Capsules, Gummies, Powders, and Pills – What’s the Difference?

Capsules, gummies, powders, and pills — the world of supplements is full of choices.

Some you can swallow, others you can chew like candies or blend into smoothies. Either way, they promise important nutrients that you need to stay healthy.

But how to pick the right supplement for you? In this post, we’ll explore the different types of supplement forms, including their usage, absorption rate, dosage, and flavor so you can make an informed choice.

Ready? Let’s start!

Different Types of Supplements

Supplements come in different shapes, sizes, textures, and flavors. But they’re all made for the same purpose—to provide you with extra nutrients.

Capsules and pills are the more traditional forms of supplements. You can swallow them whole, making them a quick and easy option for most.

Gummies and powders, meanwhile, are a fun way to get your vitamins. And they come in different flavors and colors, too.

Pills

Pills are the most common form of supplements and medication. They’re inexpensive and effective at getting your body to absorb what’s in them.

Pills are made by compressing powdered medication into hard, solid, smooth-coated tablets. You can also split them into halves for smaller doses.

Pills are generally swallowed. But they also come in chewable or orally dissolving forms. Plus, they have different release forms including quick, delayed, or extended.

Capsules

Capsules are medications delivered within an outer shell that breaks down in your digestive tract. The medication is then absorbed into the bloodstream.

Capsules are generally cylindrical. They are often made from gelatin or a plant-based substitute derived from cellulose.

Vitamin capsules are fast-acting and have a high absorption rate, making them very effective.

Gummy Vitamins

Gummies are chewable. They come in many different colors, shapes, and flavors. In other words, they’re a tasty way of getting key nutrients in.

Gummies are often made from gelatin, corn starch, sugar, and water.

Are gummy vitamins better than pills? They are perfect for children as well as adults who may not like swallowing pills. They taste more like a sweet treat than like medication.

Some gummies may contain food coloring and added sugars to make them more appealing. When buying gummies, it’s good to check the ingredients to see what’s really in them.

Powders

If you find it hard to swallow capsules and pills, you can try powder supplements too.

Powders contain large amounts of macronutrients and are perfect for bigger dosages. You can mix them with your everyday drinks or blend them into smoothies.

Vitamin powder may taste sour, bitter, or fishy as most supplements in powder form. But sweeteners or flavoring agents can help soften the bad taste.

Differences Between Capsules, Gummies, Powders & Pills

While all forms of dietary supplements can help enhance your overall health and wellbeing, each has its own characteristics. These include absorption, usage, serving size, and taste.

Understanding these differences makes it easier to choose a supplement that’s right for you and your family.

Absorption Rate and Bioavailability

Capsules have a high bioavailability. This means that once you swallow one, the medication starts entering your bloodstream right away.

Pills may take longer to work. Once in the body, they are absorbed more slowly, depending also on whether they have a quick or delayed release form.

Unlike pills, powder supplements don’t have a barrier. Add some to your smoothie, drink it down, and your body will start absorbing it right away.

When it comes to gummy vitamins vs pills absorption, gummies have greater bioavailability, according to a 2019 study. But not all eye gummies are equal. Make sure you opt for those with lower levels of sweeteners and flavorings.

Usage

You can swallow capsules and pills. Both are stiff, large, and usually hard. But they may present swallowing challenges to some. So, are chewable vitamins better than pills and capsules?

Well, when it comes to gummies vs pills, gummies are easier to consume. They’re a great alternative for picky eaters. Plus, they don’t have a strong and bitter taste.

Powders are another great choice for those who may not like swallowing their vitamins. You can simply blend a scoop with your favorite juice or smoothie.

Dosage

Capsules have a limited dosage because of the fixed amount of ingredients you can fit into each capsule. That’s why capsules focus on one “star ingredient” while packing other ingredients in smaller quantities.

A single pill can have a higher dose of active ingredients than a single capsule. Pills also range from 750 to 4500 mg in size, so there’s enough room for either small or large dosages. Plus, you can easily split your pills.

When it comes to gummy vitamins vs pills dosage, gummies have a limited dosage because of their fixed size. Take the recommended dosage daily, but don’t treat them like candy.

In a powder blend, you don’t have a minimum or maximum dosage. Consume as much or as little as you want. But keep in mind that higher doses don’t always mean better results and can be harmful to health.

Flavor and Texture

Gummies are the most enjoyable of all supplements. They have sweet and fruity flavors and a soft and chewy texture. This makes them quite appealing.

Powders are sweetened to mask the bitter, fishy, or earthy taste of the ingredients. You may also find fruity or chocolaty powder supplements that block any bitterness.

Capsules come with an outer shell and don’t have a bitter taste or unpleasant odor.

Smooth-coated pills may not have any taste. But some pills can be bitter or salty, and have a bad aftertaste, too. That said, chewable tablets are flavored and tasty.

In terms of flavor and texture, gummies win the round. Because they taste more like small treats than like medication, chances are you’ll enjoy taking them more than other forms of supplements. And that means you’ll be able to keep up the habit more easily.

But don’t forget about the sugar. Gummies that use safe alternative sweeteners like monk fruit are not just good for keeping your blood sugar levels in check but are also better for your teeth than sugar. Since they are not fermentable carbohydrates, they don’t help cavity-producing oral bacteria to proliferate.

The Wrap Up

In the end, capsules and pills are quick and easy to take if you’re always on the go. Just pop the required dose in your mouth, drink a little water or juice, and you’re done.

But keep in mind that depending on what you’re taking, you may have to consume them before, during, or after a meal for optimum absorption. Some eye vitamins like vitamin A and vitamin E are fat-soluble. For your intestine to properly absorb them, you need to pair them with a dietary fat source.

If you have difficulty swallowing pills and capsules, or just don’t like them, lutein gummies for eye health are a breeze to eat. And they taste deliciously, too. No more yucks for the sake of health.

That said, too much of anything is bad. Don’t overtake your supplements. Strike the perfect balance between food and supplements for best results.