Animal-derived
Depends on Source
Gelatin Capsule Shells
The gelatin shell of medicine/supplement capsules — a critical point consumers most often overlook.
Why this is a critical point
Most medicine and supplement capsules (both hard capsules and softgels) use gelatin as the shell material, carrying the same source risk as the "Gelatin" entry above. Consumers often only check the capsule's contents without realizing the shell itself needs verifying too.
Also known as
Gelatin capsule, Softgel, Hard capsule, Cangkang kapsul
Commonly found in
Prescription and over-the-counter medicine, vitamin supplements, softgel fish oil.
Halal alternative
Plant-based capsules (vegetable capsule/HPMC — hydroxypropyl methylcellulose) or halal-certified bovine gelatin capsules.
This information is educational guidance, not a fatwa or an official halal determination. A product’s final status can only be established through inspection by an accredited Halal Inspection Body (LPH) and a ruling from the MUI Fatwa Commission / Halal Product Fatwa Committee.
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