Degradation of Properties and Loss of Nutrients in Gelatin Soft Capsules the Manufacturing Process

Abstract

Gelatin soft capsules, manufactured by the press through package(PTP) process, are widely used in the production of multivitamin dietary supplements and other health functional foods. Gelatin capsules can prevent light and air from having a direct contact with the contents in the capsule, and the nutrients inside the capsules are preserved without any loss. In the present study, on the basis of the results on the safety of gelatin capsules. The parameters investigated included degradation of the capsules before their shelf life, capsule deformation, and changes in specific nutrients. Moisture and heat in the production and storage environments of the capsules caused the gelatin to swell and attach some of the inorganic salts in the vitamin contents. Nutritional component analysis showed that B1, B5, B9, and B12 contents were decreased, while mineral elemental analysis shown calcium, chloride, and zinc compound were found to be infused into the gelatin of the capsule shell.