Dietary supplements function to close nutrient gaps in our diets. But supplement efficacy depends on successful delivery. Softgels support nutrient sufficiency via oral delivery mechanisms.
They have been used pharmaceutically for over 75 years—precisely delivering capsule contents.
Please Note: softgel capsules deliver both nutraceuticals and pharmaceuticals. This blog pertains to and discusses only nutraceutical delivery.
What Are Softgels?
Soft gels deliver nutrients orally via specialized capsules. They utilize a gelatinous shell that holds liquid vitamins and minerals within. The gelatinous texture allows the capsule to easily break down once it reaches the intestinal tract. Once the softgel dissolves, the encapsulated nutrients are released and absorbed into the bloodstream for efficient use by the body.
Benefits of Softgels
Though this list is not exhaustive, below are some of the benefits of softgel capsules:
- Increased Bioavailability: stabilizing techniques allow for controlled release
- Easy To Swallow: flexible & smooth exterior with no taste or smell
- Rapid Release: promotes fast dispersion & absorption into the bloodstream
- Air Tight Seal: hermetic seal protects nutrient contents from light & oxygen
- Precise Dosage: accurate dosing supports the effectiveness of low & ultralow doses
Gelatinous capsules offer precise delivery. Their structure dissolves rapidly once it reaches the intestinal tract, increasing bioavailability and supporting absorption. Softgels offer precise dosages, supporting individuals with low-dose needs.
Afterall, you are what you absorb!
How Are Softgel Supplements Made?
Softgel supplement manufacturing requires extensive pharmaceutical and machinery knowledge. Below we offer a simplified version of the average softgel manufacturing process:
- Internal components—the supplemental nutrient—undergo quality-control checks
- Gelatin, glycerin and water are blended to create the capsule base
- Nutrient fills—what goes in the softgel capsule—are diluted to the correct potency
- The capsule base is cooled into two gel sheets & formed into the desired capsule shape
- As the two sheets come together, the nutrient fill is injected into the capsule
- A rotating drum minimally dries the softgels until they maintain a consistent shape
- The capsules then undergo a controlled air-dry outside of the rotating drum
- Once dried, the softgels are packaged for delivery and consumption
Though softgel manufacturing offers standardized supplement capsulation, procedures and machinery may vary by manufacturer.
Quick Facts about Softgel Supplements:
Nutraceuticals support nutrient sufficiency by supplementing deficient vitamins and minerals. Softgels deliver nutrients to the body via gelatinous oral capsules.
Benefits of softgels include the following:
- Easy To Swallow: smooth & tasteless exterior is easier to swallow than chalky tablets
- Increased Bioavailability: stabilizing techniques allow controlled & precise delivery
- Air Tight Seal: protects nutrients from light & oxygen to maintain viability
Softgel supplements may support a positive supplement experience. If you have individual concerns, speak with your healthcare provider about what supplement delivery mechanisms best suit your personal needs!