Are softgel supplements dangerous?! Softgels are considered a convenient solution for taking vitamins and minerals. However, scientists warn that some of the ingredients used in their manufacture may be harmful to health.
Food supplements Softgels have a nasty surprise in them?! Softgels have become a real hit in recent years. But who has the time, will or even the courage to deal with large pills that look more like horror movie props than nutritional supplements? Softgels are smaller, smoother, pleasantly slippery and go down smoothly. However, as the old saying goes: "Not all that glitters is gold - or, in this case, not all that is soft is healthy."
Dietary supplements in soft capsules can be dangerous!
The fine line between practicality and risk
To make soft capsules, manufacturers often use plasticizers – chemical compounds that make the capsule shell elastic and resistant. But beware, one group of these plasticizers has been causing quite a bit of grey hair for researchers and doctors for some time now. We’re talking about phthalates – known endocrine disruptors that can wreak havoc on hormone balance.
Have you ever wondered what a capsule, vinyl flooring, shower curtains, and your favorite perfume have in common? You guessed it – phthalates. These chemicals provide flexibility to materials, but they also pose a potential health risk as they can affect reproductive development, fertility and hormonal balance.
Scientists have long warned, based on animal studies, that phthalates are not harmless chemicals. In humans, some studies have shown links between phthalate exposure and birth defects, allergies in children, and even cardiovascular disease. But because researchers still haven't definitively determined what level of exposure is truly safe, phthalates remain at the center of scientific debate.
Not every phthalate is the same (which, let's be honest, doesn't make matters any easier)
Problems also arise because phthalates are not a single compound, but a whole group of chemicals with different properties and risks. Only certain types of phthalates are allowed in pharmaceuticals, most commonly diethyl phthalate (DEP), cellulose acetate phthalate, polyvinyl acetate phthalate and hypromellose phthalate. So can dietary supplements in soft capsules be dangerous?!
DEP, which is most commonly used in softgel capsules, is considered less hazardous and is used in smaller quantities. The remaining phthalates usually serve to protect active ingredients from stomach acid and are – at least officially – safe when used in prescribed amounts.
But be careful: Some phthalates, such as dibutyl phthalate (DBP), have already raised serious concerns about links to developmental and reproductive problems, and their use is currently very limited. Others, such as di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate and diisodecyl phthalate, are used primarily in medical devices, such as infusion bags, and are also subject to stricter controls. Long-term exposure to such chemicals can increase the risk of insulin resistance, inflammation, and cardiovascular disease, with children and pregnant women being particularly vulnerable.
But don't panic - you don't have to throw all the capsules out the window right away (unless you want to surprise passersby). It is important, above all, that you are informed and aware of what you are putting into your body every day.
What does this mean for users?
If you regularly consume softgels, it is a good idea to check what types of phthalates they contain. Choose products that clearly state that they are free of potentially dangerous phthalates. It is also a good idea to choose manufacturers who are aware of the risks and ensure maximum safety and quality of the products.
The most important thing is not to get blindly excited about every new dietary supplement, but to always read labels and inform yourself about the ingredients and manufacturers. Your health will thank you – and your body will be especially kind to you if you occasionally give up shortcuts and obtain the necessary vitamins through slightly less chemical methods – for example, through a better quality diet.
Ultimately, it still holds true: the prettiest packaging for vitamins is an apple (or broccoli, if you're of the slightly more adventurous variety).
