Does Advil Liqui Gels Contain Pork Gelatin?

Advil Liqui Gels are a popular over-the-counter pain reliever made by Haleon the company that produces Advil products. These fast-acting capsules contain liquified ibuprofen and are designed to be easily swallowed. A common question consumers have is whether Advil Liqui Gels contain pork gelatin. Let’s take a detailed look at the ingredients to find out.

What is Gelatin?

Gelatin is a protein substance derived from collagen in animal bones, skins, and tissues It acts as a gelling agent and gives a chewy texture to foods like jello, marshmallows, and gummy candies Gelatin can come from cows, pigs, fish, and other animals.

Pork gelatin specifically comes from pig skins bones, and connective tissues. It is widely used as an ingredient in both food and pharmaceutical products.

Advil Liqui Gels Ingredients

According to the official Advil website, here are the ingredients found in Advil Liqui Gels:

• Ibuprofen (active ingredient)
• FD&C Green No. 3 (coloring)
• Lecithin (emulsifier made from soybeans)
• Medium-chain triglycerides (fatty acids derived from coconut and palm oils)
• Gelatin
• Polyethylene glycol (processing aid)
• Potassium hydroxide (pH balancer)
• Purified water
• Sorbitol sorbitan solution (humectant)

The key ingredient in question is gelatin. The Advil website does not specify which animal source is used. It simply lists “gelatin” without further details.

Does Advil Use Pork Gelatin?

Upon digging deeper into consumer questions on Amazon and food blogs, there are mixed responses on whether Advil Liqui Gels contain pork gelatin.

• Some comments from the manufacturer state the gelatin comes from bovine (beef) sources.
• However, other unverified sources suggest it may come from porcine (pork) sources.

Without an explicit disclosure from the company, it remains unclear if Advil Liqui Gels use pork gelatin or not. The gelatin source seems ambiguous.

Alternatives for Consumers Avoiding Pork

For consumers avoiding pork for religious, dietary, or ethical reasons, the ambiguous gelatin source in Advil Liqui Gels presents a dilemma. Here are some alternatives to consider:

• Advil Tablets – These regular Advil pills contain cornstarch instead of questionable gelatin.

• Tylenol Gelcaps – Acetaminophen capsules use bovine gelatin, not pork.

• Veggie Capsule Pain Relievers – Some botanical brands use veggie cellulose capsules without animal gelatin.

• Kosher or Halal Certified Products – Look for kosher or halal seals to ensure no pork derivatives.

• Liquid or Chewable Ibuprofen – Children’s suspensions and chewables often lack gelatin.

Always check labels thoroughly and contact manufacturers with any gelatin source questions. Being an informed consumer is important when avoiding certain animal-derived ingredients.

The Bottom Line

While Advil Liqui Gels provide faster ibuprofen relief than tablets, their gelatin source remains unclear. The company does not confirm or deny if pork derivatives are used. This leaves consumers with dietary, religious or ethical concerns in a difficult position.

Hopefully Haleon, the maker of Advil, will provide more transparency about their gelatin sources soon. In the meantime, consumers can explore gelatin-free pain relief alternatives that align with their personal needs and preferences. Being proactive and asking questions is the best way to avoid unwanted mystery ingredients.

Bullet point summary:

• Gelatin is a protein derived from animal collagen that acts as a gelling agent.

• Pork gelatin comes from pig parts like skin, bones and tissues.

• Advil Liqui Gels contain an ingredient simply listed as “gelatin” without specifying the source.

• Unverified reports differ on whether pork or bovine gelatin is used in Advil Liqui Gels.

• Consumers avoiding pork can consider Advil tablets, Tylenol gelcaps, veggie capsules or liquid ibuprofen instead.

• More transparency from Advil’s manufacturer Haleon regarding gelatin sources would benefit concerned consumers.

• Checking labels carefully and contacting companies is important to avoid unwanted ingredients.