Softgel vs. Tablet: Which Form Is Best for You?

When it comes to taking supplements, not only is there a lot to know about what ingredients are best for you, but also what form is best for you to take. 

A big debate within the wellness community is which form is better: softgel or tablet supplements. This decision can be tough to make, so that’s why we broke it down for you, so you don’t have to feel as overwhelmed.

At iwi life, we are dedicated to keeping you informed about your health so you can make the best decisions for yourself. We also provide you with the supplements you’re searching for, which are designed with you and the global community in mind. 

Today, we will be discussing what form of supplement would work best for you and everything you need to know about the benefits and drawbacks of tablets and softgels. 

So, if you’re interested in learning more about what softgels and tablets are, and which are better for you, then keep reading! 

What Is a Softgel?

Softgels are similar to capsules, but the material is made of gelatin or plant-based material. Inside, the ingredients are in liquid form. 

Softgels are also easily digested, and the active ingredients are released and absorbed by you.

What Are the Pros of Softgels?

Here are some of the pros when it comes to softgel supplements:

• Since the softgel material is antioxidant, it has a longer shelf life and is well protected against UV rays and oxidation. 

• They are incredibly easy to swallow. Tablets and capsules are hard, but softgels are flexible. 

• You will not taste any of the ingredients, but there may be a mild taste associated with the softgel casing. 

• They are fast-acting. Softgels tend to break down pretty quickly, so you can absorb them quicker.

• They are tamper-resistant which means that it’s not as easy to split them in half or crush them. 

• They have a higher absorption since they have higher bioavailability. This means that more of the supplement is more likely to enter your bloodstream and possibly slightly more effective than tablets. 

• You can find capsules in two forms: softgels can be made from gelatin, an animal-derived material, or they can be made from plants. 

What Are the Cons of Softgels?

We want to give you all the necessary information you need so you can make informed choices on which form is better for you. Here are some of the drawbacks of softgels.

• Softgels may cost more than other tablets. This is because softgels contain liquids that generally cost more than making dry tablets, and because the process of creating softgels is more lengthy, complex, and expensive than the manufacture of dry tablets.

• Even though softgels are known to be much easier to swallow than tablets, for some people with an aversion to swallowing pills, even an ordinary softgel is difficult. That’s why we created our omega-3 mini softgel supplements that are easier to swallow. 

What Is a Tablet?

Tablets are powdered ingredients mixed with a substance so that the shape is held. They can come in a variety of different ways, such as coated or uncoated. Although they are generally small, they can hold a good amount of nutrients. 

They are a common type of pill and also a safe and effective way to get the nutrients you need. 

What Are the Pros of Tablets?

There are some pros when it comes to taking a tablet. Here are some ideas of what these pros can look like:

• They can be crushed, split in two, or mixed with other foods. That means it can work best for those who have difficulty swallowing pills.

• They are inexpensive since they only contain dry ingredients and can be manufactured more quickly. 

• They can come in a variety of different forms and have different forms of delay, such as quick release, delayed-release, or extended-release formats. 

What Are the Cons of Tablets?

While tablets can offer some pros for you, there are also some disadvantages to tablets. Namely, the taste can be a big factor. Here are some other ideas of what tablet cons look like: 

• The biggest con with tablets is the taste. There is little to no protection against the bitter taste of a tablet supplement, unlike with softgels. This means there might be a bitter or unpleasant aftertaste.

• Some consumers feel more irritation of the esophagus when they swallow tablets than they do with softgels. 

• Because tablets are compressed to hold their shape, they are...also slower-acting than capsules, so it may take longer to work and for you to digest the ingredients.

• Tablets can have uneven disintegration since they are more likely to break down inconsistently. This can decrease the supplement’s effectiveness and overall absorption. 

• Chewable tablets can often contain natural or artificial colors, flavors, or sweeteners.

Which Are Safer To Take?

When it comes to safety in tablets and softgels, both are recognized as safe delivery methods for not only supplements, but medications as well.

Both tablets and softgels require additional inactive ingredients, so always read labels carefully to check for ingredients that you may have a sensitivity or reaction to. Always consult your doctor beforehand if you have any questions or concerns whether softgels or tablets are safe for you.

What Are Other Forms of Supplements?

There are many different forms of supplements, depending on what you would like to use them for. Each has its own pros and cons, so it’s important to know what kind would work best for you and your personal preference.

There are many other forms of supplements. Here are some of the options:

• Tablets and chewable tablets 
• Hard capsules and softgels 
• Gummies 
• Powders
• Drinks and liquids
• Energy bars 

Depending on your personal preference, such as additives, dosage, taste, consistency, price, and any number of factors, there can be a wide range of supplements for you to choose from. 

Although both softgels and tablets have great advantages and a few drawbacks, we believe it’s up to the consumer to choose what works best for them. 

Choosing iwi life Softgel Supplements 

If you want our opinion, we use softgels to accommodate everyone in our global community. 

When it comes to getting the nutrients you need in a fast, effective, and flavorless way, we believe in the power of softgels.

At iwi life, we want a fast-acting way to get you the nutrients you need safely and effectively. That’s why we pack omega-3s, vitamins, and minerals into our softgels so you can make the most of your supplements.

Choosing the right form of supplement is personal. If you’re able to swallow pills, then we find that softgels win in the softgel and tablet debate. 

If you’re worried about swallowing softgels, then don't worry! We offer mini omega-3 softgels, so you can still get the most of your supplements and the necessary nutrients to support your overall wellness. 

The Bottom Line With iwi life 

Both tablets and softgels are two common types of oral supplements. They both have similar purposes, but they do have some differences. 

Softgels can have a longer shelf life since they have a casing that protects them from UV rays and conditions. They also are faster-acting, and depending on the purpose of what softgel you are using, you can get the necessary ingredients you need quicker. 

That also means most, if not all, of the supplement is absorbed when you take softgels. Although they can cost slightly more, it can be worth knowing you’re getting all of the desired nutrients you need. 

At iwi life, we knew that fish oil supplements just don’t cut it for those who don’t like the taste of fish or who are vegan. We knew we wanted something that would have no taste and be suited for the entire global community.

That’s why we made our algae omega-3 softgel supplements. Ready to take back better living effortlessly? Shop our softgel supplements now.

Sources:

Dietary Supplements for Older Adults | National Institute on Aging

Soft Gelatin Capsules (Softgels) | Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences

Dietary Supplements: What You Need to Know | familydoctor.org