Making your own capsules is a fantastic way to save money and customize your supplement routine. Powders are generally much cheaper than pre-made capsules, and by making your own, you can combine different ingredients or simply encapsulate a bulk supplement for easier use. Here’s a guide on how to do it, what you’ll need, and the steps to follow.

## Capsule Sizes and Their Standard Capacities

Capsules come in various sizes, and it’s important to choose the right size based on how much powder you need in each capsule. Here’s a guide to the most common capsule sizes and their approximate capacities:

| Capsule Size | Approx. Volume | Typical Powder Weight |

|——————|——————–|—————————|

| Size 000         | 1.37 mL            | 800-1600 mg               |

| Size 00          | 0.91 mL            | 600-800 mg                |

| Size 0           | 0.68 mL            | 400-600 mg                |

| Size 1           | 0.50 mL            | 300-500 mg                |

| Size 2           | 0.37 mL            | 200-300 mg                |

The exact weight of the powder will depend on its density, so you should weigh it using a milligram scale to ensure proper dosing.

## What You’ll Need To Make Your Own Capsules

1. Capsule Filling Machine/Tray  

   These manual devices hold the bottom half of a capsule while you fill it with powder. Be sure to select the right size for the capsules you’re using (e.g., 00, 0, 1, etc.).

2. Empty Gel Capsules  

   You’ll need gel or vegetarian capsules to match your tray. Sizes 00 and 0 are the most commonly used, but choose the size that fits your needs.

3. Micro Spoons or Spatulas  

   Micro spoons are essential for measuring out small amounts of powder for each capsule.

4. Electronic Milligram Scale  

   You’ll need a precise scale to weigh your active ingredients and filler powders accurately.

5. Bulk Powder  

   This is the active ingredient or supplement you want to encapsulate, such as vitamins, minerals, or amino acids.

6. Non-Active Filler Powders  

   To ensure your capsules are evenly filled, you’ll often need a filler to bulk up the capsule. Non-active fillers like:

   – Microcrystalline Cellulose (MCC): Commonly used in supplements, it’s easy to use and inert.

   – Rice Flour: A fine, neutral powder often used in capsules.

   – Mannitol: A sugar alcohol often used in supplements; it’s tasteless and helps with flow.

   – Fiber: Can add some digestive benefits but works as a great filler as well.

7. Mixing Tools  

   – Vortex Mixer: A vortex mixer is ideal for thoroughly blending your active ingredients with fillers, ensuring even distribution.

   – Whisk and Bowl: If you don’t have a vortex mixer, a whisk and bowl work well to mix your powders.

   

8. Plastic Bags and Marker  

   Store any leftover powder for future use, and be sure to label the bags with the contents and dosage.

## Step-by-Step Guide To Making Capsules

### 1. Calculate Blend Ratio

To start, determine how much of your active ingredient you want in each capsule. For instance, if you’re making a 100 mg capsule and your capsule holds 600 mg total, you’ll need 500 mg of filler. Use this formula for a single active ingredient:

Filler Weight = Capsule Size – Main Ingredient Weight

For example, if you are making 100 mg of an active ingredient in a size 00 capsule (which holds 600 mg), you would calculate:

600 mg (capsule size) – 100 mg (active ingredient) = 500 mg of filler

### 2. Weigh Ingredients

Using your milligram scale, weigh out the active ingredient and filler for however many capsules you’re making. You can prepare a larger batch and store the remaining powder for future use.

### 3. Mix Ingredients Thoroughly

To ensure even distribution of your active ingredient and filler, use a vortex mixer if possible. This tool is extremely effective at thoroughly blending powders. If you don’t have one, whisk the powders in a bowl, but be careful not to lose powder while mixing.

Ensure that the two ingredients are well combined, with no visible separation.

### 4. Prepare Capsule Tray

Place the bottom halves of the empty capsules into the tray. Position your tray over a plate to catch any spilled powder.

### 5. Fill the Capsules

Use your micro spoons or spatula to fill each capsule with the powder mixture. It’s easiest to overfill slightly, then scrape off the excess.

### 6. Level and Cap the Capsules

Level off the powder in the capsules using a scraper or thin knife. Once they’re filled, place the tops on the capsules and press them firmly to close.

### 7. Store the Capsules

Place your finished capsules in a labeled container. Include the name of the supplement, the blend ratio, and the dosage per capsule. Store any leftover powder in a labeled plastic bag for later use.

## Recommended Non-Active Filler Powders

– Microcrystalline Cellulose (MCC): An industry-standard filler that is inert and easy to handle.

– Rice Flour: A neutral, easy-to-use filler that’s widely available.

– Mannitol: A tasteless sugar alcohol that ensures the powder flows smoothly.

– Fiber: Great for adding bulk and digestive benefits without affecting the active ingredient.

## Conclusion

Making your own capsules is a cost-effective and customizable way to manage your supplements. With a capsule tray, some basic equipment, and high-quality ingredients, you can take control of your supplement routine, save money, and ensure that you’re getting exactly what you need. Happy capping!

For some bulks, the dosing range will fit in one of size of the capsule.   This makes it easy.   For instance, 5-amino 1MQ fits fine for me in size 0 capusles.    In others, you need just a little of the bulk powder (e.g., methylene blue).   For these, fill the capsules with MCC, then tamp them down once, then fill in the methylene blue, tamping down again if needed.  This will over 100 days, provide an accurate average dose, but each day may vary some.