The Ultimate Guide to Oral Dosage Forms for Supplements & Pharmaceuticals [Vol. 2]

Capsules, Softgels, Chewable Tablets and Gummies

Welcome to part two of our guide examining the factors in choosing the right oral dosage form for dietary supplements and pharmaceutical products. For manufacturers of such products, our series breaks down all the key pros and cons to consider including appearance and form, product performance, and consumer perception and compliance.

Capsules vs. Softgels

When considering capsules and softgels, stability is paramount. Capsules stand out for being more stable and less permeable to air and moisture. Softgels can degrade faster, especially with certain types of active ingredients.

The challenges with softgels are complicated; gelatin is extremely water-soluble, which in turn,? helps it dissolve in the body. However, the greater problem of this solubility is that softgels are sensitive to mild weather conditions like heat and humidity. In those conditions, softgels may stick together or even break open before consumers have a chance to use them.

Capsules vs. Chewable Tablets and Gummies

The debate between capsules and chewable tablets or gummies is particularly interesting. Unlike gummies, capsules can be designed for controlled or delayed release, which has numerous benefits for the consumer; including, but not limited to, maintaining a consistent level of supplement or medication delivery within the body, reducing the likelihood of uneven “burst drug release,” and even lowering the number of doses to save the consumer money — especially for oral dosages consumed on a daily basis.

Capsules also project a more professional and medically serious image. This can be an essential aspect to consider, especially when gummies are often associated with candy, potentially diminishing the perceived seriousness of effectiveness of a health or medical product. This can mean lesser compliance, the degree to which consumers continue to take the supplement as recommended or prescribed.

In summary, capsules demonstrate performance superior to other dosage forms due to their versatility in accommodating various active ingredients and the precise dosing they offer. They also stand out for their consumer preference due to easier consumption, taste masking, and more “healthy” appearance.

Choosing capsules as the delivery method for your products means opting for a solution that caters to consumer needs and industry demands. Examining the evidence clearly illustrates why capsules are a preferred dosage form for the delivery of supplements and medication.

Read Part One: Capsules, Tablets, Powders and Liquids >>

References

"Modified-Release Drug Delivery Technology," by M. J. Rathbone et al., 2nd ed., 2008

“Controlled Release Technologies for Extended Release Tablets,” by UPM Pharmaceuticals Partners with RedHill Biopharma, 2020

"Challenges of Dissolution Methods Development for Soft Gelatin Capsules. Pharmaceutics, 13(2), 214" by Damian et al., 2021