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Magensaftresistente Kapseln im Faktencheck – warum die Freisetzung im Darm einen Unterschied macht

Fact check on enteric-coated capsules – why intestinal release makes a difference

How our digestive system deals with capsules

The human digestive tract is a highly complex system that precisely coordinates chemical, enzymatic, and mechanical processes. Food and ingested substances pass through several stages with distinctly different conditions.

The stomach is a highly acidic environment, with a pH between 1 and 3. This environment is necessary for denaturing proteins and killing pathogens. However, many sensitive substances, including certain enzymes, vitamins, or plant extracts, can be rapidly inactivated or chemically altered in this environment.

In the small intestine , on the other hand, the pH is between 6 and 8 – significantly milder and slightly alkaline. This is where many micronutrients, minerals, and bioactive compounds are absorbed . Therefore, the site of release plays a crucial role:
If an active ingredient or nutrient is released too early, i.e., in the stomach, its stability or bioavailability may decrease. However, if the release occurs specifically in the small intestine, sensitive molecules can better preserve their structure and function.

Examples of gastric acid sensitive substances :

  • Enzymes (e.g. bromelain, papain)

  • Bases or bicarbonate-containing compounds

  • Probiotic microorganisms

  • Certain plant substances and polyphenols

For these groups of substances, enteric-coated capsules are technologically useful in order to bypass the stomach and only release their contents in the small intestine.

What does “enteric” mean?

The term enteric-coated refers to a formulation or capsule shell that is designed in such a way that it does not dissolve in the acidic environment of the stomach , but only in the neutral to alkaline environment of the intestine .

Functional principle

This effect is achieved through special materials or pH-sensitive polymers . The capsule shell remains intact in the stomach because it is insoluble in the stomach acid. Only when the pH rises—typically from around pH 5.5 to 6.8—does the shell dissolve, releasing the contents.

Materials and technologies

In pharmaceutical and nutritional practice, various substances are used for enteric coating, such as:

  • Hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC)

  • Cellulose acetate phthalate (CAP)

  • Plant polymers based on alginates or starch

These materials are chemically inert , meaning they do not react with the capsule contents and serve solely for protection and time-controlled release.

Advantage for sensitive substances

The enteric-coated technology protects sensitive ingredients from stomach acid and enzymes. At the same time, it enables targeted delivery to the site where absorption is physiologically most beneficial—the small intestine.

The DRcaps® technology in detail

One of the best-known modern variants is DRcaps® technology . Developed by Lonza (Capsugel) , it is one of the most widely used plant-based capsule solutions for dietary supplements.

What are DRcaps®?

DRcaps® are made from hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC) , a plant-based polymer that is completely vegan and free of synthetic coatings. These capsules require no additional coatings – the enteric-coating effect is achieved solely by the material structure of the capsule wall .

How it works

The DRcaps® shell swells slightly in acidic environments, yet remains closed and stable. It only dissolves after a certain period of time—in laboratory tests, approximately 45 to 60 minutes —and as the pH increases. The release is thus delayed and pH-dependent .

In vitro studies have shown that DRcaps® reliably retain the contents in gastric juice and only release them under conditions similar to those in the small intestine.

Benefits according to research

  • Protect sensitive ingredients from stomach acid

  • Delayed release for targeted absorption

  • Plant-based alternative to gelatin capsules

  • No additional chemical coatings necessary

From a scientific point of view, this is not an “active” effect, but a technological innovation that controls the location and time of release.

Scientific background – why release in the gut is crucial

The physiological relevance of release control arises from the structure of the digestive system. Most nutrients, vitamins, and bioactive molecules are absorbed through the mucosa of the small intestine.

Transport mechanisms in the intestine

Specialized transport proteins in the enterocytes (intestinal cells) act here to transfer substances into the bloodstream. Many substances must remain intact and chemically stable for this to happen – something that is often not guaranteed in the acidic environment of the stomach.

Sensitive substances

Enzymes, probiotic microorganisms, and certain polyphenols lose their structure upon contact with stomach acid. Delayed release can protect these substances and ensure that they only become active where their absorption or effect is intended.

Research and pharmaceutical technology

Enteric-coated systems have been established in pharmaceutical formulation research for decades. Studies in the European Journal of Pharmaceutics and Biopharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology Europe show that pH-dependent release systems can significantly influence the stability and bioavailability of many substances.

The transfer of these findings to the field of nutritional supplements is increasingly taking place from the perspective of technology optimization – not therapeutic effect.

Gastric acid resistance vs. normal capsules – a comparison

Characteristic Regular gelatin capsule Gastro-resistant capsule (e.g. DRcaps®)
material Gelatin (animal) Plant-based HPMC
resolution Fast (in the stomach, < 10 minutes) Delayed (45–60 minutes, pH dependent)
Protection of sensitive substances Small amount High
Release site stomach small intestine
Typical application Insensitive materials Acid-labile or pH-sensitive

The choice of capsule technology therefore depends on the nature of the substance . An enteric-coated form is particularly useful if the ingredients:

  • could be inactivated by stomach acid,

  • require absorption in the small intestine, or

  • require delayed release.

However, for many vitamins and minerals, such technology is not absolutely necessary . What is crucial is the substance-specific tolerability and stability .

Quality and transparency in capsule technologies

As with all technological systems in the food or pharmaceutical industry, quality assurance plays a central role.

Purity and safety

Capsule materials are subject to the specifications of the European Pharmacopoeia and must meet defined criteria regarding purity, moisture content, stability and migration .

Labeling and standards

Manufacturers are required to disclose the composition of their capsules. Plant-based variants such as HPMC are often tested with ISO or GMP certificates . The EFSA and FDA have also classified HPMC as "Generally Recognized as Safe" (GRAS).

Traceability and laboratory analyses

Transparency is achieved when companies publish certificates of analysis (CoA) and laboratory reports . These documents prove that each batch has been tested for microbiological purity, heavy metals, and physical properties .

At BlueVitality, for example, the use of vegan DRcaps® stands for technological precision and tested purity – not as a promise of effectiveness, but as an expression of scientific diligence.

Conclusion – Technology in the service of compatibility

Enteric-coated capsules are a technologically sound method for protecting sensitive substances and releasing them specifically in the intestine .
Systems such as DRcaps® utilize plant-based polymers and pH-dependent mechanisms to enable delayed release – a concept that has long been established in pharmaceutical technology.

Not every substance requires this protection, but for pH-labile or enzyme-sensitive substances, it offers a clear functional advantage . It is crucial that such technologies are developed and tested in a scientifically transparent manner – in accordance with quality standards and physiological understanding.

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A familiar material in a new light Sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO₃) – commonly referred to as baking soda – is one of the most versatile chemical substances known. As early as the 19th century, it was used in households and pharmacies as a cleaning agent, raising agent, and mild acid neutralizer. Its popularity was based on a simple yet effective property: baking soda can bind acids and release carbon dioxide (CO₂) in the process – a process that is chemically well understood and controllable. Chemically, sodium bicarbonate is a basic salt of carbonic acid. In aqueous solution, it forms the bicarbonate ion (HCO₃⁻) , which acts as a weak base. It reacts with protons (H⁺) to form carbonic acid (H₂CO₃), which in turn decomposes into CO₂ and water. This simple equilibrium is the basis of numerous applications – from food technology to environmental chemistry. Baking soda is being "reimagined" today because its properties are no longer limited to the kitchen, but are increasingly being used in high-tech areas of research, biochemistry, and sustainability . Science and industry are discovering the molecule as an environmentally friendly, biocompatible, and chemically stable building block for new technologies. Sodium bicarbonate in food science In food technology, sodium bicarbonate has been one of the most important functional additives for decades. Its classic role as a leavening agent is well known: Under heat or in the presence of acids, it decomposes into sodium carbonate , water , and carbon dioxide . The released gas forms bubbles in the dough, making baked goods light and porous. Chemically described, the reaction is: 2 NaHCO₃ → Na₂CO₃ + H₂O + CO₂↑ pH regulation in food In addition to its function as a leavening agent, sodium bicarbonate is used as a pH regulator . Many foods require a stable acid-base balance to preserve flavor, color, and texture. By adding baking soda, the pH can be specifically raised or excess acid can be balanced—for example, in cocoa products, plant-based beverages, or baked goods with fermented ingredients. Modern applications Recently, baking soda has gained importance in the development of plant-based and clean-label products —foods that do not contain artificial additives. Here, sodium bicarbonate acts as a natural stabilizer , improving texture and shelf life. It is also being researched in food microbiology – for example, as a component of buffer systems used in the cultivation of sensitive microorganisms. Food law classification In the European Union, sodium bicarbonate is approved as food additive E 500. The EFSA (European Food Safety Authority) considers its use safe, provided purity and dosage comply with food law requirements. Therefore, analyses and purity certificates are standard for food manufacturers. In biochemistry and cell research Sodium bicarbonate also plays a central role in biochemical research – particularly as a buffer component in biological systems. Buffer effect and pH stability Many biochemical reactions only occur within narrow pH ranges. Bicarbonate buffer systems are used to simulate these conditions in the laboratory. They stabilize the pH by absorbing or releasing hydrogen ions, similar to the reaction in human blood. In cell cultures, sodium bicarbonate, together with dissolved CO₂, ensures constant conditions that mimic the physiological environment. This allows researchers to study cell functions and metabolic processes under realistic conditions. Current research fields Basic research investigates the role of bicarbonate in areas such as cellular respiration , energy balance , and CO₂ regulation . Studies in the Journal of Biological Chemistry and Biochimica et Biophysica Acta describe how bicarbonate-dependent enzymes are involved in key metabolic pathways. This is not about therapeutic effects, but about understanding biochemical mechanisms – that is, the question of how cells process CO₂, how the pH value remains stable intracellularly and how the bicarbonate system reacts to metabolic stress. Sustainability and environmental technology Beyond biological systems, sodium bicarbonate also plays a growing role in sustainable technologies . Exhaust gas purification and environmental chemistry In industrial processes, baking soda is used to neutralize acidic exhaust gases —such as sulfur dioxide (SO₂) or nitrogen oxides (NOₓ). It reacts to form neutral salts that can then be further processed in an environmentally friendly manner. This process contributes to the reduction of industrial emissions and is used in the waste and cement industries, among others. CO₂ capture and water treatment Climate research and energy chemistry are investigating how carbonates and bicarbonates can chemically bind CO₂. Sodium bicarbonate is a simple, safe intermediate in so-called carbon capture and storage (CCS) processes . It is also used in water treatment to stabilize pH values ​​and neutralize acidic wastewater. Due to its biological safety, it is increasingly being preferred over stronger alkalis. Circular technologies In current environmental projects, NaHCO₃ is being considered as a component of closed material cycles – for example, in systems that capture CO₂ from exhaust gases and then feed it back into industrial processes. The research aims to integrate baking soda into a sustainable "carbon economy." Research trends around sodium bicarbonate The scientific study of sodium bicarbonate is broad and ranges from analytical chemistry to materials research and food technology. Analytical Chemistry New methods for determining bicarbonate concentrations in biological and industrial samples improve our understanding of chemical equilibria. In environmental analysis, they help to precisely determine the buffering capacities of soils and water bodies. Materials research In materials engineering, sodium bicarbonate is used as a blowing agent for biocompatible plastics or as a component of composite materials . It enables fine-pored structures and can stabilize biodegradable materials. Research in the Chemical Engineering Journal also describes the use of carbonates in the conversion of CO₂ to basic chemicals – an approach with potential for sustainable industrial processes. Food technology Current developments are aimed at " clean label " products: foods with a reduced list of additives in which sodium bicarbonate serves as a naturally occurring, functional molecule . The focus here is on sensory quality, stability, and microbiological safety. Quality, purity and formulation – what research and industry pay attention to The purity of sodium bicarbonate is crucial for scientific and industrial use. Even minor impurities can falsify laboratory analyses or disrupt reaction mechanisms. Purity requirements Pharmaceutical and food-grade applications require grades that comply with Ph. Eur. (European Pharmacopoeia) or USP standards . These specifications set limits for heavy metals, chlorides, sulfates, and moisture. Technological developments In modern formulations, sodium bicarbonate is combined with innovative dosage forms. Enteric-coated capsules (e.g., DRcaps®) serve as an example of how pH-sensitive materials enable targeted release in the intestine . This technology originally originated in pharmaceutical research and is increasingly being investigated in the field of functional nutritional supplements . Transparency and laboratory testing Whether in the food industry, research, or environmental technology – laboratory analyses and certificates of analysis (CoA) are the foundation for scientific traceability. They ensure that the baking soda used meets the required standards and that results remain reproducible. Conclusion – a versatile fabric between everyday life and high-tech Sodium bicarbonate has long been more than a traditional household remedy. It combines chemistry, biology, and sustainability in a single molecule – as a buffer in biological systems, as a functional substance in food science, and as a reactant in environmental technology processes. Modern research shows that a seemingly simple substance like baking soda can be an important building block for future-oriented technologies – from CO₂ capture to biocompatible material development. NaHCO₃ is thus an example of a new perspective in science: traditional substances are being reinterpreted when quality, purity and scientific understanding are the focus.

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Sodium bicarbonate in the body – the science behind acid-base balance

Why acid-base balance is so crucial The so-called acid-base balance describes the physiological state in which the concentration of hydrogen ions (H⁺) in the body is maintained within narrow limits. This balance is a prerequisite for almost all biochemical processes – from enzyme activity and cellular metabolism to oxygen binding in the blood. The pH value serves as a measure of the acidity of a solution. A pH of 7 is considered neutral; values ​​below this are acidic, and above this are basic. The human body has very different pH ranges depending on the compartment: Blood plasma: about 7.35–7.45 (slightly alkaline) Gastric juice: 1-2 (highly acidic, for digesting proteins) Small intestine: 7–8 (alkaline, for enzymatic digestion) These differences demonstrate that the body precisely adjusts pH values ​​to its respective function. A deviation in blood pH of just 0.1 units can significantly influence metabolic activity. To ensure this stability, the organism relies on several buffer systems and control circuits – in particular the lungs , the kidneys and the bicarbonate system . Sodium bicarbonate – chemical and physiological principles Sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO₃) , often colloquially referred to as baking soda , is a basic salt of sodium (Na⁺) and the bicarbonate ion (HCO₃⁻) . It reacts with acids to form carbon dioxide (CO₂) and water , which explains its central role as a buffer . The bicarbonate in the body The bicarbonate ion occurs naturally in the human body—primarily in blood plasma, interstitial fluid, and the kidneys. It forms a reversible equilibrium system with carbonic acid (H₂CO₃) , known as the bicarbonate buffer system . The underlying reaction is: CO₂ + H₂O ⇌ H₂CO₃ ⇌ H⁺ + HCO₃⁻ This system allows the body to quickly absorb excess acids (H⁺) or bases. When acidity increases, bicarbonate binds hydrogen ions to form carbonic acid, which in turn decomposes into CO₂ and water. The CO₂ is then exhaled through the lungs. Physiological relevance The bicarbonate system is the body's most important extracellular buffer system . Approximately 75% of the blood's buffering capacity is based on this mechanism. It acts directly and forms the basis for fine regulation by the lungs and kidneys . How the body regulates pH – Interaction of organs and buffers The role of the lungs Respiration influences the pH value via the CO₂ content in the blood. Increased CO₂ (e.g., through cellular respiration) increases the acid concentration. Increased respiration (hyperventilation) releases CO₂, causing the pH value to rise again. This regulation occurs within minutes and serves to stabilize the blood in the short term . The role of the kidneys The kidneys are responsible for the long-term regulation of acid-base balance. They can: Recover bicarbonate (reabsorption), form new bicarbonate (new formation), or actively excrete protons (H⁺). This process takes hours to days, but is essential to compensate for chronic fluctuations. Blood as a monitoring system Specialized chemoreceptors in the blood vessels and brain continuously measure pH and CO₂ levels. They control the responses of the lungs and kidneys via the respiratory center and hormonal feedback (e.g., the renin-angiotensin system). Influence of nutrition and metabolism Dietary habits, physical activity, or metabolic processes can influence the acid-base balance . For example, the combustion of proteins produces more acids (so-called "non-volatile acids"), while fruits and vegetables often provide base-forming anions. Nevertheless, blood pH remains constant in healthy people—an indication of the efficiency of the body's own regulation . Scientific perspective on sodium bicarbonate In research , sodium bicarbonate is examined from various perspectives: Bicarbonate in metabolism Studies show that the bicarbonate system plays a central role in maintaining cellular homeostasis . It is involved in transport processes across cell membranes and acts as a cofactor in various enzymatic reactions. Researchers are investigating how changes in bicarbonate levels are related to metabolic states—for example, during intense muscular exercise or metabolic acidosis. Endogenous regulation vs. exogenous supply In physiological studies, a distinction is made between endogenous and exogenous bicarbonate intake. The body has sophisticated mechanisms for regulating bicarbonate itself—through CO₂ release and kidney function. Exogenous forms (e.g., in medical solutions) are used in laboratories and clinics primarily for diagnostics or short-term pH adjustment , for example, in blood gas analyses or in cell culture media. Applications in medicine and biochemistry In clinical practice , sodium bicarbonate is used under strictly controlled conditions, e.g., to correct severe metabolic acidosis. In biochemical research, it serves as a standard buffer in experiments sensitive to pH fluctuations. Scientific evaluation focuses on understanding and precision—not on everyday applications. Misunderstandings and myths surrounding “bases” and “acidification” In public discourse, the term "acidosis" is often used to describe general exhaustion or metabolic problems. From a medical perspective, however , chronic acidosis is only relevant in cases of serious illnesses—such as kidney failure or untreated diabetes. What research says The body has very effective regulatory mechanisms . Significant pH fluctuations in the blood rarely occur in healthy individuals, even with an unbalanced diet or intense exercise. Scientists emphasize that the concept of "dietary hyperacidity" is physiologically untenable—it rather describes short-term changes in urine pH, not in the blood. Serious information Reliable information comes from peer-reviewed studies , physiological textbooks, and professional societies (e.g., the German Nutrition Society, EFSA). Reputable sources clearly distinguish between scientifically proven mechanisms and popular hypotheses. Quality and purity – what matters in sodium bicarbonate products When sodium bicarbonate is used as a raw material or laboratory reagent , purity plays a crucial role. Analytical grade (Ph. Eur. or USP standard) guarantees that it is free of heavy metals or impurities that could interfere with chemical reactions. Technological aspects Modern dietary supplements sometimes feature enteric-coated capsules (e.g., DRcaps®) , which offer a delayed release mechanism. Such technologies originally originated in pharmaceutical development and are used for the targeted release of sensitive substances. Transparency and laboratory analysis Quality assurance today includes laboratory analyses, purity certificates, and traceability of origin. Companies that disclose this data create scientific transparency—an essential component of responsible research and product development. Conclusion – equilibrium as a dynamic system Acid-base balance is a finely tuned, dynamic system. Sodium bicarbonate is at the center of this regulation: It acts as a key component of the bicarbonate buffer system , which, together with the lungs and kidneys, maintains constant blood pH. Research and physiology show that the human body has highly precise mechanisms to prevent fluctuations. Baking soda is not a foreign substance, but rather part of the natural biochemical balance. Understanding these processes promotes a deeper awareness of the complexity of the body's own regulation – beyond myths and simplified representations.

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