Capsules continue to represent a popular delivery form for supplements and pharmaceuticals, with an estimated $1.2 billion in global sales in 2024, and projections of $2.23 billion by 2032 at a compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.08%1Global Two-Piece Empty Hard Capsule Market Overview. Retrieved August 28, 2024 from https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/reports/two-piece-empty-hard-capsule-market-6284..
The popularity of capsules differs somewhat according to each generation:
- 24% for Gen Z
- 21% for Millennials,
- 17% for Gen X
- 22% for Boomers2Nutrition Business Journal, Delivery Format Special Report (US consumers who frequently take supplements), 2023.
In consideration of these facts, it is important to choose the appropriate capsule sizes for your supplements. In doing so, you’ll need to understand the most popular capsule sizes, what to consider when choosing a capsule size, and how a qualified contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) can help you choose the right one for your product. This article will provide an overview of these issues.
Importance of Choosing the Right Capsule Size
Initially, it may seem that choosing a capsule size requires no thought. All you need to know is the capsule size that will fit the materials in your supplement formulation and proceed, right? There’s more to it than that.
First, you need to think about what you want your serving size to be. For example, let’s say the ingredients in your supplement formulation will fit in a 00-size capsule, and you plan to have 30 servings in your bottle. However, if you don’t want a smaller bottle size with only 30 capsules, you may decide to utilize a 2-capsule dose using the smaller 0-size capsule. This will mean that 30 servings will be provided in 60 capsules—and a larger bottle.
Conversely, you may find that your formula may fit in three 0-size capsules, but you don’t want a 3-capsule dose. In this instance, you may utilize two 00 capsules as the serving size instead. If two 00 capsules are still too small for the entire formula, then you may find that two 00E capsules will work. The “E” after the 00 stands for extended, but some capsule suppliers also refer to it as elongated. It means the capsule is just slightly longer, although the diameter is the same. In this case, it allows a bit more material to be included in the empty capsules.
There are many other such examples of choosing the right capsule size for your supplement. The two primary considerations in doing so are:
- What do you want your serving size to be?
- What capsule size will fit your formulation?
Understanding Capsule Sizes
This capsule size chart provides a good guide for capsule size comparison and the amount of powdered materials that will collectively fit inside each capsule. In doing so, you’ll need to understand a few definitions:
- Empty capsule sizes: These are the various sizes of the empty capsules. Not all sizes are available at all CDMOs.
- Empty capsule weight: This is the weight of the empty capsule in milligrams (mg).
- Empty capsule volume capacity: The interior volume of the capsule in milliliters (ml). This information is useful if you’re utilizing a liquid cap with a CDMO that produces them.
- Empty capsule weight by formulation density: Different raw materials have different densities. The denser the material, the more of that material will fit in each capsule. So, 500 mg of magnesium oxide (very dense) will fit in #0, while 500 mg of ginseng root powder (much less dense) may require a #00 capsule Depending on the density, the amount (in mg) of a powder that will fit in the different size capsules is indicated.
Most Popular Capsule Sizes
The most common capsule sizes include 000, 00, 0, 1, and 2, in order of declining size:
- Size 000 – The 000 size is the largest capsule size for human consumption. It is suitable for high dosages with a fill weight of about 1,000 mg (or more depending upon the powder density). The 000 size is most likely to be used in sports supplements such as fat burners, mass gainers, muscle builders, pre-workout aids, etc. It should be noted that the large size of these capsules can make them more difficult to swallow, which is why it’s not used as frequently as 00 and 0-size capsules.
- Size 00 – The 00 size is the most popular capsule size in the supplement industry. It has a fill weight of about 750 mg of powder depending on density. Vitamin C, multivitamins, and herbs are common supplements that utilize the 00 size. The 00 size is the maximum size that is generally comfortable for most people to swallow.
- Size 0 – The 0 size is the most popular capsule size in the pharmaceutical and cosmetics industries. It has a fill weight of about 500 mg of powder. Collagen, probiotics, antioxidants, and biotin are common supplements that utilize the 0 size. The 0 size is relatively easy for most people to swallow.
- Size 1 – The 1 size is relatively small and ideal for people with difficulty swallowing capsules. It has a fill weight of up to 350 mg of powder. It is commonly used for supplements like caffeine, potassium, and probiotics.
- Size 2: The 2 size is quite small and ideal for children or elders who have difficulties swallowing capsules. It has a fill weight of up to 250 mg. of powder. It is commonly used in some probiotics, vitamin A, vitamin D, and folate.
This empty capsule size chart should provide you with a good sense of different size capsules and the amount of materials that they can accommodate.
What to Consider When Choosing a Capsule Size
When choosing a capsule size, there are certain criteria to consider, including required dosage, volume of your mix, ease of swallowing, the type of capsule being used, and aesthetic preferences.
- Required dosage – It is crucial to use clinically relevant doses of the right nutraceuticals to support claims and ensure product effectiveness. Additionally, selecting an appropriate capsule size is important to ensure that each nutraceutical is delivered in the necessary dose.
- The volume of your mix – The volume of your supplement mix plays a significant role in capsule size selection. Here’s why. Let’s say that your capsule has space for 750 mg of material, but you only have 600 mg of nutraceuticals to include. That means you must fill the remaining 150 mg of space with something. Consequently, an inert material such as rice powder might be mixed with the nutraceuticals to fill the space. Conversely, if your dose of nutraceuticals is too large to fit in your chosen capsule size, you may need to choose the next size down and increase the serving size by one capsule—which still may require an inert filler.
- Ease of swallowing – If your target audience is young male bodybuilders, you can probably use a larger capsule to accommodate high doses of materials since they’re likely used to swallowing the larger capsules. However, if your target audience is elderly, larger capsules may present greater swallowing difficulties—so you’ll need to focus on a smaller capsule size.
- Type of capsule being used – In the past, only gelatin capsules were available. Now, there are vegan options like HPMC and pullulan, which are important if you want your products to appeal to vegans and vegetarians. Another option to consider is enteric-coated (or acid-resistant) capsules, which help protect certain nutraceuticals, like probiotics, from being broken down by stomach acids. Keep in mind that different capsule types may have limited size options, so it’s best to consult with a CDMO to understand the size availability for your chosen capsule material.
- Aesthetic preferences – Some brand owners may wish to spend the extra money to work with a capsule supplier to develop a custom capsule with their name or logo printed on the capsule for purposes of visual appeal and brand image. Naturally, this will influence capsule size selection since it is unlikely that the brand owner will have custom capsules printed in multiple sizes. In addition, a brand owner may prefer to utilize specific capsule colors. Some of these are available as stock items, but sizes will be limited. It is important to strike a balance between aesthetics and functionality to optimize user experience and brand messaging.
Consult an Expert: How Vitaquest Can Help
A good CDMO can do a great deal to help you make appropriate capsule size choices for your brand. Vitaquest is a CDMO that has provided nutraceutical businesses with best-in-class formulation design, supplement contract manufacturing (including capsule size choices), packaging design, testing, and fulfillment services for over 45 years.
Whether you’re a newcomer to the industry or aiming to diversify your product range, Vitaquest possesses the expertise, cutting-edge facilities, and solutions needed to swiftly and effectively turn your dietary supplement concept into reality, with a focus on the development and manufacturing of quality dietary supplements, including the right capsule sizes.
Vitaquest also has expertise in domestic and international regulatory standards. We are GMP-certified by NSF, assuring brand owners and consumers about our compliance with industry regulations and standards. In addition, Vitaquest can offer Kosher, Halal, and certified organic products, and FSSC 22000 certification for food safety.
Are you ready to move forward with creating high-quality dietary supplements with the right capsule sizes for your brand? If so, call 800-526-9095 to speak with one of our knowledgeable sales executives or request a competitive nutraceutical manufacturing price quote if you’ve already finalized your project requirements!
Concluding Thoughts
As a popular delivery form for supplements, it is important to choose the appropriate capsule size for your products. Now that you have a better understanding of this issue, you are better prepared to make educated choices. A consultation with a reputable CDMO like Vitaquest can help ensure that you’ve considered the different size capsules and made the best choices.
Frequently Asked Questions About Supplement Capsule Sizes
Q: What are the different capsule sizes?
The most common capsule sizes include 000, 00, 0, 1, and 2, in order of declining size.
Q: How much does a 00-capsule hold?
It varies based on the density of the powder filling the capsule, but typically, it will hold about 750 mg.
Q: What size capsule for 250 mg?
A size 2 capsule will likely accommodate about 250 mg of powder.
Q: Are size 000 capsules hard to swallow?
This is the largest size capsule and can be difficult for many people to swallow.
Q: What is the most popular capsule size?
In the dietary supplement industry, a 00-size capsule is the most popular.
Q: How do I choose a capsule size?
There are several variables to consider, but in general, you choose the capsule size that will fit the materials in your supplement formulation. See the previous capsule size guide for guidance. You can also consult with a CDMO, such as Vitaquest, to help you make this decision.
Q: Are 0 or 00 bigger capsules?
The 00 capsule is bigger and will hold about 750 mg of material, while the 0 capsule will hold about 500 mg of material.
Q: How much does a #2 capsule hold?
A 2-size capsule will hold about 250 mg of material.
Q: How much is in a size 0 capsule?
The 0 capsule will hold about 500 mg of material.
Q: What size capsule holds 300 mg?
A #1-size capsule will hold about 300 mg of material.
Q: What size capsule holds 600 mg?
The 00 capsule will hold 600 mg of material (up to about 750 mg).
Q: What is the size of a normal capsule?
The most common capsule sizes include 000, 00, 0, 1, and 2, in order of declining size. In the dietary supplement industry, a 00-size capsule is the most popular.
Q: What size is a 1 capsule?
A 1-size capsule will hold about 300 mg of material.
