but how do they fit the same amount into a smaller pill??

Summary

Key Points

• The video investigates how Advil's mini softgel contains the same 200 mg of ibuprofen as the original, despite being significantly smaller and lighter. 0:00
• Initial examination revealed the mini softgel's gelatin shell is 30% thinner, which could contribute to its smaller size or faster dissolution. 0:19
• A dissolution race demonstrated that the mini softgel dissolved faster than the original, though its impact on bodily absorption was left for another video. 0:40
• By measuring the internal volume, it was determined that the mini softgel achieves a nearly 50% higher ibuprofen concentration (3 molar) compared to the original (2.1 molar). 0:57
• The speaker initially hypothesized that Advil modified inactive ingredients to increase ibuprofen solubility, but found the inactive ingredients were largely identical, with the mini lacking lecithin. 1:31
• Further investigation into potential changes in polyethylene glycol molecular weight or the use of the S isomer of ibuprofen were ruled out as explanations. 1:47
• The crucial discovery was that both the original and mini Advil softgels utilize the highly water-soluble potassium salt of ibuprofen. 2:18
• This inherent high solubility of ibuprofen potassium means Advil did not need to tweak ingredients to achieve higher concentrations in the mini softgel. 2:27
• The video concludes with the unresolved mystery of why Advil did not produce the more convenient mini softgels from the outset, given the solubility of ibuprofen potassium. 2:34