So which way do we turn......pills/capsules or liquids? To help make our decision we need to understand the absorption rate of the various forms of supplements.
PILLS/CAPSULES:
For some, swallowing a pill or capsule is, or has become, difficult. Because of this do you then fore go the supplements your body needs? And if you are taking a pill or capsule form of vitamins and minerals, how does your body absorb these pills and are you really getting the full benefit your body needs?
Research has shown that our bodies absorb only 10-20% of the vital nutrients needed in a pill or capsule form supplement. As we age, this absorption rate decreases due to less stomach acid, which is needed to breakdown and absorb these supplements you are taking. Certain health conditions such as ulcers, acid reflux, etc further inhibit the stomach acid and thus, the absorption of these supplemental vitamins and minerals. You must also take into account that most pills/capsules are "coated" to make swallowing easier and to "mask" the taste.
So, if there is only a 10-20% absorption rate in the pill/capsule form of vitamins, and the time for the stomach to breakdown and ingest the supplement you have taken, where does the rest of the supplement go that is not absorbed? You got it right, down the toilet as it is flushed out of your system! So how many pills/capsules do you REALLY need to take at a 10-20% absorption rate to get the PROPER nutrients your body is lacking? Think about that!!
LIQUIDS
To matter what your age, liquids are consumed by everyone. According to research, liquids are absorbed by the body at a rate of 95-98%, which far exceeds the 10-20% absorption rate of pills/capsules. Also, liquids absorb quicker into the blood stream because the "breakdown" from pill/capsule to liquid is not needed. Why do people "jump start" their morning with a strong cup of coffee (a liquid)? Has Folger's come out with a "coffee pill" for those on the go? No!!! Think about it, if you get up late, don't have time to make your coffee what do you do......you stop at the nearest convenience store on your way to work, where pots of the good smelling "liquid" is waiting for you, calling your name!!!
Although we are talking about vitamins and supplements in this article, also think about any meds you might take or have taken in the past....why is it that the "liquid" form is always more expense than your traditional pill/capsule? Could it be because you do not need as much...it absorbs quicker into the body, works better and more efficiently?
See chart put out my the Physician Desk Reference:
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Why then would someone spend money on the pill/capsule form of vitamins and minerals when you are only getting less than 1/2 of the nutrients they allege to provide? Why throw your money down the commode, which is where 80% of more of those nutrients are going? Is the term, "take one a day for all your nutritional needs" just a "feel good" slogan from the manufacturer of pills and capsules? And how many pills would you actually have to take, and how much would you actually spend, to make up even 70% of the nutritional value lost due to the absorption rate?
Just "food for thought"...................
