At NaturoElite, we go beyond clean formulations—we pay close attention to how your nutrients are delivered. It’s not just about what’s inside the capsule. The capsule itself plays a crucial role in protecting active ingredients, ensuring stability, and supporting your health. That’s why we’ve chosen pullulan capsules for the entire NaturoElite range.
This plant-based capsule material is more than just a delivery system—it’s a deliberate choice grounded in science, safety, and our commitment to quality.
What Is Pullulan?
Pullulan is a naturally derived polysaccharide—a type of complex carbohydrate—produced through the fermentation of tapioca starch using a specific yeast called Aureobasidium pullulans. The result is a clean, tasteless, odourless, and biodegradable material that’s ideally suited for supplement delivery.
Unlike synthetic or semi-synthetic alternatives, pullulan is entirely natural. It’s made without chemical solvents, processing agents or genetically modified organisms, and is compliant with organic certification standards.
This makes it the ideal choice for health-conscious consumers who value clean-label ingredients and formulations free from unnecessary additives.
A Cleaner Alternative to HPMC Capsules
Many plant-based capsules on the market today are made from hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC)—a semi-synthetic material derived from chemically modified wood pulp, often sourced from pine trees.
While HPMC (otherwise known as Vcaps or vegetarian capsules) is widely used, its production process involves chemical modifications using methyl chloride and propylene oxide. As a result, HPMC is not approved for use in organic products. It also commonly requires added flow agents to function effectively in manufacturing, and it has high oxygen permeability—which can reduce the stability of sensitive nutrients.
Pullulan, by contrast, is entirely natural and doesn’t require any flow agents during production. It is derived from tapioca, making it suitable for those seeking a plant-based, clean-label alternative. Most importantly, it offers superior protection for active ingredients due to its very low oxygen permeability. This means your herbs, vitamins, and minerals remain more potent for longer.
Allergy Considerations: Why This Matters to Me
One of the reasons I chose pullulan was personal. Before launching my supplement company, I discovered I had a pine allergy. This ruled out the use of HPMC capsules immediately, as they are commonly derived from pine. I also ruled out gelatin capsules because they naturally contain sulphites, another common allergen. But the concern goes beyond my own experience.
Studies estimate that up to 7% of the population are allergic to pine, with reactions more commonly seen in people with asthma or other respiratory sensitivities. Choosing a pine-free alternative like pullulan helps reduce the risk of allergic reactions and ensures that our products are as gentle and inclusive as possible.
When I began developing the NaturoElite range, I knew that clean, safe, allergen-conscious capsules were non-negotiable. Pullulan was the obvious solution.
Additional Health Benefits: A Natural Prebiotic
Pullulan doesn’t just hold nutrients—it also offers prebiotic activity. Clinical studies have shown that pullulan can support beneficial gut bacteria such as Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus, both essential for digestive and immune health.
Most capsules serve a single purpose: to deliver the nutrients inside. But pullulan adds value by supporting your gut microbiome along the way.
Proven Safety and Tolerance
Pullulan has a well-established safety profile. In toxicological studies, no observed adverse effect levels (NOAEL) were identified at doses as high as 7,900 mg per kg of body weight per day—far higher than you’d ever consume through supplement use.
In one study, daily intake of 12g of pullulan resulted in only minor, temporary gastrointestinal symptoms, confirming its excellent tolerability.
Why We’ll Never Compromise on Capsule Quality
Every detail matters when it comes to your health—from ingredient sourcing to final delivery. Choosing pullulan capsules allows us to:
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Preserve the stability and potency of active ingredients
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Avoid allergens like pine and unnecessary chemical additives
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Offer organic-compliant, vegan-friendly products
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Support your microbiome through gentle prebiotic activity
It’s part of our commitment to excellence—and to you.
Because when it comes to wellness, it’s not just what’s in your supplement that counts. It’s everything around it.
