Taking medications or supplements in a capsule form is a good option. They digest well and they get absorbed in a short amount of time. Many users find they are easier to swallow than tablets or pills, and there isn’t any after taste. A hard shell capsule has two pieces, and the product is filled into them. The two pieces are connected, and when you swallow it, that shell is digested and the body benefits from the product inside.
Capsule suppliers work hard to create shells that work well for their intended needs. They follow regulations and incorporate scientific information. The products used to create the hard shells can influence your decision on which to buy. For example, gelatin capsules
are common but there are also vegetarian options.
As a consumer, you should be informed about capsules and select those that are right for you. A common mistake is assuming all of these products are the same. There are differences among them, and it takes time to evaluate the pros and cons of your situation. I don’t want you to feel overwhelmed by the options though. Instead, I encourage you to keep reading as I am going to share plenty of details to help you find the best capsules for your use. This information includes:
- Vegetarian vs. gelatin capsule – which is better?
- Ingredients in the product
- Cost
- Dissolution speed
- Mechanical stability
- Potential side effects
- How to know which capsule is right for you
Vegetarian Vs. Gelatin Capsule – Which is Better?
There is no reason to argue about which is best – vegetarian or gelatin capsules! It is a personal preference. Both types of shells work well and they are easy to swallow. An HPMC capsule isn’t made from any animal products. The ingredients are taken from wood pulp. There is no taste and these shells are clear.
Gelatin capsules are made from animal products. This includes porcine and bovine, the gelatin is extracted from the bones and skin of the animals. For those with dietary restrictions or religious beliefs, using gelatin capsules may not be the best idea. Not when there is the alternative to use vegan capsules. Gelatin capsules tend to cost less than vegetarian capsules.
The majority of supplements are offered as gelatin capsules. It can be frustrating when you can’t find the specific product you want in a vegan capsule. The good news is capsule manufacturers and companies are listening to consumer wants! More and more of the products offered in a capsule form are being offered in a vegetarian and vegan forms, and that is encouraging for consumers who want to go with this type of product.
Product Ingredients
Once you decide if you will go with a gelatin capsule or a vegetarian capsule, you should evaluate the product ingredients. They have to be listed on the product label. If you aren’t familiar with what certain ingredients are you should research them. Find out what they are used for, the possible benefits, and any known side effects.
The specific formula of a product isn’t going to be shared, only the ingredients found in it. When you read the label, the ingredients listed first are the main ingredients. As you get to the bottom of the list, those are the ingredients with the least amount in that product.
It is wise to research the company too and find out their reputation and background. How long have they been in business? What are other consumers sharing about their experience using those capsules? When you read plenty of positive reviews about a capsule product, it is encouraging. On the other hand, when you read negative reviews, it could cause you to steer clear of it and buy something else instead.
Cost
One concept I try to drive home is paying the highest price doesn’t mean you get the best quality product! On the other hand, you don’t want to get the cheapest product out there and get a cheap capsule that doesn’t work like it should! The value of a product stems from what it delivers, not the price tag. Any capsules you take should have quality ingredients in them for your specific desired benefit. The shells should be created from quality materials too.
I always take the total cost of the product and divide it by the number of capsules in the bottle. This gives me a per capsule price. Next, I compare it with how many I need to take. For example, one product may have a lower price, but you have to take two capsules per day. The product you compare it with costs slightly more, but since you only take one capsule per day, it lasts longer. In that scenario, the more expensive product is the better value.
I often look for supplements in larger quantities too. This tends to lower the cost per capsule. Plus, with a larger bottle, I have enough of that supplement on hand for a few months. I don’t have to worry about running out of my daily supplements this way. With prescription medications, you may be limited to how much of it you can get at once. Most pharmacies won’t approve more than 30-day prescriptions for certain pain medication capsules.
As I mentioned above, vegetarian capsules cost more than gelatin capsules. It is worth the extra though to stay in agreement with your religious beliefs and to avoid any dietary problems. If you do have a preference, make sure you read labels and only do price comparisons with other similar products that also have the type of capsule you plan to purchase.
Dissolution Speed
Most capsules will dissolve in the stomach, but some of them dissolve in the intestines. Typically, the capsule should dissolve between 15 minutes and 30 minutes. I encourage you to spend some time gathering this information. Understand where the product will dissolve and how long it is going to take. This information can influence the decision about which capsules you take.
Mechanical Stability
Most capsules are vulnerable to sunlight and humidity. Do your best to keep them stored in a dry, cool location. If you live in a humid area, a de-humidifier in the area where you store them is recommended. Keep the products away from heating and cooling vents. Don’t leave them on the counter where direct sunlight can reduce their effectiveness. The mechanical stability of capsules can vary, including the bottle they are sold in. If you follow these guidelines though you should be just fine.
Potential Side Effects
There aren’t any side effects from capsules, but there can be if you have digestive concerns. This is why such individuals should avoid gelatin capsules. Their best option is a vegetarian capsule. There can be side effects from the ingredients found inside of these capsules. The possible side effects should be included with the product. Supplements rarely have side effects, but medications might.
Always be aware of such information and also any interactions with other medications you take. Talk to your doctor before you add any new medications or supplements to your intake as a precaution. Avoid using illegal drugs or alcohol with medications or supplements. Always follow the directions on the product including the frequency, the dosage, and if the product should be taken with or without food.
How to know Which Capsule is Right for you
Assess your needs when it comes to capsules. Do you have a preference for vegetarian or gelatin capsules? If not, the gelatin capsules can save you money. Which ingredients should you look for in a given supplement or medication? What research have you completed to confirm a given product can deliver what it says it offers?
You may have to try certain products to determine if they are right for you. If you experience any side effects, talk to your doctor. It may take your body a bit of time to adjust to a certain medication. If you take supplements and feel energized and better when you take them, that is encouraging. However, many of them boost your immune system and work behind the scenes. You may not feel any different, but you need to know they work!
There is plenty of information online, but be selective with your resources. Not all details online are factual. When you search for information, make sure you aren’t on a biased page promoting a given product or a sales page. Evaluate the pros and cons of a product to decide if it is the right capsule for you to take. Narrow it down, don’t depend on luck to get you results!
Understanding the different variables that influence capsules and what they offer to you is important. What works well for you may not work the best for someone else. If the products you use aren’t the best for you, it is time to change so you can reap the benefits they offer. You don’t need the most expensive products, but you should use those offering quality ingredients. You should use capsules that get you the results you desire!
Post time: Sep-21-2023