The Truth: They're Identical
Let's start with the confusion: you've probably seen products labelled as both "delayed release capsules" and "enteric coated capsules" and wondered what makes them different.
The answer: Nothing. They're two names for the exact same product.
Why two names exist: "Enteric coated" is the technical pharmaceutical term. "Delayed release" is the marketing-friendly description of what the coating does. Both refer to capsules with a special pH-sensitive coating that resists stomach acid.
Throughout this guide, we'll use both terms interchangeably because that's how they're used in the real world. Just know they mean the same thing.
How Enteric Coating Actually Works
All capsules dissolve when exposed to liquid. The difference is where that dissolution happens.
Standard Capsules (Gelatin or Vegetarian)
- Dissolution location: Stomach
- Dissolution time: 10-20 minutes after swallowing
- Release point: Contents release directly into stomach acid (pH 1.5-3.5)
- What happens: Stomach acid immediately begins breaking down whatever's inside
Enteric Coated (Delayed Release) Capsules
- Dissolution location: Small intestine
- Dissolution time: 30-60 minutes after swallowing (time to pass through stomach)
- Release point: Contents release in intestinal environment (pH 6.0-7.4)
- What happens: Stomach acid never touches the contents—they're protected until reaching the intestines
The key insight: Enteric coating is pH-sensitive. It remains intact in acidic environments (stomach) but dissolves in neutral/alkaline environments (intestines). This isn't magic—it's chemistry.
The Coating Material
Our Enteric Coated Capsules use HPMC (hydroxypropyl methylcellulose) as the base material with a specialised enteric coating applied. This makes them:
- 100% vegetarian/vegan (plant-based)
- BSE-free and gluten-free
- Halal and Kosher certified
- Resistant to stomach acid but responsive to intestinal pH
Standard vs Enteric Coated: Real Differences
| Feature | Standard Gelatin | Standard Vegetarian | Enteric Coated |
|---|---|---|---|
| Material | Bovine gelatin | HPMC (plant-based) | HPMC + enteric coating |
| Dissolution Location | Stomach | Stomach | Small intestine |
| Dissolution Time | 10-20 minutes | 15-25 minutes | 30-60 minutes |
| Acid Protection | None | None | Complete |
| Best For | General use, cost-effective | Vegan/vegetarian, dietary | Acid-sensitive contents |
| Price (250 count) | $10-12 | $12-14 | $19-20 |
Who Actually Needs Enteric Coated Capsules?
Honest assessment: Most people (80-90% of users) don't need enteric coated capsules. Standard gelatin or vegetarian capsules work perfectly well for typical supplement use.
But for specific applications, enteric coating solves problems that standard capsules cannot.
Scenario 1: Probiotics & Live Cultures
The problem: Stomach acid kills beneficial bacteria. Your expensive probiotic supplement dies before reaching the intestines where it's needed.
Why enteric coating helps: Protects live cultures from stomach acid, delivering them alive to the intestinal environment where they colonise.
Verdict: Strong case for enteric coating. Probiotics are expensive—protecting your investment makes sense.
Scenario 2: Fish Oil & Omega-3 Supplements
The problem: Fish oil burps. When fish oil releases in the stomach, you experience unpleasant fishy burps and aftertaste for hours.
Why enteric coating helps: Delays release until small intestine, completely eliminating fishy burps and aftertaste.
Verdict: Strong case for enteric coating if fishy burps bother you. Quality of life improvement justifies the cost.
Scenario 3: Digestive Enzymes
The problem: Many digestive enzymes work best in the intestinal environment, not the stomach. Releasing in the stomach wastes the enzyme activity.
Why enteric coating helps: Delivers enzymes to the exact location where they're most effective.
Verdict: Moderate case. Depends on the specific enzyme and its pH requirements. Check with your practitioner.
Scenario 4: Acid-Sensitive Herbs & Botanicals
Examples: Certain herbal extracts, curcumin, some botanical compounds
The problem: Some compounds degrade in stomach acid, reducing bioavailability and effectiveness.
Why enteric coating helps: Preserves the compound until it reaches the intestines where absorption is better.
Verdict: Case-by-case basis. Research the specific compound to determine if acid sensitivity is an issue.
What DON'T Need Enteric Coating
The following work perfectly fine in standard capsules:
- Turmeric, herbs, and most botanicals: Not acid-sensitive enough to justify the cost
- Vitamins and minerals: Designed to be absorbed in the stomach or upper intestine
- Protein powder: Stomach acid is part of protein digestion
- Most supplements: Unless specifically formulated to require enteric protection
- Medications: Unless your doctor specifically prescribes enteric coated formulations
Rule of thumb: If you've been taking something successfully in standard capsules without issues, there's no reason to switch to enteric coated. Don't fix what isn't broken.
Honest Cost-Benefit Analysis
Let's talk numbers, because cost matters when you're making capsules regularly.
Price Comparison (per 1,000 capsules)
| Capsule Type | 250 count | 1,000 count | Cost per capsule |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gelatin (Size 0) | $10 | $25 | $0.025 |
| Vegetarian (Size 0) | $12 | $30 | $0.030 |
| Enteric Coated (Size 0) | $19 | $51 | $0.051 |
Cost difference: Enteric coated capsules cost roughly double what standard capsules cost.
When the Premium Is Worth It
✓ You're taking expensive probiotics ($40-80 per month) and want to ensure they survive stomach acid
✓ Fishy burps from omega-3s are making you non-compliant with supplementation
✓ You're encapsulating ingredients specifically designed for intestinal delivery
✓ You're experiencing stomach upset from certain supplements and want to try delayed release
✓ Your practitioner recommends enteric protection for specific compounds
When Standard Capsules Make More Sense
✗ General supplementation with turmeric, herbs, vitamins
✗ You're on a tight budget and the substances don't require acid protection
✗ You're making large batches of common supplements (cost adds up quickly)
✗ You haven't noticed problems with standard capsules
Smart approach: Many customers use standard capsules for most supplements and reserve enteric coated capsules for specific applications (probiotics, fish oil). This balances effectiveness with cost.
Your Decision Guide
Still not sure? Use this decision tree:
Decision Framework
Start here: What are you encapsulating?
Probiotics or live cultures?
→ Go with Enteric Coated
Fish oil or omega-3s?
→ Do you get fishy burps with standard capsules?
• Yes → Enteric Coated
• No → Standard Vegetarian works fine
Herbs, vitamins, or minerals?
→ Are you vegetarian/vegan?
• Yes → Standard Vegetarian
• No → Standard Gelatin (most cost-effective)
Not sure if your ingredient is acid-sensitive?
→ Start with standard capsules. If you don't notice issues, no need to upgrade.
How to Fill Enteric Coated Capsules
Good news: filling enteric coated capsules is identical to filling standard capsules. The enteric coating is on the outside—it doesn't change the filling process at all.
Step-by-Step Process
- Separate the capsules: Pull apart the cap and body just like standard capsules
- Fill the body portion: Add your powder, oil, or contents
- Replace the cap: Push the two halves together until they lock
- Store properly: Keep in a cool, dry place away from moisture
Storage tip: Enteric coated capsules are slightly more sensitive to humidity than standard capsules. Use our moisture absorber packets in your storage container, especially in humid climates like Queensland and NSW coastal regions.
Can I Use a Filling Machine?
Yes, absolutely. Our capsule filling machines work perfectly with enteric coated capsules. Since they're available in Size 00 and Size 0, you can use the corresponding machine for efficient batch filling.
The enteric coating is applied to the exterior of the capsule, so it doesn't interfere with machine operation at all.
What About Scales?
If you're measuring precise doses (especially for probiotics or supplements with specific requirements), our Micro Scales accurate to 0.01g are essential. This is particularly important for:
- Probiotic cultures (specific CFU requirements)
- Enzyme supplements (dosage matters)
- Any compound where precise amounts affect efficacy
Frequently Asked Questions
Are enteric coated capsules vegetarian?
Yes! Our Enteric Coated Capsules are made from HPMC (plant-based) and are 100% vegetarian and vegan. They're also Halal and Kosher certified.
Can I see through enteric coated capsules?
No, enteric coated capsules are opaque (not clear). The coating process makes them less transparent than standard capsules. You won't be able to see your contents through the capsule shell.
Are they harder to swallow?
No, they're the same physical size as standard capsules. Size 00 enteric coated swallows the same as Size 00 standard. There's no difference in swallowability.
Do they take longer to work?
Yes, by design. Enteric coated capsules take 30-60 minutes to reach the intestines before dissolving. Standard capsules dissolve in 10-20 minutes in the stomach. This delay is intentional—it's the whole point of enteric coating.
Can I use them for all my supplements?
You can, but it's usually not necessary and adds cost. Most supplements don't require enteric protection. Save enteric coated capsules for specific applications (probiotics, fish oil, acid-sensitive compounds) where the benefit justifies the higher price.
What sizes are available?
Our Enteric Coated Capsules are available in Size 00 and Size 0—the two most popular sizes that cover 80% of use cases.
Will stomach acid damage them?
No, that's what they're designed to resist. The enteric coating is specifically formulated to remain intact in stomach acid (pH 1.5-3.5) and only dissolve in the higher pH environment of the small intestine (pH 6.0-7.4).
Can I fill them with oils?
Yes, HPMC capsules (which enteric coated capsules are made from) handle oils better than gelatin capsules. They're less prone to leaking with oil-based contents.
How should I store filled enteric coated capsules?
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Use an airtight container with moisture absorber packets. Enteric coated capsules are slightly more sensitive to humidity than standard capsules, so moisture control is important.
Ready to Get Started?
Now that you understand the difference between standard and enteric coated capsules, you can make an informed decision for your specific needs.
Shop Enteric Coated Capsules
Perfect for probiotics, fish oil, and acid-sensitive supplements. Available in Size 00 and Size 0. Vegetarian, BSE-free, Halal and Kosher certified.
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