Gellan Gum's Modified-Release Triumph: Pacing the Delivery of Nutrients

We all aspire to a healthy brain, don't we? We like to feel smarter and more capable and improve our cognitive functions (like memory, motivation, or creativity).

It's why so many turn to nootropics (and other dietary supplements). But for these nootropics to work their best, they need to be delivered to our bodies in just the right way. And that's where Gellan Gum capsules may come into play.*

But how can a simple capsule impact your brain health? Keep reading, and let us explain:

Gellan Gum capsules are a modern way to encapsulate nootropic compounds.

Gellan Gum, a natural gelling agent, can provide support in controlling nutrient release within the body.*

For us, that was one of the aspects that weighed heavily when we’ve often chosen Gellan Gum for our time-release capsules. Why? Because how and when nutrients are released in the gastrointestinal tract can make a big difference between an average nootropic and an advanced product.*

Take traditional capsules as an example. Currently, three primary types of gelling agents (besides Gellan Gum) are typically used to make vegetarian capsules: Acacia Bean Gum, Carrageenan, and Xanthan Gum.

But, for us, all these alternatives come with potential drawbacks:

✗ Acacia Bean Gum (Gum Arabic): Although it's a versatile and widely used stabilizer, it might not offer the same level of precision in controlling the release of encapsulated nutrients. Its primary use is for emulsification and stabilization rather than controlled release, which can limit its effectiveness in nootropic formulations that require precise delivery.*

✗ Carrageenan: Carrageenan is known for its thickening and gelling properties. However, it has been controversial due to potential digestive issues and inflammation concerns.*^1,2

✗ Xanthan Gum: Xanthan Gum is a powerful thickening agent, but its primary function is to improve texture rather than to modulate the release of active ingredients. While it can help stabilize mixtures, it doesn't offer the same control over release mechanisms as Gellan Gum, potentially leading to less efficient absorption of nutrients.*

Here's the thing: If nutrients are released too quickly or too slowly, your body may not absorb them optimally. And, a significant % of these nutrients may be lost (as they won't get absorbed but excreted instead)—you don't want that.*

Why Gellan Gum capsules are particularly suited for this role?

Because they have the ability to be engineered to release their encapsulated compounds in a sustained, delayed, or targeted manner:*

✓ Sustained Release: Gellan Gum capsules can slowly release nutrients over time.^3,4 So, instead of getting a big, quick hit of a nootropic that wears off fast, your body can receive a more steady supply. It's like snacking on small, healthy meals throughout the day instead of eating one huge feast. This steady release can help your body use the nutrients more effectively and for a more extended period.*

✓ Delayed Release: Sometimes, it's better if a nootropic doesn't start working right away but waits until it reaches a specific part of your digestive system.⁵ Gellan Gum capsules can be designed to do just that. This is especially useful for nutrients that might be broken down too quickly in the stomach or those that work best in the intestines.*

✓ Targeted Release: Imagine if you could tell a nootropic exactly where to go in your body. Gellan Gum capsules can be engineered to target specific areas.⁵ This precision means that the nootropics can be more effective, as they are released precisely where they are most needed without unnecessarily affecting other parts of the body.*