One of the major differences between liquid and pill vitamins is that liquid vitamins are usually much more expensive. If money is not an issue, things become more even. The differences between liquid and regular pill vitamins are not as many or as pronounced as you might think, and in the end it's mostly a matter of choice which one you decide to take.
Absorption
According to the Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, liquid vitamins are absorbed faster than pill vitamins. This might be an advantage if you have an absorption problem or if you are suffering from vomiting or diarrhea, as your body will be able to get the most of the vitamins, rather than, for example, losing part of them through vomiting. If you're in good health, however, how fast vitamins are absorbed makes no difference, so liquid and pills have no difference in that regard.
Availability
Liquid vitamins are not as common as regular pill vitamins. As a result, they might not be available in every pharmacy or health food store. If you run out of vitamins when traveling, for example, you might not be able to simply walk into any store and buy a bottle. Regular vitamins in pill form, however, are more widely available. Also, not all vitamins are available individually in liquid form. You can usually find a liquid multivitamin, but finding vitamins A, C and B separately in liquid form can be much more difficult.
Convenience
For people who have trouble swallowing pills, liquid vitamins offer a convenient alternative. Some liquid vitamins can be added to water, while others can simply be placed with a dropper under the tongue. On the other hand, liquid vitamins are not as convenient to carry. Because they're bottled in glass to protect the product from light, air and other elements, they can be difficult to carry. Glass is breakable and not appropriate to take along if you travel often or if you want to pack the bottle in your bag to use it during the day.
Add-ons
According to Deanna M. Minich in her book "Quantum Supplements: A Total Health and Wellness Makeover with Vitamins, Minerals, and Herbs," many liquid vitamins contains additives or sugars, providing unneeded calories or add-ons to the body. Because liquid vitamins are likely to taste bad, some companies add sweeteners to the liquid to make it more palatable. This can make liquid vitamins inappropriate for diabetics, so check the ingredient list if you have glucose problems.
References
- "Quantum Supplements: A Total Health and Wellness Makeover with Vitamins, Minerals, and Herbs"; Deanna M. Minich PhD CN; Conari Press; 2010
- Riverside Clinic Online: Liquid Vitamins Vs. Pills: Does One Work Better Than the Other?
Member Comments