Anybody who has worked in the supplement business for any length of time has likely come across both capsules and tablets. There are a variety of supplement types to choose from. The most common forms are tablets and capsules, although they can also be found in other forms such as soft gels, chewables, liquids, and powders.
So, it makes sense that many people would wonder, which is better, a capsule or a pill. Which one is top-notch? If you’re just starting out, it can be difficult to differentiate between companies. To assist you understand the different between capsules and tablets, we’ve provided a concise summary of the key distinctions between the two.
Both consumers and manufacturers of supplements benefit from the plethora of different formats. Customers can find the optimal dose form for their needs amongst a variety of vitamin and supplement choices.
Tablets
Tablets are the most cost-effective form of vitamin and supplement delivery because their manufacture is less expensive.
When compared to capsules and other forms of drug delivery, they allow tablet manufacturers to pack more medicine into a given volume. Tablets are the most stable form, remaining effective even after long periods of storage.
There exists an endless number of possible tablet designs. The company and the customer are given additional leeway and options as a result.
Tablets need to strike a balance between being sturdy enough to keep their shape in the package and pliable enough to dissolve easily in the stomach. Manufacturers utilise a battery of tests to check for flaws and ensure that each batch is the correct hardness.
In terms of general absorption, tablets may be preferable. The hardness of pills is a major drawback, and the larger sizes may be difficult to swallow for certain people.
Tablets are more difficult to manufacture than other forms of dosage forms due to the fact that they need to be rock solid upon consumption. Tablets can be made using one of three primary methods: direct compression, dry granulation, or wet granulation.
Direct compression involves mixing of active substances and other components. To make a tablet, they are first ground into a powder. Both wet and dry granulation entail additional steps, such as screening the granules. In wet granulation, a liquid is used to facilitate the agglomeration of dry powder.
Advantages
- They can be made into many different forms (flat, round, or oval)
- When compared to capsules, their price is far lower.
- Divide tablets in half as easily as you would divide a tablet in half (if needed)
- Their storage life is extended.
Capsules
A capsule is a small, encapsulated pill made from a soluble material like gelatin, cellulose, or a vegetable based product that is easy to digest. The “housing” of your supplement ingredients is the key differential between capsules and tablets.
When compared to tablets, capsules feature an outer shell that really houses the active ingredients. Both hard-shelled and soft-gel capsules are widely utilised in the dietary supplement industry.
Gel capsules that are really hard to chew
The insoluble shell of a capsule can be broken down into its two constituent elements. The “body” and “cap” are shorthand for these two parts. These two halves of the capsule are a perfect match, enclosing the vitamin safely within. Hard-shelled capsules are highly recommended for extended-release or dual-action formulations.
soft gel capsules
Soft-gel capsules are comparable to hard-shelled capsules, but their contents float in gelatin or a similar medium. Quick absorption and dispersal of supplement components.
Advantages
- It’s a lot simpler to digest.
- Ensures the safety of delicate substances
- Quickly and easily accessible Lessens stomach upset
- To create something truly original, you can mix and match ingredients in different ways.
- Available in both gelatinous and veggie-friendly packaging
- Methods for transporting fat- or oil-soluble nutrients
Rates of absorption for both available pills have increased. To improve supplement digestion and assimilation, scientists routinely test new formulations.
Faster absorption of supplements in tablet or capsule form is not always preferable. In some cases, it may be counterproductive. A slower rate of absorption may be preferable in some cases, such as when taking more strong vitamins. If the body is unable to process the supplement, vital nutrients are wasted.
For certain crucial components, slower absorption is the way to go. Certain vitamins and supplements have timed-release properties. However, faster absorption rates are preferable for various supplement types like pre-workout formulations, energy drinks, and supplements.
Customers and manufacturers of nutritional supplements alike need to weigh the pros and cons of capsules and tablets before making a final decision. There are benefits and drawbacks to every format. Capsules or tablets? Absorption is the most important element. Some dietary supplement varieties work better in liquid than in pill form.
In any case, the supplement market clearly has room for both pills and capsules. The decision between capsules and tablets should be decided on an individual basis for each vitamin or supplement product. Renown has the capability to produce any nutraceutical product. For your private-label supplement brand, we offer the full gamut of services, from production to distribution.