Reported 10 months ago
As vegetarianism becomes more prevalent in today's society for reasons such as religion, environmental, ethical, or health considerations, concerns arise regarding whether the capsules we commonly consume in medication are vegetarian-friendly. The Food and Drug Administration advises vegetarians to carefully examine the ingredients of capsules before consumption, as they can be either animal-based (typically using gelatin derived from animal tissues) or plant-based (using materials like Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose extracted from wood fibers). It is recommended to consult with a pharmacist or physician to confirm if any animal-based ingredients are present in the medication or to explore alternative dosage forms. Additionally, the article highlights the reasons why medications are encapsulated and cautions against altering capsules as it may affect the effectiveness and safety of the original medication.
Source: YAHOO