Nowadays, with health and wellbeing concerns at the forefront, dietary supplements have become an integral part of many people’s lives. However, choosing the right form of supplement can be a complicated task due to the variety of options available. Is it better to reach for capsules, tablets, transdermal patches or perhaps oils? In this article, we will look at these different forms of supplements, analysing their pros and cons, based on the available research and scientific sources
Capsules (including Slimella Fit)
Pros
- Easy dosing: One of the main advantages of capsules is the ease of dosing. Each capsule contains a precisely measured amount of the active ingredient, making it easy to control the amount taken.
- Ingredient protection: Capsules can protect the ingredients they contain from external factors such as light or moisture, which can improve the shelf life and effectiveness of the supplement.
- Taste- and odour-free: Products, dietary supplements in capsule form are often taste- and odour-free, which can be beneficial for people who dislike the distinctive tastes of supplements.
Disadvantages
- Delayed effect: Capsules need to dissolve in the stomach, which may result in a delayed effect of the supplement compared to other forms.
- Binding ingredients: Some capsules may contain binding ingredients that are not desired by some people.
Research conducted by the Institute of Medicine in Poznan has shown that capsules are one of the most popular and effective ways to take dietary supplements. They are particularly recommended for substances that require a precise dose [source: Journal of Nutrition and Dietetics]
Tablets
Pros
- Wide choice: Tablets are available in many different shapes, sizes and forms, allowing you to choose the right one for your preferences.
- Stability of ingredients: Tablets can be more stable than some other forms, especially for substances that are sensitive to external factors.
Disadvantages
- Difficulty swallowing: Some people may have difficulty swallowing tablets, especially if they are large.
- Dissolution time: The tablets need to dissolve in the stomach, which can delay the absorption of the active ingredients.
Research published in the Journal of Nutrition and Metabolism suggests that tablets can be an effective way of delivering nutrients to the body, particularly for vitamins and minerals [source: Journal of Nutrition and Metabolism]
Transdermal patches
Pros
- Sustained release: transdermal patches deliver active ingredients through the skin, ensuring a consistent and even release of substances over a long period of time. This is clearly the strongest argument in favour of using the patch. Unfortunately, the limited amount of active ingredients and the body’s resistance to absorbing substances through the skin mean that it is not the number 1 form of choice, particularly for diets.
- No need to swallow: There is no need to swallow or swallow anything, which can be beneficial for people who have difficulty taking supplements orally.
- No digestive issues: The patches bypass the digestive system, which can be useful for people with sensitive stomachs.
Minuses
- Skin reactions: Some people may experience skin reactions, allergies or irritation where the patch is applied.
- Limited amount of substance: Patches have a limited surface area, which can make it difficult to deliver larger doses of active substances.
Research published in the Nutrition Journal suggests that transdermal patches may be an effective way to deliver some substances, such as vitamin B12 or hormones [source: Nutrition Journal]
Oils
Pros
- Rapid absorption: Oils are often absorbed quickly by the body, which can speed up the effects of the supplement.
- Mixability with food: Oils can be easily added to meals, which can make them more acceptable for people who have difficulty taking supplements in other forms.
- No need for direct swallowing: Similar to transdermal patches, the oils do not require swallowing, which is beneficial for people with digestive issues.
Disadvantages
- Shorter shelf life: Some oils may be less stable and lose their properties over longer storage periods.
- Taste and odour: Some people may not be able to tolerate the distinctive taste or smell of some oils.
Research published in Advances in Nutrition suggests that oils may be particularly effective for substances that are fat-soluble, such as vitamin D or omega-3 fatty acids [source: Advances in Nutrition]
Conclusion
Choosing the right form of dietary supplement depends on individual preferences and needs. However, based on available research and expert opinion, capsules appear to be one of the most versatile and effective ways to take supplements. They are easy to dose, protect the ingredients from external factors and are often recommended by nutritionists. Remember, however, that it’s always a good idea to consult a doctor or nutritionist before starting any supplements to choose the best option to suit your individual needs. So what will be your choice? Which form of supplement is most suitable for you? Will it be a capsule, tablet, transdermal patch or perhaps an oil? The final decision is yours, but it is worth bearing in mind the many years of experience of those watching the industry
To date, despite numerous attempts and sensations in the market, it appears that there is no worthy contender to replace the rapidly absorbed capsules. So the Slimella Fit you are also familiar with is in the form of the best absorbed form – capsules.