Nutritional supplements are immensely popular and consumed worldwide. In the United States alone, it is estimated that more than half of all adults consume one or more nutritional supplements regularly or occasionally. Nutritional supplements are available in several different types of formulations for individuals to choose from– including capsules, softgels, tablets, powders, gelcaps, bars, gummies, and liquids. But which is the better format?
In this post, we will focus on comparing the most popular forms: gummies versus capsules. This article will additionally highlight several bioequivalence studies that compare gummies and tablets, and explain why you should consider including an advanced supplement formulation in your diet. The links below can be used to jump ahead to different topics on the page.
What are Gummy Supplements?
Gummy supplements is any type of chewable supplement that has been fortified with a specific vitamin, mineral, botanical compound, or a combination of such. The base ingredients of these chewable gummies are gelatin (or agar agar as a common vegan alternative), sugar, cornstarch, water, and added flavor and/or colorings. With appealing flavors, colors, and shapes, their texture and taste are similar to gummy candies, and hence, gummy supplements are more palatable than supplements in capsule, tablet, and powder formats.
Benefits and Drawbacks of Gummy Supplements
Gummy supplements contain vitamins, minerals, or other nutrients that your body can need if you are not eating a balanced diet. However, certain drawbacks to gummy supplements can negatively impact your health.
Pros: Unlike supplements in powder or tablet form, which are not always palatable, the fruity flavors and candy-like taste of gummy supplements make them very user friendly. The flavors and shapes of gummy supplements make them appealing to children and adults alike. They are easy to chew and are preferred over swallowing supplements in capsule or tablet forms.
Cons: The appealing taste of gummy supplements is due to the presence of added sugar. It is estimated that most gummy supplements contain 2-8 grams of sugar per serving, and hence, they can become an unexpected source of added sugar in the diet. Even sugar-free gummy supplements can contain sugar alcohols that are listed under Total Carbohydrates on the product label. Over-consumption of sugar alcohol can cause diarrhea and bloating, and the safety of the artificial food colorings used in many gummy supplements is still being investigated.
There are also many added ingredients in gummy forms of supplements, making it difficult to tailor to one’s religious or dietary food restrictions.
The appealing flavors of gummy supplements can lead to over-consumption, which, in turn, can cause side effects such as vomiting and diarrhea, or worse, mineral toxicity and the potential risk of liver damage.
Therefore, it is critical to pay attention to the recommended use when taking a gummy supplement to avoid the risks of overdosing.
Gummies versus Capsules: A Comparison
Before comparing gummy supplements versus capsule supplements, let’s first understand the bioavailability of nutrients in supplement formulations.
The bioavailability of a nutrient refers to the amount that enters the bloodstream. After a nutrient enters the bloodstream, it should then cross the targeted cell membranes so it can exert its beneficial effects. However, the low natural absorption and bioavailability of certain nutrients can adversely affect their beneficial potential. And taking a supplement in higher amounts does not necessarily increase its absorption; instead, it can cause adverse side effects.
The extent of a nutrient’s absorption and bioavailability directly impacts its beneficial effects. When considering gummy supplements versus capsule supplements, you might wonder which is more bioavailable. The bioavailability of any supplement is partially dependent on the eventual dissolution in the body of the supplement preparation, which determines its absorption. The supplement’s coating can also affect its dissolution.
Gummies Versus Capsules: How Do They Dissolve?
Gummies are chewed and their dissolution begins in the mouth when combined with saliva. The process of dissolution continues in the stomach, with further dissolution in the small intestine.
In contrast, capsules have a shell typically made of gelatin. The active nutrients inside the capsule can be in the form of powder, granules, or liquid. The gelatin shell dissolves in the stomach or bowel and the nutrient molecules are released then. Time-release capsules are designed to release their active ingredients slowly.
Gummies Versus Capsules: Bioequivalence Studies
Bioequivalence is the property where two supplement types with identical active ingredients display similar bioavailability and produce the same effect at the site of their physiological activity.
The following table highlights several bioequivalence studies that compare the efficacy of gummy supplements versus capsule supplements.
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Although studies do show increased bioequivalence of nutrients when in a gummy form, here are some important considerations for capsule supplements beyond just availability: stability and shelf life, dosage accuracy, low sugar content, fewer additives, versatility in formulation, and reduced risk of dental issues.
Considering Advanced Supplement Formulations
Whether it is a gummy, a capsule, or a tablet, the absorption and bioavailability of the nutrients in the nutritional supplement depend on how well the supplement is formulated. Whereas, conventional supplement formulations often fail to enhance nutrient bioavailability, advanced formulations can improve the absorption and solubility of the active nutrients by utilizing innovative nutrient delivery approaches, such as:
- Microcapsules
- Nanoparticles
- Nano-liposomes
- Solid dispersion systems
- Cyclodextrin inclusion compounds
The following table highlights the features of an advanced supplement formulation.
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FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About Gummies Versus Capsules
The following are frequently asked questions (FAQs) about considering including a nutritional supplement in your diet.
Gummies versus capsules — which works better?
Consult your healthcare provider to determine which format works best for you. Gummies or capsules, when taken according to the suggested use, can be equally effective with similar plasma absorption profiles. However, gummy supplements typically have a shorter shelf life than capsules or tablets because of their susceptibility to absorbing moisture, which degrades them faster.
Can I take a gummy or capsule supplement with a prescription medicine?
Some nutritional supplements can cause a prescription medication to break down faster than usual, making it less effective. Some nutritional supplements can slow down the breakdown of a medication, making it stay in the body longer and causing side effects. Consult with your healthcare provider before taking a gummy or capsule supplement with a prescription medication.
What should I look for when selecting a gummy or capsule supplement?
Read the product label to determine the active nutrients present in the supplement, whether it’s a gummy or a capsule. The product label will also provide information about the inactive ingredients, such as colors and flavors, as well as the expiry date. Always choose a nutritional supplement manufactured by a trusted and reputable manufacturer.
How do you determine the efficacy of a gummy or capsule supplement?
The enhanced bioavailability and absorption of the active nutrients are critical indicators of a supplement formulation’s efficacy.
Tesseract Medical Research’s proprietary CyLoc® – DexKey® nutrient delivery nanotechnology encases each active nutrient molecule, protecting it from premature breakdown during transit through the stomach. The accompanying DexKey® reactors enable targeted delivery of the active ingredient molecules at the desired point in the intestinal tract for enhanced absorption. The result is unprecedented absorption of the active nutrients in lesser amounts than previously required to achieve the desired health benefit.
Tesseract Medical Research complies with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) to ensure the purity, potency, and composition of our nutritional supplements. We utilize the most advanced analytical techniques and a well-designed quality control system to develop the finest quality nutritional supplements.
The power of Tesseract’s nutritional supplements lies in enhancing palatability, maximizing solubility, absorption and bioavailability, and micro-dosing multiple nutrients in a single, highly effective capsule. Visit our website for more information about how Tesseract’s supplements can support yourhealth.*
References:
1Wagner CL, et al. Nutrients vol. 11,5 1023. 7 May. 2019, doi:10.3390/nu11051023
2Evans M, et al. Journal of the American College of Nutrition vol. 39,5 (2020):422-431. doi:10.1080/07315724.2019.1684398
3Linakis JG, et al. Pediatric Emergency Care vol. 8,6 (1992):321-324. doi:10.1097/00006565-199212000-00003
4Wagner C, et al. Current Developments in Nutrition vol. 4,Suppl 2 1846. 29 May. 2020, doi:10.1093/cdn/nzaa067_073
