Tackling Digestibility: Gellan Gum vs. Carrageenan-Based Capsules

Some prefer capsules over other nutrient delivery systems (like tablets) because they are typically easier to swallow and more convenient. But did you know that not all capsules are made the same?

We believe a capsule's composition is equally important as the nutrients it's designed to deliver. If the capsule breaks down too slowly (or too fast), it may result in reduced overall nutrient absorption or cause gastrointestinal upset.*

One powerful solution? Gellan Gum capsules. Why? Because Gellan Gum aligns with our quality standards. You may find this interesting:

Carrageenan capsules: the standard approach with potential environmental impact.

First things first: your typical, everyday Carrageenan capsules. Obtained from red seaweed, Carrageenan capsules have been a standard in the nootropics industry, with ongoing improvements in sourcing and production methods.

But the whole Carrageenan-making process can be complex, labor-intensive, and energy-consuming.

1) First, the seaweed is harvested, then cleaned, chopped, and, finally, boiled in an alkaline solution.

2) The resulting compound is then further processed and refined to remove potential contaminants and obtain a standardized product.

Plus, since the quality of Carrageenan typically depends on having good seaweed to start with, more savvy consumers express concerns about how Carrageenan is sourced.

Carrageenan is sourced from seaweed, which is a natural source. It can't be bad... right?

In truth, this plant-based compound may be at the center of a controversy. In a letter published as early as 1981 in The Lancet, one of the world's leading medical journals, scientists expressed their concern with Carrageenan's safety.¹

And those scientists are in good company. Parallel research shows that Carrageenan, even in tiny amounts, may cause inflammation and/or digestive issues.^*2,3

Gellan Gum-based capsules: a modern alternative?

Gellan Gum is a water-soluble polysaccharide, recognized for its unique gelling, stabilizing, and thickening properties. Its origin traces back to the bacterium Pseudomonas elodea, from which it is produced through a fermentation process.

Gellan Gum was discovered in the late 1970s in a lily pad sample from a Pennsylvania freshwater pond by researchers exploring new gelling agents.

Recognizing its potential, the compound was commercially produced and introduced to the market by the 1980s. Since then, its applications have expanded exponentially.

In modern times, Gellan Gum's versatility has led to its widespread use across various industries, from food to nootropics (notable in capsule formulations, where it offers consistency and uniformity).

Why Gellan Gum capsules may offer a better nutrient delivery system.

Release dynamics dictate how active nutrients inside a capsule disperse into the digestive system. Gellan Gum capsules, influenced by the gum's properties, can form a strong gel, especially when encountering divalent cations like Calcium.

But what's truly interesting is how the strength of Gellan Gum can be 'tweaked' to control the release rate of the nutrients inside. The primary benefit? Consistency. Gellan Gum can offer a steady release, remains stable across diverse pH levels, and showcases thermal stability.*⁴

And when it comes to nutrient absorption rate, we believe digestibility remains paramount. Gellan Gum, obtained from bacterial fermentation, may offer better gelling and stabilizing attributes. It can transit the digestive system, acting as a fiber. Gentle on the gut, it is less likely to cause irritation or other adverse reactions.*

Added benefit? It may help improve digestion.*

A study by the Chemistry Department at the University of Edinburgh examined the effects of ingesting Gellan Gum over 23 days.⁵

The results? Gellan Gum may act as a filler in the diet. For some participants, it slowed down the time food took to pass through the digestive system, while for others, it sped it up.*

Observing these results, researchers concluded that Gellan Gum may still be safe to consume even in larger amounts than usual. Plus, it may help with issues like constipation or diarrhea because it can bulk stool.*

For us, Gellan Gum-based capsules are the superior choice, and for a good reason.

HPMC Gellan Gum is less likely to cause digestive issues, irritation, or other unwanted side effects. It's one of the few additives that not only doesn't introduce potentially harmful substances into the body but may offer some added rewards. Especially in terms of nutrient absorption, an essential factor for us when building our nootropics.*