Why I Chose Pullulan Capsules for Brother Barbell Supplements
When I first started formulating supplements for Brother Barbell, I wasn’t just focused on what went into the capsules I was just as concerned about the capsules themselves. Most companies use cellulose-based capsules by default. They're cheap, easy to source, and technically plant-based, so they get the "vegetarian-friendly" label. But after doing a deep dive into the options, I made a conscious decision to go in a different direction. That’s why I use pullulan capsules across almost every product we make.
Here’s why that matters and why I think it's one of the most overlooked parts of supplement quality.
The Problem With Standard Cellulose Capsules
Most plant-based capsules are made from hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) a processed form of wood pulp. It’s labeled as "vegetable capsule" or "vegan capsule," which sounds clean and natural, but it’s really a synthetic derivative of cellulose.
While HPMC is technically safe, I had some concerns with it:
It’s highly processed, involving chemicals and solvents in production
It’s harder to digest for many people, especially those with gut sensitivities
It can slow down the release and absorption of certain nutrients
To me, that defeats the purpose of a supplement that’s supposed to support your body not burden your digestion.
What Makes Pullulan Different
Pullulan is a naturally fermented polysaccharide made from tapioca through a clean, water-based fermentation process. That may sound technical, but here’s what it means in practical terms:
It’s hypoallergenic, gut-friendly, and easier to digest
It creates a better oxygen barrier, helping protect sensitive ingredients from oxidation
It allows for faster and more consistent absorption in the body
It’s non-GMO and biodegradable, aligning with our sustainability goals
In short, pullulan is cleaner, gentler, and more functional especially for supplements that are dosed with bioavailability in mind.
Real-World Benefits I’ve Seen
When I switched my own stack over to pullulan-based supplements, I noticed less bloating, better stomach tolerance, and (especially with things like cordyceps or magnesium L-threonate) a faster onset of effects. I’ve had clients tell me the same thing no more guessing whether a product is being fully absorbed or not.
That feedback, paired with the science, was enough to convince me it was worth the extra cost.
Why It’s Worth the Investment
Most companies don’t use pullulan because it’s more expensive than cellulose. But to me, that’s a short-sighted tradeoff. At Brother Barbell, we’re committed to maximizing bioavailability and minimizing gut irritation even if it costs us a little more per capsule.
And if you’ve ever opened one of our products, you may have noticed that the capsules vary in color slightly. That’s intentional. We don’t use artificial dyes or colorants, which means our products reflect the natural colors of the raw ingredients inside. Each one is a little different just like real food should be.
When I say we take every detail seriously, I mean it down to the capsule itself. Pullulan is just one of the many choices we make at Brother Barbell to ensure what you’re putting in your body is clean, effective, and designed with your health in mind. Because better inputs lead to better results.
