Why are Some Capsules Filled with Liquid Instead of Powder?
At first glance, most people assume capsules always contain powder — but have you ever wondered why some are filled with liquid?
Let’s break it down! Capsules generally come in two types:
- Hard Gelatin Capsules (HGC): Usually filled with dry powders or granules.
- Soft Gelatin Capsules (SGC or Softgels): These often contain liquids, suspensions, or even semi-solids.
But why use liquid at all?
Enhanced Absorption: Some drugs dissolve better in oil or other liquids, making them more bioavailable (faster and more effective absorption in the body). For example, fat-soluble vitamins like Vitamin D, E, A, and K often use this method.
Stability: Certain drugs degrade quickly when exposed to moisture or air. By suspending them in oil or other solvents, they stay stable longer.
Precision Dosing: Liquid formulations can offer more accurate dosing for drugs that require very small, precise amounts — something powders struggle with.
Combination Therapy: Liquids allow for mixing multiple active ingredients that might not blend well as dry powders.
Did you know? Softgel capsules can also prevent drug crystallization! Some active ingredients tend to crystallize when in powder form, which reduces their effectiveness. A liquid base keeps them in a dissolved, more potent state.
Another surprise: Some companies use liquid-filled capsules purely for marketing appeal — they look ‘sleek’ and ‘modern,’ giving the illusion of better efficacy even when there’s no scientific need for it.
Question for you:
Students: Have you ever thought about why your vitamin D supplements are usually softgels, not powders?
Experienced professionals: Have you encountered cases where a drug was unexpectedly switched from powder to liquid form in a capsule? Was it for bioavailability… or branding?
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Resource Person: Dev Soni
