials instead of coating. This type of capsules are often used by vegetarian having enteric properties. The content or drug inside the capsules are often heat sensitive.

Delayed-release capsules with enteric-coated pellets:

Delayed-release capsules with enteric-coated pellets

This type of avoid resistant capsules are filled with small pellets or granules which are coated with an acid resistant layers. The capsules are dissolved in the stomach but the granules inside it remain intact and does not dissolve in the stomach.

When these pellets reach to the intestine, they dissolve there and absorption of drugs occur. This type of capsules help in delivering different doses at different sites of gastrointestinal tract.

Dual-layer or multi-coated capsules:

Dual-layer or multi-coated capsules –Picture courtesy: qualicaps.co

This type of capsules are advanced formulation where the capsules or granules inside it are covered with multi layered coating for different purposes. The layers aim are to make them acid resistant, delayed or extended release in the intestine and controlled release.

The purpose of this capsules are to release the drugs at specific points and useful for the release of drugs at different positions of the intestine for absorption.

Gelatin capsules with external enteric coating:

Gelatin capsules with external enteric coating

These are the standard gelatin capsules having the capsule itself is not resistant to the acid but the coating of acid resistant materials like cellulose acetate phthalate is usually done to make it enteric ( acid-resistant). The outer layer is coated after the capsule is filled with a content.

The purpose of this type of capsules is to protect the content in the stomach and prevent stomach from irritation. It is suitable for those capsules that have already filled with drug but later, you can make it acid resistant.

5.Are acid resistant capsules safe for long-term use?

Some people take supplements and medications in the journey for better health. But the acid resistant capsules are designed in such a style that protect the drugs inside it from the harsh environment of the stomach. Many of you must be wondering are these capsules safe for long term use?

Well, the long-term use of these capsules depends on the health condition of individual and the content of the capsules. Here are some points to be considered for safety:

Coating materials:

The acid resistant or enteric-coating capsules are made up of copolymers such as cellulose acetate phthalate and many other polymers. These substances are approved by FDA which is considered as health authorities and proved these polymers re non-toxic.

As these polymers are synthetic and long-term use may be at risk so you should use some alternative polymers for your safety.

Impact on digestion:

Impact on digestion

As these capsules pass through the stomach that may change the normal digestive system. Some medications need quick absorption into the body but these capsules may delayed the absorption of certain drugs. The gut have some friendly micro biota but these capsules have materials like enzymes, drugs and probiotics or antibiotics which can change the gut micro biota.

Potential allergies or sensitivities:

Potential allergies or sensitivities-Picture courtesy: elceclinics.com

You might be sensitive or allergic to certain coating agents or the filled material inside the capsules. If these capsules interact with your body then allergic reactions can occur. You may also suffer from gastrointestinal issue and the filled materials inside the capsule may interact with other medications.

Overuse concerns:

Some vitamins require quick absorption in your body but if you use acid resistant capsules unnecessary then the absorption capacity of body may alter. Due to this reason, the imbalance nutrients absorption occur over time.

6.Do you know the plant based or vegan acid resistant capsules?

Some individuals curious to know either plant based or vegan acid resistant capsule are available in the market. Yes, there are vegan or plant based acid resistant capsules are available which are made without the gelatin or animal derived substances but having the same purpose. Some common plant based acid resistant capsules are as follows:

Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose (HPMC) Capsules:

Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose (HPMC) Capsules-Picture courtesy: capsuline.com

These capsules are composed of plant cellulose usually from pine tree and cotton linters. The polymer used is pH independent polymer and are stable at acidic conditions. The labelling is clean and good and commonly used in Nutraceutical and pharmaceutical industries.

There are no artificial enteric chemicals used for coating, so they are vegan-friendly. These capsules are free from gluten, gelatin and other major allergens. They are suitable over a wide range of temperature and humidity.

Pullulan capsules:

Pullulan capsules -Picture courtesy: capsuline.com

Pullulan capsules are derived from plants and offer gluten free and allergen free options. These capsules are hard capsules. These capsules are ideal for sensitivity ingredients that are sensitive to oxygen because these capsules offer high oxygen barrier and prevent the ingredients from antioxydation.

You can get advantages from this capsule as it is vegan-friendly, formulations requiring low oxygen permeability and ideal for transparent capsule shells.

Starch-based capsules:

Starch-based capsules-Picture courtesy: tabletscapsules.com

The starch based capsules are made up of starch obtained from plants like potato, corn or tapioca. This is blended with other materials like alginate to make acid resistant or enteric coated capsules.

These capsules are used custom supplement formulations or used in gummies, chewables which need delayed release.  This capsules are acid resistant capsules and offers you fully plant based or allergen free options.

What to look for on supplement labels:

If you are curious about the plant based supplements that offers you acid resistant options then you should check the following labels on the capsule bottles. The labels should be enteric resistant, gluten-free, allergen-free or brands name like DRcaps®.

7.Can acid resistant capsules be opened or crushed?

The delivering of medicine to the final destination is as important as the medicine itself. The acid resistant capsules are specially designed that safeguard the content inside from the stormy acidity of the stomach and finally release them in the intestine. But what happens if you opened or crushed them?

Tampering with this protective layer or shell can change the medication works and leads to negative consequences.

Why it can’t be opened or crushed?

These reason behind it are as follows:

Loss of acid protection:

Loss of acid protection

The capsules provide protection to the sensitive ingredients that are filled inside it. The ingredients may be enzymes, probiotics and other sensitive drugs. If the capsules are opened or crushed then the active ingredients inside it becomes less effective or inactive before reaching to the final site.

Increased risk of stomach irritation:

The acid resistant capsules are specially designed that protect the stomach lining from irritation. If the capsule are opened or crushes, the content inside it are exposed to the stomach lining which cause irritation, pain, inflammation and sometimes ulcer especially if your stomach are exposed for a long time.

Altered absorption and effectiveness:

Altered absorption and effectiveness of opened capsule

The acid resistant capsules are specially crafted to release the content under the specific pH environment. If the capsules are opened or crushed then active ingredients release are too early and leads to less effectiveness due to reduced absorption and may cause side effects.

Are there any exceptions?:

If acid resistant capsules are prescribed for elderly or children then yes, there are exceptions available but you have to consult your doctor for that. The alternative forms are chewables and liquids. You can also use soft gels, gummies, and powder and liquid version medication.

8.What machines are used to make acid resistant capsules?

The acid resistant capsules manufacturing involves both capsule making and coating technologies. The acid resistant is built into the capsule or the coating occur in the capsules. The machines and techniques used in the process of acid resistant capsules are as follows:

Capsule filling machine:

The empty capsules are filled with filling materials like pellet, granules, powder, liquid and oil. This machine is the core of the capsule production. There are two types of capsule filling machine.

Automatic capsule filling machine:

AIPAK automatic capsule filling machine

This machine automatically separate capsule body and cap. The capsule body is filled with a filling materials with accurate dose. Then capsule closing and ejection occur. This machine produces high precise filled capsules with high speed. A large volume of filled capsules are produced in industries.

Semi-automatic capsule filling machine:

AIPAK semi-automatic capsule filling machine

Semi-automatic capsule filling machine needs the help of an operator. The operator manually put the capsules for filling and then closing occur. This machine is ideal for small to medium production of capsules. You can use in laboratories, clinical trials and small industries.

Capsule polishing machine:

AIPAK capsule polishing machine

After this step, the capsules are processed for polishing. For this, the polishing machine is used to remove the  residues and enhance the appearance of capsules. The gleamy and glossy capsules are gathered after this procedure.

In this machine, the brush system is integrated to remove the powder residue. Also, you must have to handle the capsules carefully to avoid cracks and leakage.

Capsule blister pack packing machine:

AIPAK blister packing machine

Then the finished acid resistant capsules are packs into the blisters by blister packing machine. This machine collect, put, seal and discharge the final blister packs of the capsules. This machine also print the essential information about the capsules on the packs of blisters.

9.How does it take time to dissolve the acid resistant capsules in the intestine?

Modern pharmaceutical advancement have innovation, one of them is acid resistant or enteric-coated capsules. This capsules have the capability to combat the highly acidic condition in the stomach (pH 1-3.5) and release its content when reached to the intestine where the pH level is high usually from 6- 7.5. The time it takes depend upon the capsules dissolution and releasing of its content. These depends upon the several factors.

Gastric emptying time:

Gastric emptying time

When you take capsules, it reaches to the stomach first. The capsules wait there until empty the stomach. The metabolism of food varies depend upon the food and the nature of capsule.

The average time for the enteric-resistant capsules to reach the intestine is from 30 minutes to 2 hours. Where it dissolves and release its content for the absorption.

Dissolution in the intestine:

When the acid resistant capsules reach to the intestine, the high pH makes a perfect environment for its dissolution. The dissolution process takes 15 to 30 minutes and then the drugs inside it.

Total time from ingestion to the dissolution:

The total time that takes time from ingestion to dissolution depends upon the person physiology, type of food and the digestion time of the individual. The time taken is from 45 minutes to 2.5 hours.

10.Can probiotics survive the stomach acid without an acid resistant capsules?

Some probiotics survive the acidity of the stomach. The stomach acid kills the harmful bacteria but sometimes, it can also destroyed the beneficial probiotic bacteria before they reach to the intestine.

The probiotics are useful bacteria and yeast which are usually used for aiding digestion. When these probiotics are used without the protection then it encounter the high acidity of stomach and may have chances of destruction.

Low pH of stomach:

When probiotics are taken with food or supplements, they bypass through the stomach. The stomach has low pH or you can say, high acidity level. Before reaching the intestine, the workplace of probiotics, some of them are destroyed or killed by the stomach acid, also known as gastric acid before reaching the intestine.

The probiotics wants to reach the intestine, where it provide its benefits but before reaching the intestine, unfortunately, they been killed in the stomach before reaching the intestine. This problem is mostly occur when these probiotics are not given protection.

Factors that affect the survival of probiotics in the stomach:

Type of probiotic:

Probiotic-Picture courtesy: nccih.nih

The survival rate of various probiotics in the harsh condition of the stomach depend upon the type of probiotics. For example, saccharomyces boulardii are naturally acid resistant and can survive in low acidic condition of the stomach. While some strain of probiotics are fragile and can’t tolerate the acidity of the stomach and die quickly.

Taken with food or not:

If you are taking the probiotics with food especially those having high fat content, then it reach the stomach in buffer form. The buffer condition increase the chance of their survival in the stomach. The probiotics reach the small intestine and form colony there.

But if taken on empty stomach, then they are exposed to the stomach lining and hence, easily effected by the gastric juices and killed there.

Form of the probiotic supplement:

Form of the probiotic supplement –Picture courtesy: nifdo.com

Acid resistant capsules are specially designed that protect the probiotics inside it. When these capsules reach the stomach, they remain inactive and doesn’t affect by the gastric acid where p H level is very low means high acidity is there.

When they reached to the small intestine where the pH level is high means alkaline environment is there, then these probiotics becomes active. As a result, good bacteria reach to small intestine where they work.

Without the protection, these probiotics have chances of die before reaching the small intestine.

11.What should you look for while choosing probiotic products with an acid resistant capsules?

The probiotics or other drugs are encapsulated in the capsules especially acid resistant capsules or enteric coated capsules which protect the probiotics from destruction in the stomach and safely reached to the small intestine where they work.

While buying the products with an acid resistant capsules, you must have to check the label having following things must be considered:

Look at for the acid resistant or gastro-resistant word:

Look at for the acid resistant or gastro-resistant word

While buying the products, you must have check the label like acid resistant, enteric-coated capsules, delayed-released tech ology and gastro-resistant formula. This means that the living bacteria are inside the capsules and capsules safeguarding the drug inside it. This shell will protect the inside materials from the harsh environment of the stomach and will safely reach to your intestine.

Check for the researched strain:

While buying the acid resistant capsules, you must not just look for the species, but look for the specific strain like don’t look for Lactobacillus acidophilus instead check the Lactobacillus acidophilus LA-5.

Look at the quality assurance:

Look at the quality assurance-Picture courtesy: solgar.com

Look for the certifications like Non-GMO, GMP, NSF certifies or USP verified. This shows that the products are safe and meets the quality standards.

Conclusion:

It is concluded that acid resistant capsules play a vital role in the protection of drugs and probiotics that are effective in intestine. They pass through the harsh and acidic environment of the stomach just because of the protective shell of the capsule. In the manufacturing of acid resistant capsules, AIPAK is providing you various machines by ensuring you accurate dosage, consistent quality and proper coating that resists stomach acid. So, what are you waiting for, contact us! We’ll provide you a high quality machines.