# What is Enteric Coating? When it comes to supplements, formulation matters. One common pharmaceutical technique used to improve stability and delivery of active ingredients is enteric coating. This article explains what enteric coatings are, how they function in the digestive tract, and why they can matter for certain vitamins, probiotics, and other oral supplements. ## What is an enteric coating? Enteric coating is an acid-resistant layer applied to tablets, capsules, or beads. Its purpose is to prevent dissolution in the low pH environment of the stomach and instead allow release in the higher-pH environment of the small intestine. Typical materials include polymers such as cellulose acetate phthalate, methacrylic acid copolymers, and other pH-sensitive coatings formulated to remain intact below a certain pH and dissolve once the pH rises. ## How enteric coating works The gastrointestinal tract varies in acidity: the stomach typically has a pH between 1 and 3, while the small intestine has a pH closer to 5.5–7. Enteric coatings are designed to remain intact at stomach pH and then soften or dissolve when exposed to the less acidic conditions of the small intestine. This delayed release protects acid-sensitive ingredients from degradation and enables targeted delivery where absorption is more favorable. ## Benefits of enteric coating - Protection from stomach acid: Probiotics, certain enzymes, and some vitamins can be deactivated or denatured by gastric acid. An enteric barrier helps preserve their viability until they reach the intestine. - Improved absorption: Releasing active ingredients in the intestine can increase bioavailability for compounds absorbed primarily in the small intestine. - Reduced gastric irritation: Some compounds (e.g., certain fish oils or minerals) can irritate the stomach lining; enteric coatings reduce direct contact with gastric mucosa and may lessen discomfort. These functional benefits are formulation-dependent and should be demonstrated by stability testing and dissolution profiles rather than assumed. ## Enteric coated vs. regular coated supplements Not all coated pills are enteric-coated. Standard coatings may mask taste, improve handling, or control general release speed but will typically dissolve in the stomach. Enteric coatings specifically resist acidic environments and dissolve at higher pH, providing targeted intestinal release. Examples of supplements that often benefit from enteric protection include probiotics, some fish oil formulations, and vitamin B12 preparations that are sensitive to gastric conditions. For further reading on formulation and product information, see this analysis of related supplement products: Dr. Mercola supplements information. You can also review a practical resource on enteric coating and its implications for supplement effectiveness in this [enteric coating benefits guide](https://www.topvitamine.com/blogs/news/enteric-coating-benefits-guide). For company or site context, a general resource is available at Topvitamine home and an additional referenced link is provided here: Silo link 2. ## Conclusion Enteric coatings are a targeted formulation tool used to protect acid-sensitive ingredients, improve intestinal delivery, and reduce gastric irritation. When evaluating supplements, look for evidence of appropriate coating performance (dissolution testing and stability data) and transparent labeling to ensure the claimed benefits are supported by formulation science.