CAPSULE INGREDIENTS FOR ALL REGULATORY SCOPES
At IOI Oleo, we combine the expertise of two crucial fields: the pharmaceutical and nutritional sectors. This enables us to seamlessly offer our partners the best selection of ingredients for every regulatory scope. Whether it’s about developing medicinal capsules with the highest efficacy and safety or nutritional supplements that promote health and well-being – we are your reliable partner. Discover how our integrated expertise can elevate your your products to the next level.
OUR PRODUCTS

…combine
- plant origin
- effectiveness
- multifunctionality
- compliance
… enable ingredient-reduced yet consistent formulations
TOGETHER WE COVER
- functional food
- nutritional supplements (though as health food)
- nutraceuticals
- pharmaceutical dosage forms
- specialty diets
- metabolic deficiencies
Capsules rank among the most popular dosage forms after tablets. Experts predict that this dosage form will maintain double-digit growth rates throughout the next decade. Its popularity can be attributed to its numerous advantages.
Consumers appreciate the fact that capsules are easier to take and unpleasant sensory properties of active ingredients and excipients are not perceived. But it is above all for the formulator and during production that the full potential of capsules is revealed.
Capsules can be dosed effortlessly and precisely, are inexpensive to produce, durable and space-saving. They also enable gentle processing of sensitive ingredients. A fundamental distinction must be made between different capsule types:
HARD CAPSULES
Hard capsules are preferred for solid fillings such as powders and granules. They consist of two prefabricated halves that are pushed over each other; fine grooves prevent the filling from escaping and ensure a tight seal.
SOFT CAPSULES
Soft capsules consist of 2 halves that are tightly connected by a weld seam. They are particularly suitable for oils, emulsions and preparations from a liquid to pasty consistency.
CHEWABLE CAPSULES
This dosage form was specially developed for chewing and therefore allows larger sizes. Even products that pose a sensory challenge, such as fish oil, can be given a pleasing taste through flavouring.
FOCUS ON REALLY NEEDED INGREDIENTS IN CAPSULES
Following the general trend towards low-complexity formulation development, the biggest advantage for formulators and producers of capsules is to focus on the excipients really needed for efficient delivery of the active ingredient(s). IOI Oleo GmbH’s portfolio offers a range of functional de novo synthesized lipids that can be used in all capsule types.
- Broad range of properties and textures
- Dietary benefits due to special metabolism of medium-chain lipids
- Products are of plant origin
- Poorly soluble active ingredients of BCS classification II + IV can be successfully administered with the help of our products, as it is possible to use them in special active ingredient release systems such as SEDDS

STABILITY
Rancimat testing
A well-established method for the determination of oxidation stability in fats, oils and fat-containing preparations. The received data is an indicator for raw material stability and potential shelf life of finished products. The accelerated ageing under standardized lab conditions allows us to extrapolate the negative effects of exposure to light, oxygen and temperature over time.
Conductivity measurement:
Conductivity in native/pristine lipids is typically very low to nil. Stress factors can change the chemicall composition of lipids to impact colour, taste, smell and texture. This phenomenon of rancidification is also called autoxidation. Autoxidation leads to conductivity increases.
POLARITY
The suitability of particular raw materials for a formulation depends on various factors, one of which is the anticipated polarity of the ingredients. Polarity is determined by the chemical composition, including the degree of esterification (inversely related to the hydroxyl value) and the fatty acid composition. Higher hydroxyl values increase relative hydrophilicity and polarity. Materials containing medium-chain fatty acids tend to exhibit higher polarity, whereas those with long chain fatty acids typically display lower polarity.

All these products are fully miscible with each other, so that melting point, bioavailability, solubilization capacity, polarity or texture can be specifically adjusted.
BIOAVAILABILITY
Medium-chain partial glycerides (MCPGs) and medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) share a range of critical properties making them highly relevant as carriers and bioavailability enhancers for use in nutraceutical and pharmaceutical forms. Key characteristics include:
Solubilization Capacity:
- Medium-chain fatty acids in these compounds solubilize lipophilic drugs, forming micelles in the intestinal lumen that incorporate poorly soluble actives, increasing their absorption.
- Their strong affinity for lipophilic molecules allows them to solubilize and stabilize many active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), enhancing bioavailability.
Enhanced Permeability and Transport:
- The surfactant properties of these compounds enhance intestinal epithelium permeability, improving transport across the intestinal barrier.
Particle Dispersion:
- Both medium chain partial glycerides and MCTs disperse poorly soluble actives into smaller particles, increasing the surface area available for absorption in the intestine.
Rapid Absorption:
- MCTs and medium-chain partial glycerides are rapidly absorbed directly into the portal circulation without the need for bile salts or pancreatic enzymes, leading to faster drug delivery and improved efficacy.
Formulation Versatility:
- Their low viscosity and low melting points make them suitable for liquid and semi-solid dosage forms, facilitating easy dispersion and processing as capsule fillings.
Compatibility:
- MCTs and MCPGs are compatible with a wide range of ingredients and actives, easily incorporated into various formulations without causing compatibility issues.
Taste and Odour Neutrality:
- MCTs are relatively neutral in taste and odour, making them ideal for oral dosage forms and improving patient compliance by masking unpleasant tastes or odours of certain APIs.
- MCPGs have a characteristic, scratchy or bitter taste. Use in capsules, however, addresses this issue perfectly.
Safety and Metabolization:
- MCTs and MCPGs are readily metabolized into ketone bodies as a source of energy. They are generally regarded as safe (GRAS) for use in pharmaceutical and nutraceutical formulations
See the full technical brochure on Essentials for Capsules here
(click the picture to download the brochure)
Source: IOI Oleo, technical brochure Essentials for Capsules











































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