Multivitamin supplements are consumed daily by more than 68 percent of the U.S. population to the tune of $27.3 billion annually, according to Colorado State University. These supplements are available in a variety of forms, including caplets and capsules. However, according to Dr. Paul Coates, director of the Office of Dietary Supplements at the National Institutes of Health, “Almost all of us get or can get the vitamins and minerals we need from our diet.” So, before you start any dietary supplementation regimen, consult with your doctor to determine the best course of action.
Capsule Composition
Vitamin capsules are composed of two pieces of gelatin. This shell is tasteless and easily swallowed. However, gelatin is a meat byproduct, which is a concern for some consumers who do not wish to ingest these substances. Some vitamins are available as vegetarian capsules, which are gelatin free.
Caplet Composition
Vitamin caplets are a smaller version of vitamin tablets. Because of their size and bitter taste, many people find vitamin tablets hard to swallow. However, since vitamin caplets -- or mini-tablets -- have a smoother, almost tasteless coating and are not as large as tablets, they are sometimes chosen because they are easier to ingest.
Disintegration
In a study published in the "Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences," Canadian researchers at Edmonton University investigated the disintegration properties of vitamin and mineral supplements. The researchers compared 39 types of vitamin tablets -- which are full-size versions of caplets -- and 10 types of capsules. After immersing the vitamins in liquid for 20 minutes, none of the products were fully dissolved. However, all of the capsules eventually disintegrated, but nine of the tablets did not dissolve.
Vitamin Supplement Warnings
Whether you choose to take vitamins in caplet or capsule form, Consumer Reports warns that high doses of certain vitamins may be toxic. For example, excessive amounts of beta-carotene supplements may increase your risk of lung cancer; excessive folic acid may cause colon cancer. In addition, high levels of vitamin E have been attributed to heart failure, strokes and premature death, and excessive intake of vitamin A may also result in premature death.
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