As the supplements market is on a surge, many people are often confused with the choice of softgels, capsules, or tablets. Which is the best option to opt for while taking supplements?
I prefer softgels over capsules and tablets as softgels come with pre-measured dosages and also have liquid content in them, which makes them easier to absorb in the body. Although tablets and capsules may have their own advantages.
So, the choice between softgels, capsules, or tablets depends on personal preference, but it is important to make the right and informed decision before choosing between them.
In this guide, we’ll explore the difference between capsules, tablets, and softgels. This will help us to make an informed decision while choosing between softgels, capsules, and tablets.
What Are Softgels?
Softgels are soft pills that have an outer shell made up of gelatin that contains liquid or semi-liquid material. The process of putting liquid material inside the gelation shell is known as encapsulation.
The liquid material inside the softgels generally has the solution of active ingredients which absorbs quickly as compared to solid content. Thus, softgels work faster.
Softgels are often used for oral medications, supplements, and vitamins. These softgels are sealed which protects liquid content from oxidation and atmospheric moisture. This increases the shelf life of the softgels.
Benefits Of Softgels
- Easy to Swallow: The soft and smooth texture of softgels makes them easy to swallow. Also, the outer shell of softgels helps in isolating the unpleasant taste of active ingredients.
- Pre-measured Dosage: Softgels come with a pre-measured dosage of active ingredients which makes them a go-to choice for many individuals.
Cons Of Softgels
- Higher Costs: For complex formulations,softgels are more expensive than capsules and tablets.
- Limited Ingredients: Many ingredients cannot be encapsulated in the form of softgels due to the complex structure of their chemical compounds. This makes softgels less versatile than other alternatives.
What Are Capsules?
Capsules are the type of dosage form that includes medications and supplements. Generally, capsules consist of shells that contain the active ingredients related to the medication or supplement.
In the market, there are two types of capsules: Hard-shell capsules and Soft-shell capsules. Hard-shell capsules are made up of two parts – a body and a cap whereas soft-shell capsules only have a single shell. These capsules are made up of gelatine (other vegan alternatives can also be used).
Benefits Of Capsules
- Prevention From Unpleasant Taste: The main benefit of using capsules is that they help prevent the unpleasant taste and smell of the active ingredients of medication and supplements.
- Protection From Environment: Capsules help protect the active ingredient of medication from environmental factors like light, air, etc.
Cons Of Capsules
- Less Absorption Rate: Capsules may dissolve faster than tablets, but the absorption rate for capsules is slower for certain medicines and supplements.
What Are Tablets?
Tablets are like a solid dosage form of medication that contains active ingredients. Tablets are widely used in medicinal form, and nutritional supplements.
These are the most common methods of taking medicine or supplements as they offer convenience and precise measurement of dosages. Generally, tablets contain active ingredients and excipients (also known as inactive ingredients).
Active ingredients are intended to provide therapeutic effects. Whereas excipients can be binders (components that hold tablets together), disintegrants (help in dissolving the tablet properly), or coating (enhance the taste of the tablet).
Benefits Of Tablets
- Ease Of Use: Most people prefer tablets because of their versatility. Tablets can be easily stored, carried, and consumed which makes them convenient for individuals.
- Precise Dosage And Adjustment: Most tablets provide the precise dosage of the active ingredients. Tablets can also be split to adjust the dosage, offering more flexibility.
- Controlled Effects Of Active Ingredients: Tablets can be easily formulated for immediate, delayed, or extended release of active ingredients. This can help control the side effects of active ingredients.
Cons Of Tablets
- Difficult To Swallow: Many people find tablets very hard to swallow because of their unpleasant taste and odor.
- Disintegration Time: If the tablets are poorly formulated, they may not disintegrate properly. This may lead to incomplete absorption of active ingredients and reduce the efficacy of the tablet.
Which One Should You Choose: Softgels, Capsules Or Tablets?
As said before, the decision to choose between softgels, capsules, and tablets depends on individual needs and preferences. There are many factors like absorption rates, ease of swallowing, dietary restrictions, and cost you should consider to make your decision.
Softgels are mainly filled with liquid types of active ingredients which makes them suitable for the fat-soluble vitamins like vitamin D and K. The liquid form offers faster absorption than the solid form of active ingredients. However, softgels can be expensive compared to other alternatives.
Capsules provide a better absorption rate than tablets as their case which is made up of gelatin is easily dissolvable. Capsules are also known for isolating the unpleasant taste and odor of the active ingredients.
Tablets are the most widely used and cost-effective option for taking medication and supplements. Generally, tablets have a longer shelf life than capsules and softgels. However, they also contain excipients, which can be irritating to many people.
The Bottom Line
To sum it up, all of these methods of taking medication and supplements have their own benefits and cons. Ultimately, the choice of deciding the best option between softgels, capsules, and tablets depends on personal needs and preferences.
However, it is important to make an informed decision and understand the factors affecting softgels, capsules, or tablets. If you’re under any medical condition then it is important to consult a healthcare expert before choosing any medication or sup
