Enteric Coated Gelatin Capsules

A standard gelatin capsule starts breaking down in the stomach within 10–20 minutes. An enteric coated capsule has a pH-sensitive polymer layer over the same gelatin shell. In acidic gastric fluid the layer stays solid — the manufacturer tests it at pH 1.2 for 2 hours with no disintegration. When the capsule moves into the small intestine, where the fluid is closer to neutral, the layer dissolves — tested at pH 6.8, it disintegrates within 30 minutes and the contents are released there. How long that takes in practice depends on how quickly your stomach empties, which varies with meals and the individual.

Enteric capsules are for ingredients you would rather release past the stomach: probiotics and digestive enzymes, fish oil and other omega-3 oils that tend to repeat, peppermint oil, ginger and other herbs that are harsh on an empty stomach, and anything sold as "delayed release". For everyday vitamins, turmeric, mushroom powders and most herbal blends, our standard Gelatin Capsules dissolve in 10–20 minutes and cost less — the coating only earns its keep when you want the contents to bypass the stomach.

These capsules are bovine gelatin, not HPMC. Gelatin is the traditional capsule material — it holds both dry powders and pure oils, snaps together cleanly, and costs less than plant-based shells. Our gelatin is BSE-free and this batch is halal and kosher certified, so it suits most dietary requirements, but it is not vegetarian or vegan. If you need a plant-based capsule, see our Vegetable Capsules — those are standard release, not enteric coated.

Size 00 holds roughly 735mg of a typical powder and is the most common choice for supplements. Size 0 holds roughly 500mg and is easier to swallow. Both sizes come in packs of 250, 500, 1,000, 2,000, 5,000 and 10,000 — buy larger packs for a better per-capsule price. Store sealed capsules somewhere cool and dry; once opened, keep them in an airtight container with a silica gel packet. Humidity softens gelatin shells and can affect the coating, so avoid the bathroom cabinet.