BPC-157 Capsules vs Pills: Oral Form Differences

The expressions "capsules" and "pills" tend to be used interchangeably while referring to almost any discussion on BPC-157 on the internet, although the two refer to different methods of delivery. Capsule refers to a shell made out of gelatin or HPMC, made of powdered ingredients. Pill is a form of compressed tablets created mechanically. There is a need for a distinction here as the process of making the different forms affects stability. This page explains how each form works, and more importantly, why BPC-157 comes as capsules more than as tablets.

What Makes Capsules Different From Pills

Capsule Construction

A capsule is formed from two sections of a casing made of bovine gelatin or hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC, the non-meat version). The capsules have their contents inside without being compressed during production. The shell dissolves either in the stomach or the intestines, depending on the shell material.

Pill and Tablet Construction

Tablets are first in powder form and then lumped together in the tablet press by applying the pressure of thousands of pounds. Ingredients such as binders, fillers, and coatings help in holding the tablet together. The pressure causes the tablet to become solid and shaped uniformly. Tablets may also be scored to allow splitting which is impossible in capsules.

Why BPC-157 Is Sold as Capsules, Not Tablets

Compression Heat and Peptide Degradation

Tablet presses create localized heat and shear stresses while pressing tablets. Peptides are molecules formed by the linking of amino acids through peptide bonds. BPC-157 includes a sequence of 15 amino acids. However, effervescent tablets do present one of the many factors that might put stability to the test. The substance is known to be very stable in acidic conditions, yet the application of compressional forces creates one more danger that is absent in the case of filling capsules. So the companies still prefer capsule filling, as there have been no investigations into BPC-157 stability during the process of tablet manufacturing.

Excipient Compatibility

Different substances such as microcrystalline cellulose, polyvinylpyrrolidone, or magnesium stearate serve as binding agents that keep the tablets stable. Less excipients are required for capsules. Real Peptides capsules contain 500 mcg of active peptide per capsule alongside excipients, so the excipient-to-peptide ratio is high.

Dosing Precision at Microgram Scale

To accomplish an even distribution of active ingredient in 500 mcg tablets in a batch of tablets, one requires special equipment along with thorough quality control checks. Capsule filling proves to be more efficient when smaller doses of active ingredient need to be used as powder mixtures fill up a set volume inside capsules. Hence, the process of capsule filling becomes the preferred option for manufacturers of pharmaceuticals with low doses.

Capsule vs Pill Comparison

What to Look for in Either Form

Certificate of Analysis

No matter if it's sold as a capsule or a tablet, the product vendor must provide a Certificate of Analysis (COA) which should contain HPLC purity information. Real Peptides has provided lot specific COAs which show that their BPC-157 capsules (100 ct, 500 mcg each, $120, SKU RP-BPC500C) have HPLC purity of 99% or greater. If a supplier does not provide a COA, it cannot be verified whether you are purchasing the correct product. For an in-depth supplier comparison, read our PeptideGod vs Real Peptides report.

Stated Microgram Amount

The amount of BPC-157 must be explicitly indicated on a product label. Products whose labels say things like "proprietary blend" and do not disclose the amount of peptide contained in the product cannot be easily compared in terms of value. The capsule product made by Real Peptides indicates that 500 mcg are contained in each capsule. Since the amount of capsules in the container is 100, the total amount of peptide contained in the product is 50 mg. Please read our best BPC-157 capsules page for rankings of the products.

Salt Form and Purity Method

BPC-157 is available in two different salt forms – acetate and arginine (known as stable BPC157). The salt used will affect both the molecular weight and how stable the product is. The chemical formula provided must state which salt is used. HPLC or high-performance liquid chromatography is the method standard for checking peptide purity and identification.