NEWS

When you buy healthcare supplements, they might come in softgels, capsules. You are often are faced with a decision to make – which form should you take? 

What Are Capsules?
Capsules are formed plant or animal material that hold dry or oil supplement ingredients inside of them. The capsules fit together and are usually bonded in so they don't break apart in the bottle. A benefit of capsules from a packaging standpoint is that the ingredients are safely contained inside the capsule so that an exact dosage can be created.

From a consumer standpoint, there are pros and cons to capsules. A benefit is that capsules are easy to swallow. The capsule material doesn't break down in the mouth, so if the supplement has a bitter taste, for example, the consumer won't taste it on the tongue before it's swallowed. A con to capsules can be their size.

What Are Softgels?
Softgels are similar to capsules, but the material is made of gelatin, and the ingredients are always liquid – never dry. Softgel material is antioxidant, which means that the contents has a long shelf life and is well protected against UV rays and oxidation. Many softgels are opaque to enhance UV-resistance.

What Are Tablets?
Tablets are powdered ingredients that have been mixed with a substance so that a particular shape is held. Tablets can come coated and uncoated. One of the benefits of tablets is that the ingredients can be concentrated. Among Softgels, capsules and tablets, tablets allow the most nutrient-dense product.

From a consumer's standpoint, tablets are excellent because they can easily be split in two, or crushed and dissolved in water or mixed with solid foods. For consumers who struggle with swallowing pills, tablets can be a benefit. However, tablets offer little protection against bitter tastes of the supplement, so there may be some unpleasant aftertaste with tablet usage.

When you compare softgels, capsules and tablets, pay special attention to the dosages. There will usually be differences among them as far as how many you have to take with a single dose.