Is it ok to break open the capsules? Crush the tablets? Pierce the softgels?
As a general rule, breaking open a capsule or crushing a tablet does not cause any serious problems, though it’s not ideal. It usually means the active substances inside are released faster – increasing the risk of side effects – and that the body does not absorb the ingredients as efficiently.
In some cases, however, it is definitely not recommended:
- When the capsule is ‘gastro-resistant’. This kind of enteric coating protects the molecules in the capsule against stomach acids: breaking open the capsule will thus damage the molecules and significantly reduce the supplement’s efficacy.
- When the capsule or tablet is ‘prolonged release’. As these supplements have been designed to release their contents gradually, damaging the coating will result in the active substances being released at inadequate doses.
Capsules are normally composed of two shells, one inside the other. If you wish to open them to reduce the dose of the substances inside, it’s better to buy empty capsules, divide the contents of one capsule between two empty capsules and then carefully re-seal them.
If you want to break a tablet into smaller pieces because it’s difficult to swallow, it’s best to use a knife to cut it more precisely. You can also use a pestle and mortar to crush it and then sprinkle the powder onto food.
You can’t ‘open’ a softgel (a capsule with an oily solvent),as it is made from a single piece. You can, however, pierce it carefully, and empty the contents into a drink or onto food, though the resulting taste might not be very pleasant! There’s also a risk that the active principles will be much less well-absorbed.
In all these cases, the active substances will be exposed to more light, humidity and oxygen, which means they will oxidise and decompose more quickly.
This information applies only to dietary supplements: you should never break open medicine capsules without first consulting a doctor.
1 Days
Mind-blowing service
Mind-blowing service, Premium Products, extremely fast shipping, and handling. It's absolutely the one stop website for all your health needs!
PaoloC
2 Days
selling excellence all the way !!!
First and foremost the product is excellent / and the shipping service is likewise Have a nice day !
DILLON Patrick M
4 Days
Since i faced no problems and i…
Since i faced no problems and i received very soon, 5 stars. One of very few shops in EU with the supplement i was looking for and a good price too, 5 stars.
KOSMATOS Stamatios
4 Days
Top quality products.
Top quality products, with much helpful information about there use great bargains. quick delivery
JONES Barry
4 Days
Products with scientific background
This company gives a reasonable and useful information about each product, also with a scientific support, and I like that !
Faleiro
7 Days
Fast and correct delivery.
Fast and correct delivery.
T. Stumm
9 Days
Great price
Great price
nasir rauf
13 Days
Positive effect.
The products of SuperSmart always had a positive effect
Fred Laan
13 Days
SuperSmart is a brand I can trust.
SuperSmart is a brand I can trust.
Fred Laan
13 Days
Supersmart has supplements one can…
Supersmart has supplements one can account on.
Fred Laan
13 Days
Products from SuperSmart are of great…
Products from SuperSmart are of great quality.
Fred Laan
13 Days
I notice that SuperSmart follows the…
I notice that SuperSmart follows the latest research. Their products are of great quality and therefore do what is needed. Delivery is fast.
Fred Laan
17 Days
The order was sent quickly
The order was sent quickly
STAVENHAGEN Philip
19 Days
great supplier
great supplier, great products!
Patrick Hunaerts
21 Days
Keep up the good work.
Im always happy when i buy my supplements from supersmart. They are efficient, fast to send out the purchase and fast to answer queries. Their site is also straight forward and easy to use.
ABDULQADER Jehad