Producing the perfect supplement means paying close attention not only to the contents of the capsule, but also the material used for its shell. Whether you’re formulating omega-3s, probiotics or multivitamins, choosing the right softgel excipient can make all the difference. Not all fills are encapsulated equally and many come with their own unique challenges that can affect efficacy. Here, we explore a specific issue in supplement formulation – ingredients that can irritate the stomach – and reveal our tailormade solution.

Maximum benefit, zero discomfort

Multivitamins, along with essential micronutrients such as iron and zinc, are well known for their benefits, be they immune health support, plugging nutrient deficiency gaps or supporting overall wellbeing. However, there is a downside as these ingredients can sometimes be harsh on the stomach, causing irritation, discomfort or even nausea. Iron supplements, for example, undergo an oxidation process in the gut that can cause digestive issues, particularly if taken on an empty stomach or alongside dairy products and caffeine [1]. A high concentration of nutrients in multivitamins can also irritate the stomach if not consumed with foods that support vitamin absorption [2]. This leaves formulators with a tricky dilemma – how best to ensure that these powerful ingredients deliver their promised benefits without triggering gastric discomfort.

Save time and money

Enteric capsules offer the perfect solution to this problem. They allow the delayed release of ingredients, ensuring that they pass through the stomach intact before being released in the small intestine, where they are absorbed. Essentially, enteric capsules protect both the stomach from the supplement, and the supplement from the acidic environment of the stomach, which has a pH of around 1.5 to 3.5.

Traditionally, the manufacture of enteric capsules has been a complicated two-step process involving the creation of the softgels followed by the application of a coating, often at a third-party site. This not only involves additional time and money, but also increases the carbon footprint of the production process due to additional transportation.

Introducing DELASOL^®: One-step solution

DELASOL^® is a game-changer as it supports the production of enteric softgels in just one step – and without the need for an additional coating. This saves time, costs and resources, while delivering a product that’s as effective as it is efficient.

Comprising a blend of gelatin and pectin, DELASOL^® is made entirely from natural ingredients. This combination creates a virtually insoluble network that remains intact in the acidic environment of the stomach. With a dissociation pH value of approximately 6.5, DELASOL^® softgels only begin to dissolve and release their fill once they reach the small intestine, where the pH level is almost neutral. Here, the gelatin and pectin chains form a soluble complex that attracts water and starts the dissolution process. This ensures the active ingredients are released right where they need to be – without causing unpleasant side-effects in the process.

Reliable protection and targeted release

In fact, dissolution tests showed that all DELASOL^® capsules remained sealed in a simulated gastric acid milieu but released their fill within 10 minutes once the pH was adjusted to the more neutral conditions of the small intestine. DELASOL^® is the first and only gelatin innovation that allows the production of enteric softgels in a single step, providing a smart, sustainable and cost-effective solution for even the most challenging supplement ingredients.

For further insights into softgel production with DELASOL^®, download our eBook here:

Perfect Enteric Softgels in One Simple Step: See a Clear Difference with DELASOL^®

References

[1] https://www.pharmicsvitamins.com/blogwhy-do-iron-supplements-upset-my-stomach/ 

[2] https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/why-do-multivitamins-make-me-nauseous