The comments below reflect the personal experiences and opinions of readers and do not represent medical advice or the views of this website. The information shared has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or health condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical concerns.
NAC and Glutamate
Posted by Diane (MN) on 06/01/2021
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NAC and glutamate and relevancy to gelatin:
If free glutamate is an excitotoxin, it sounds like someone with anxiety or sleep issues should avoid gelatin. I have those issues and take a lot of supplements so will have to try to cut down on those in gelatin capsules by opening them up as suggested, except the ones like fish oil and Q10 are harder to deal with. My doctor has me taking NAC for anxiety which apparently lowers glutamate levels in the brain, don't know how that might be relevant or helpful.
Alternatives to Gelatin
Posted by KT (Usa) on 05/12/2021
Hi Donna,
The veggie caps are also toxic to me. Serrapeptase and Bromelain are in vegetable capsules. The Bromelain alone caused my prolapse.
KT
Gelatin Capsules and Pelvic Prolapse Connection
Posted by Bob. (U.S.A.) on 05/11/2021
As far as a natural stool softener / laxative goes w/o any gelatin or MSG just use a tsp / tbs. of wheatgrass with meals, before going to bed or as needed, adjust the dose as needed. This will do both very quickly speaking from personal experience.
Add activated charcoal as needed to supercharge it, speeds it up and helps with detoxing the body. You are better off buying the activated charcoal & wheatgrass in bulk 1-pound, more or less according to personal need, just sprinkle both on some yogurt or kefir, coconut oil, avocado oil, olive oil, something thick to absorb it, so you don't inhale it.
Alternatives to Gelatin
Posted by Sue (Ohio) on 05/11/2021
Donna,
Unless you find that your compounded meds are bothering you, I would not worry about it. (Worry is an afib trigger, too! ) MSG is naturally in foods. I think if the capsule thing were a significant risk, other natural health websites would be sure to have info about it. I have tried to research this and haven't found info enough to convince myself that I would be better off not using capsules.
Sue-zee-q
Alternatives to Gelatin
Posted by Adrienne Samuels (USA) on 05/11/2021
China grass is another name for agar-agar, which is derived from algae, and thus a vegetarian product. By and large vegetables contain relatively little protein, but if the algae are subjected to a process that will break protein into its constituent amino acids, glutamate will be produced. The only way to tell if there is glutamate in a product is to get a free amino acid analysis and look for the free glutamic acid (aka glutamate) content. Bottom line is there will be little, if any, glutamate in china grass, and certainly less than in gelatin.
Alternatives to Gelatin
Posted by Adrienne Samuels (USA) on 05/11/2021
If by “safer” you mean containing less glutamate, a safer alternative would be capsules made from vegetable cellulose. Cellulose is basically plant fiber, and one of the most common sources is wood pulp. Manufacturers grind up the wood and extract the cellulose.
MSG in Supplements
Posted by Adrienne Samuels (Chicago, IL USA) on 05/11/2021
Since the ingredient list names glutamic acid and aspartic acid, one could assume they are both ingredients of collagen. There's nothing deceptive about that.
Alternatives to Gelatin
Posted by Donna F. (Hartford CT) on 05/11/2021
I have my blood pressure meds compounded into gelatin caps because I'm allergic to pine and sulfites and they may be in veggie caps. Omg now what? Msg is an afib trigger for me!
MSG in Supplements
Posted by KT (Usa) on 05/11/2021
Hi Pamela,
I am sorry I don't know anything about collagen peptides. I had been informed by the late Jack Samuels that magnesium and vitamin C can provide some protection against MSG toxicity.
KT
Alternatives to Gelatin
Posted by KT (Usa) on 05/11/2021
I believe capsules are only a convenient way to take meds/vitamins and don't need to be ingested. For decades, I have been opening capsules and pouring contents in a mouthful of water or mixing in applesauce. If a gel cap, l bite it to remove contents and spit the capsule out.
I don't know anything about China grass, sorry.
KT
Alternatives to Gelatin
Posted by KT (Usa) on 05/11/2021
I open capsules and pour out contents. If it is a gel cap, I bite it open to remove contents.
KT
Alternatives to Gelatin
Posted by Linda P. (California) on 05/10/2021
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Well that article was an eye opener. I have used kosher vegetarian gel caps in my turmeric and other supplements for over a decade. What is a safe healthy alternative?
Alternatives to Gelatin
Posted by John (WA) on 05/10/2021
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What about using china grass instead of gelatin?
MSG in Supplements
Posted by Pamela W (Edmond, OK) on 05/10/2021
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What about collagen peptides from cowhide? I see the ingredients list both glutamic and aspartic acid on the jar I've been using. Supposed to be for hair skin nails & joints. Is this bogus?
Gelatin Capsules and Pelvic Prolapse Connection
Posted by KT (USA) on 03/09/2013
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I am in my sixties and discovered that gelatin capsules are what caused my prolapse. I could not tolerate ingesting capsules. I always opened them and took the contents. When I started to use the stool softeners I had to swallow the capsule(s). I then experienced the prolapse... This was just this past Dec.
When I stopped using the gelatin capsule stool softeners, the prolapse began to subside. I juggle between probiotics, magnesium powder and the stool softeners. When I walk, go up and down the stairs or stand at the kitchen sink I do Kegels. I also do them when I lift ten lbs. from the floor... As you come up, tuck & squeeze your butt. I was fortunate to recognize this early enough to fix it (just a few months), so if anyone has ingested supplements in capsules for a period of time it may take longer.
