Veggie Capsules Are Not Made With Vegetables

Are veggie capsules made from vegetables? Learn the truth behind ‘veggie capsules’ and their safety in supplements and possible side effects.

You may think vegetarian capsules are healthy, but are they made from vegetables, and is hydroxypropyl methylcellulose safe in supplements?

Andrew Lessman, who founded ProCaps Laboratories, spent 30 years researching and exploring using vegetable-based capsules. He concluded that there was no authentic vegetable-based product he would ingest daily.

The “vegetarian” capsules you see on the market are NOT made from vegetables; the more you know, the more you will be concerned about putting them into your body.

What You Are Ingesting

Every day, millions of people swallow “veggie capsules.” If you are one of them, have you ever considered what you consume or what may affect your gut health? New Roy Morgan data shows 8.24 million Australians aged 14+ (39%) buy vitamins, minerals or supplements in an average six-month period.

Vegetable Capsules – Why we don´t use them

People are asking why we do not use veggie capsules, and here is why. OHCC does not use E464 capsules because they are made with synthetic material. E464 veggie capsules are made from Hydroxypropyl Methyl Cellulose, a non-ionic cellulose that undergoes many chemical processes. The natural polymer cellulose, a gelling and thickening agent, is a white powder with no taste or smell. Add this to cold water, which swells into a clear, cloudy, opaque solution.

Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) is used in the following:

All types of building materials
Added to synthetic resins
Used in the ceramic ingredients
Pharmaceutical medicine
Called vegetarian capsules
Use in processed foods as a thickener
Used in the textile industry
Used in agriculture,
Added to daily household chemicals

Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) (E464) has many different properties

This can be applied to other processed foods as enhancers. Bread contains 1% of Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose.
Hydroxypropyl Methyl Cellulose solidifies when heated with oil, producing a layer on the edges of fried food. Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose has been linked to possible health issues.

Veggie capsules are made of H.M. E464. 

Possible Health Issues

• Possible Digestive problems
• Possible Gas Formation
• Possible Cancer
• Possible Endocrine disruption

Suppose you have supplements in “veggie Capsules” Open and empty the capsules into juice or water and throw them away in the bin. You will be doing your gut a favour. So, this is why we don’t use “veggie capsules.”

What Capsules Do You Use?

HPMC 100% plant-based capsules are vegan, vegetarian, and gut-friendly. They are made from natural vegetable cellulose, specifically hypromellose, from softwood trees such as pine, spruce, and fir. Plant-made capsules are an excellent choice for everyone, especially vegans and vegetarians, as they are much better than Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) capsules. Our capsules are responsibly sourced from within Australia.

If you are trying to conceive, pregnant, or breastfeeding, do not take any herbs or supplements without consulting a health practitioner. Herbs/supplements may not suit children; always seek professional advice. Information provided on this web page is for educational purposes only. Please do your research about the information we provide. Self-diagnosis can harm your health, so please seek advice from your doctor or health practitioner if in doubt.

More Reading

The Truth About Vegetarian Capsules

Veggie Capsules Toxicity

We Wish You Health and Well-Being

OHCC Team