Gelatin Capsule FAQs
What is gelatin and where do you obtain the gelatin used in your products?
Gelatin is an animal protein used to make capsules, which can deliver measured amounts of products. The pharmaceutical quality gelatin used in our two-piece hard-shell gelatin capsules is obtained through the processing of collagen, a protein composed of eighteen different amino acids found in the connective tissues and bones of most animals, including humans. Collagen is not considered a complete protein since it primarily consists of five non-essential amino acids.
Our two-piece hard-shell gelatin capsules (powder filled) are typically made of beef (bovine). Our softgel (liquid filled) gelatin capsules are typically derived solely from beef gelatin, not pork. Bovine sources must be BSE/TSE free. The gelatin used in our softgels is from cattle bones or cowhides that primarily come from the USA or Brazil and are processed in the USA, with additional possible sources in South and Central America. The gelatin in our two-piece gelatin capsules is typically from the USA or Mexico. In addition, we carry several products using fish gelatin softgels. We typically indicate on our label the source (bovine, fish) of gelatin used in our capsule.
Are NOW products available in capsules that don’t contain gelatin?
For vegetarians and vegans we also offer many products in vegetable capsules, which are derived from either plant cellulose (specifically hydroxypropyl methylcellulose from pine trees) or vegetable polysaccharides from tapioca. We also offer a few products in vegan-friendly “Veggie Softgels” that are gelatin-free.
