Gelatin is a protein made from animal products.
Contents
Uses
- Gelatin is used for weight loss and for treating osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and brittle bones (osteoporosis). Some people also use it for strengthening bones, joints, and fingernails. Gelatin is also used for improving hair quality and to shorten recovery after exercise and sports-related injury.
- In manufacturing, gelatin is used for preparation of foods, cosmetics, and medicines.
Benefits
Easy Digestion
Gelatin capsules are easily digested and dissolve within minutes of reaching the stomach, according to physician Ray Sahelian, who has a website devoted to natural supplements. This ensures that the medicine or supplement won’t pass through the digestive system without being absorbed.
Increased Bioavailability
Using soft gel capsules can increase the bioavailability of poorly absorbed or poorly soluble nutrients, according to the Natural Products Insider website. Through stabilizing, solubilizing or other techniques, manufacturers can enhance the effectiveness of nutrients such as coenzyme Q10, carotenoids and certain herbal extracts. Many of these methods are not possible with solid materials.
Hermetically Sealed
Unlike any other type of capsules, soft gelatin capsules are hermetically sealed and airtight, as noted by the Natural Products Insider website. This makes them tamper-evident, because any puncture on the surface would cause obvious damage. In addition, the sealed capsule protects the active ingredients from oxygen, a benefit especially important for substances that tend to become rancid, such as fish oil and flaxseed oil. If the capsule is opaque, it also protects the active ingredients from light, which deteriorates some substances.
Consuming the Capsule
Because they have a smooth texture, soft gelatin capsules are easier to swallow for some people than tablets, caplets and other capsules. They also hide the unpleasant taste and odors of substances such as fish oil, which can be disagreeable to take by the teaspoon.
Cautions
- Gelatin is LIKELY SAFE for most people in food amounts and POSSIBLY SAFE in the larger amounts used as medicine. There’s some evidence that gelatin in doses up to 10 grams daily can be safely used for up to 6 months.Gelatin can cause an unpleasant taste, sensation of heaviness in the stomach, bloating, heartburn, and belching. Gelatin can cause allergic reactions in some people.There is some concern about the safety of gelatin because it comes from animal sources. Some people are worried that unsafe manufacturing practices might lead to contamination of gelatin products with diseased animal tissues including those that might transmit mad cow disease (bovine spongiform encephalopathy). Although this risk seems to be low, many experts advise against using animal-derived supplements like gelatin.
Interactions
- We currently have no information for gelatine Interactions.
Other names
Collagen Hydrolysate, Collagène Dénaturé, Collagène Hydrolysé, Collagène Marin Hydrolysé, Denatured Collagen, Gelatina, Gelatine, Gélatine, Gélatine Hydrolysée, Hydrolised Collagen, Hydrolysed Collagen, Hydrolyzed Collagen, Hydrolyzed Collagen Protein, Hydrolyzed Gelatin, Marine Collagen Hydrolysate, Protéine de Collagène Hydrolysé
References
Source: WebMD, http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-1051-gelatin.aspx?activeingredientid=1051&activeingredientname=gelatin
LiveStrong, http://www.livestrong.com/article/269349-what-are-the-benefits-of-gelatin-capsules/