Is Pharmaceutical Grade Gelatin Halal?

Gelatin is a widely used ingredient in modern pharmaceutical products. It’s a hydrocolloid with one-of-a-kind properties that can function as a thickener, binding agent, plasticizer, or gelling agent. However, not all types of gelatin are halal. You will need pharmaceutical-grade gelatin to make soft and hard gel capsules, emulsions, tablets, syrups, and suppositories. It also needs to follow manufacturing practices specific to Islam.

When is gelatin considered halal?

Pharmaceutical gelatin is halal when it doesn't contain any pig-derived ingredient. In Islam, anything that uses pork products is considered haram or forbidden. Halal gelatin is produced from parts of bovine (cows) and fish, and the animal must be slaughtered according to Islamic law. Plant-based or vegetarian gelatin is also halal and in line with the principles of Islam.

When is gelatin considered pharmaceutical grade?

Halal is a status applied to gelatin depending on the nature of the raw materials and the production process. Pharmaceutical-grade gelatin is Gelatin Type B, which comes from demineralized animals and cattle. Gelatin from halal-slaughtered cattle and contaminant-free fish skin is also considered halal.

Purpose of pharmaceutical-grade gelatin

Pharmaceutical gelatin doesn’t react with drugs and won’t alter the medicine’s efficacy or ingredients. It may even enhance the effectiveness of supplements and medicines while protecting their ingredients from microbial growth, contamination, light, moisture, and oxygen. It’s easily absorbed by the body and won’t cause allergic reactions.

Types

Pharmaceutical-grade gelatin can be used to make both hard and soft capsules. It’s also practical for making microcapsules, suppositories, and other pills. The gelatin must have a hardness of 150 to 250 blooms and a viscosity of 35 to 48 mps, depending on the type of medication and application.

Where to buy halal gelatin for pharmaceutical manufacturing

Choose a reputable and certified Halal manufacturer of pharmaceutical gelatin that brings innovations and technologies in its quality-controlled production processes. Make sure it’s an internationally certified source that cares about the safety of consumers.