Do you avoid taking certain tablet or capsule supplements because they are hard to swallow?  Or maybe you do take them along with large amounts of water so they don’t get stuck in your throat.  Many people prefer liquid supplements because they are easier to swallow.  

Liquids are not only easier to digest, but they may also be easier for the body to use as well.  Can you picture how long it may take a large, hard tablet to break down in your digestive tract and then be absorbed and used?  Liquid supplements, on the other hand, are considered to be readily absorbed and utilized[1].

 

Research is just starting to emerge showing that certain nutritional supplements may actually be better absorbed in a liquid state.  Studies have shown that it is preferable to take vitamin C[2] and lycopene[3] in a liquid form.  That’s why you may have seen recommendations indicating that tomato sauce and ketchup contain more bioavailable lycopene then tomatoes.  

Though we are still waiting on research regarding other vitamins, minerals and supplements and their absorption, rest assured that liquids enter our body rapidly and the nutrients they contain are quickly absorbed and utilized.

 

Supplements available in liquid form include liquid calcium with Vitamin D and liquid glucosamine and chondroitin.  If you are one of many who have difficulty swallowing tablets or capsules, these may be a great option for you.  Plus, you only have to take one dose per day versus two or three.  If preferred,  you can mix it with any kind of juice or water.  Try it today!   



[1] Schrauzer, G.N. An Evaluation of Liquid Vitamin-Mineral Supplement Technology. J Med Food. [Online] 1998. 1(3).

 

[2] Yung, S.; Mayersohn, M.; Robinson, J.B. Ascorbic Acid Absorption in Humans: A Comparison among Several Dosage Forms. J Pharm Sci. [Online] 1982. 71(3), 282-85.

 

[3] Böhm, V.; Bitsch, R. Intestinal absorption of lycopene from different matrices and interactions to other carotenoids, the lipid status, and the antioxidant capacity of human plasma. Eur J Nutr. [Online] 1999. 38(3), 118-25.