Over the years, pharmaceutical companies have developed many different forms of supplements, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. There are capsules, pills, powders, liquids, and even sublingual sprays.
The vast range of supplement forms can be confusing for consumers. What is better, powder or pill supplements? Which one should you take? Whether it is for the comfort of intake or to get the most benefits out of the supplement, the form of the supplement is an important consideration.
If this is what you are wondering, simply read on. We’ll take a closer look at powders and pills, what they’re made of, and what their benefits and drawbacks are.
What form of supplements is best
To know what form of supplement is best, we need to understand what each form of supplement is designed for and how it works.
- Capsules are designed to protect the ingredients from stomach acid. They are usually made with an enteric coating, which dissolves in the intestine instead of the stomach. This allows the capsule to release its contents directly into the intestine, where they can be absorbed.
- Pills are similar to capsules, but they do not have an enteric coating. This means that they dissolve in the stomach and are then absorbed into the bloodstream. Pills are generally smaller and easier to swallow than capsules.
- Powder supplements are versatile, designed to be mixed with water or another liquid. They are easy to take and can be absorbed quickly by the body.
- Liquids are similar to powders, but they are already mixed with a liquid (usually water). They are easy to take and can be absorbed quickly by the body.
- Sublingual sprays are designed to be sprayed under the tongue, where they are absorbed directly into the bloodstream. This allows them to bypass the digestive system and be absorbed more quickly.
While all the forms can be helpful to an extent, the best form of supplements depends on the individual. Some people prefer capsules because they are easy to take and do not need to be mixed with water. Others prefer powder because it is easy to mix with other beverages and can be taken on the go.
What is better, powder or pill
It depends on what you are looking for in a supplement and what your preferences are.
Powder supplements are generally more convenient than pills, but they may not be as potent. Pills are usually more potent than powder supplements, but they may be less convenient to take.
Unlike pills, almost all powder supplements can be dissolved in water or liquid as that can be the preferable way of intake for most people making it a great choice.
Also, it is important to note that certain supplements or nutrients like protein cannot be crammed into small pills or capsules to suit daily needs. So, certain supplements are only available better in powder form.
💡The most widely used nutritional supplement around the globe is the multivitamin.
Can I remove the powder out of capsules
Crushing or opening capsules is considered a common solution if someone has trouble swallowing pills or if a person wants to mix the contents of a capsule with food or drink.
However, it is advised not to do this as it can alter the effects of the supplement.
Certain supplements are designed to work slowly or to be released after a delay. Some are even made with a protective coating lining the medicine with an ingredient that can harm your stomach.
For example, if you were to take a vitamin C supplement in capsule form, crushing the capsule would release all the vitamin C at once, and it would be absorbed into your system too quickly. This could cause an upset stomach or other side effects, sometimes even a fatal overdose.
There are even supplements that have active ingredients that can degrade when it comes in contact with air or light. So, in these cases, if you crush or bite the capsule to release the medicine inside, the actual effects of the ingredient may change.
A study proves that crushing or biting a capsule disturbs the capsule’s sustained releasing properties, which can sometimes have adverse effects on the person taking it.
It is always best to follow the supplement bottle instructions and consult with a healthcare professional if you have any questions.
💡 Capsules are made of hard or soft gelatin and shells that are not made of gelatin. These shells can be made from collagen hydrolysis (acid, alkaline, enzymatic, or thermal) or cellulose.
What to do if you can’t swallow a capsule
A recent study has concluded that there are many people who have difficulty swallowing capsules or pills. It is found that the reason for the inability to swallow capsules can be because they have increased oral perception or high sensitivity to taste.
There is also a condition called dysphagia, which is a medical term for difficulty swallowing. If you have dysphagia, you may not be able to take capsules or pills at all.
If you have trouble swallowing pills or capsules, you can do a few things.
- Try drinking a glass of water before taking the supplement. Water can act as lubrication for your throat and makes pill swallowing easy. If the taste is your problem, you can also try taking the supplement with food, if that is allowed by your physician. This will help mask the supplement’s taste and make it easier to swallow.
- Another great alternative to capsules or pills is powder supplements. Powder supplements can be mixed with water or another beverage, making them easy to take and absorb. So, powder supplements may be the best option if you have trouble swallowing capsules or pills.
- If you still have difficulty swallowing pills or capsules, you can always ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice. They may be able to recommend a different form of supplement that is easier for you to take.
When you have difficulty swallowing, it is important to get yourself checked for any other medical condition that might be the cause.
Conclusion
There are many different forms of supplements available on the market today. Each form has its own advantages and disadvantages, so it is important to choose the one that is best for you. Hope this article helped you understand the difference between powder and pill supplements clarifying your query, ‘What is better – powder or pill supplements?’
Having trouble figuring out how to pack supplements for a trip? Read this blog: How To Pack Supplements For Travel
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