Delayed-Release Technology: Why Delivery Matters
Why Delayed-Release Matters
Many digestive supplements use standard capsules that dissolve in the stomach. But bile acids do their work in the small intestine. When bile salts are released in gastric acid, they can be partially degraded before reaching their target site — and the mismatch can cause discomfort. Gallavance uses DRcaps® delayed-release technology to deliver ingredients where your body actually uses them. It’s a simple principle: deliver to the right place, and let the ingredients do what they’re designed to do.
Where a supplement releases its contents can be just as important as what it contains. For bile-supporting ingredients, reaching the small intestine intact is essential for optimal function. Gallavance uses advanced delayed-release capsule technology to ensure ingredients arrive where they're needed most.
Why Intestinal Delivery Matters for Bile Supplements
The digestive process is location-specific. Bile is released into the duodenum (the first section of the small intestine) where it emulsifies dietary fats. Supplemental bile acids, phosphatidylcholine, and digestive enzymes need to reach this same location to support the body's natural fat digestion processes.
When supplements release prematurely in the acidic stomach environment (pH 1.5-3.5), several problems can occur:
- Bile acids may be partially degraded or altered by stomach acid
- Phospholipids can be broken down before reaching their site of action
- The timing of nutrient release may not align with fat digestion
- Some individuals may experience digestive discomfort from stomach-level release
How DRcaps® Technology Works
Gallavance uses DRcaps® (Delayed Release capsules), an innovative capsule technology designed specifically for targeted intestinal delivery.
The mechanism is elegantly simple:
DRcaps® are made from HPMC (hydroxypropyl methylcellulose), a plant-derived material that resists dissolution in acidic environments. Unlike standard capsules that begin dissolving within minutes of reaching the stomach, DRcaps® remain intact throughout gastric transit.
When the capsule reaches the higher pH environment of the small intestine (pH 6.0-7.4), the HPMC material begins to dissolve, releasing its contents precisely where bile acids naturally function.
Key Features of DRcaps® Technology
- Acid-resistant: The capsule shell withstands stomach acid without requiring additional enteric coatings
- Plant-derived: HPMC is vegetarian-friendly, made from plant cellulose
- No coating required: The capsule material itself provides delayed release—no chemical coatings needed
- Consistent release: Designed for predictable dissolution timing in the intestinal environment
Delayed Release vs. Standard Capsules
| Feature | Standard Capsules | DRcaps® Delayed-Release |
|---|---|---|
| Release Location | Stomach | Small intestine |
| Dissolution Time | 5-10 minutes | 45-60 minutes (bypasses stomach) |
| Acid Exposure | Full exposure to stomach acid | Protected from stomach acid |
| Coating Required | Sometimes (enteric coating) | No—capsule material provides protection |
The Gallavance Approach
Both Gallavance Original and Gallavance Plant-Based use size 00E HPMC delayed-release capsules. This larger capsule size accommodates the full clinical doses of each ingredient while the delayed-release technology ensures optimal delivery.
What this means for you:
- Ingredients reach the small intestine where fat digestion occurs
- Bile acids and lipase enzymes arrive at their site of action intact
- Release timing aligns with the body's natural digestive processes
- The vegetarian capsule material suits diverse dietary preferences
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to take DRcaps® with food?
Yes. Taking Gallavance with meals—especially those containing fat—optimizes the timing of ingredient release to coincide with active fat digestion.
Can I open the capsules and mix with food?
We don't recommend this, as it bypasses the delayed-release mechanism. The capsule is designed to protect ingredients through stomach transit.
Are DRcaps® suitable for vegetarians?
Yes. The HPMC capsule material is plant-derived and vegetarian-friendly. Note that Gallavance Original contains ox bile (bovine-derived), while Gallavance Plant-Based is fully vegan.
How DRcaps® Differentiate Gallavance from Standard Bile Supplements
Most over-the-counter bile and digestive enzyme supplements use standard gelatin or vegetarian capsules that dissolve in the stomach within minutes. For bile-related ingredients, this means premature exposure to gastric acid—an environment where bile salts can be degraded or cause gastric irritation before reaching the small intestine where they are needed.
Gallavance uses DRcaps® (developed by Lonza), an HPMC-based delayed-release capsule system designed to resist dissolution in the stomach's acidic environment and release contents in the more neutral pH of the small intestine. This delivery approach aligns ingredient release with the anatomical site where bile-dependent fat emulsification naturally occurs.
DRcaps® have been studied in clinical settings to demonstrate delayed release compared to standard capsules under typical digestive conditions.
Referenced Studies
- Cole ET, et al. "Enteric coated HPMC capsules designed to achieve intestinal targeting." Int J Pharm. 2002;231(1):83-95.
- Lonza Capsules & Health Ingredients. "DRcaps® Capsules: Targeted Delivery to the Intestine." Technical Documentation. 2019.
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. The information provided is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Please consult your healthcare provider before starting any supplement regimen.