The Top 5 Delivery Systems (Part 2): What Made the List?

Now, the good stuff: here are my top five delivery systems in terms of maximum absorption. Consider the following when deciding what is best for your customers. (Click to read yesterday’s post.)

5. Tablets & Capsules: One thing to watch out for in tablets and capsules are binders and fillers. Binders and fillers can include lubricants and disintegrates to aid the body in absorption. But these are added ingredients the body does not need.

4. Softgels: These are becoming a popular dosage form for the administration of liquids, suspensions, and dry powders in the industry. Softgels can be an effective delivery system for oral dietary supplements, especially poorly soluble nutrients. This is because the fill can contain liquid ingredients that help increase solubility or permeability of the ingredient across the body’s membranes. Liquid ingredients are difficult to include in any other solid dosage form. Because of their smooth contour and shape, softgels are very easy to swallow regardless of size. And because they are completely sealed and airtight, their shelf life is terrific.

Keep in mind that the manufacturing of softgels is specialized and considerably more expensive than tablets or capsules. Therefore, softgel product pricing is also more expensive.

3. Powders: Powders (and liquids) are more rapidly absorbed by the body compared to pills. This is one reason why protein powders trump protein pills, especially in the bodybuilding world. In addition, many supplements that are available in powder form are soluble or dissolvable in water. This allows individuals to take their supplements in liquid form, a preferable and easier form for many people.

2. Liquids:  Liquid vitamin supplements enter the blood stream faster than powdered vitamins because the body begins absorbing liquid vitamins through the mucus membranes in the mouth and throat. Be aware that liquids may taste great, but many liquid supplements include preservatives that can interfere with the active ingredients. So, if you are outsourcing your manufacturing, be careful.

1. Isotonic Vitamins: Meaning “same pressure,” isotonic has the same chemical resemblance of the body’s blood, plasma, and tears. This means that the body has less work to do to obtain maximum absorption of the nutrients. The isotonic state allows nutrients to pass directly into the small intestine and rapidly absorb into the bloodstream. Little nutritive value is lost, making the absorption of nutrients highly efficient while delivering maximum results.

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One delivery system I neglected to mention is gummy/chewable supplements. Yes, their colors and flavors make them appealing, but most are very high in sugars and have fewer active ingredients, making them less effective in delivering the desired benefits.

 Today’s advanced delivery systems are extraordinary in their ability to enhance nutrient bioavailability, provide supplement versatility, and offer options based on your specific nutritional needs. For me, this sounds fantastic. But, in the end, in a nation that is largely devoid of nutritional discipline, will these delivery systems entice people to take their dietary supplements daily?

That is the challenge. Are you up for it