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.
4 Days
Easy to order
Easy to order, good and fast delivery to Finland, the box was intact and the content exactly what I ordered. I am satisfied. Product prices are on moderate level. Thank you Supersmart!
VIITANEN Esa
9 Days
Fine quality service
Thanks to team who met what I need such as trust, good packages and fast delivery. Regarding products it is too early to give a comment. After using for a while, I gonna update my review. I had bought supplements mostly for autism.
Fatma Coltu
9 Days
efficient easy to use
efficient eqsy to use
Mr G Birtles
15 Days
Quick processing orders…
You are so quick in processing orders and prompt in shipping too. Very easy to do business with you. Thanks a lot for your great service.
JOAQUIN Epifanio
21 Days
I am merely judging the delivery system
I am merely judging the delivery system, which was flawless. It wouldn't make any sense to comment on the efficacy of the supplements, since that is only possible on a statistical basis. Even if something doesn't improve, that doesn't have to mean that the supplement doesn't work, since one doesn't know how it might have worsened without the supplement and the opposite might also apply, since many symptoms are psychosomatic and the supplement might provide a placebo effect.
Roger De Backer
29 Days
Perfect!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Perfect!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Patrick
31 Days
Magnesium and Zinc Orotate are top…
Magnesium and Zinc Orotate are top supplements. Highly recommend!
Kristjan
42 Days
Clean, simple, effective
Nothing to complain. Delivers everything fast, attentive to their regular customers. Best experience.
FABIO I.
45 Days
Possibility to enjoy a variety of high…
Possibility to enjoy a variety of high quality suppléments. Fast delivery Good packaging Clear information and website
Vov Oo
47 Days
Efficient ordering and delivery
Efficient ordering and delivery. Happy with products. I order fairly regularly. Reliable
Gill Lee
47 Days
Happy customer.
Supersmart sell the best products and are effecient when it come to handling and dispatching orders. Also, their return and refund policies is very simple and easy for the customer. The creme on top is the return customer discounts. Keep up the good work.
ABDULQADER Jehad
51 Days
Prompt and reliable.
Prompt and reliable.
MIFSUD Joseph
58 Days
great? / OK
I don't use the word great; everything was OK; it is maybe too early to expect an effect of the supplements
STAEHLI C
64 Days
Well,It was yesterday I started using…
Well,It was yesterday I started using it but I can tell the supplement is working perfect,will definitely still give best comments once I'm done using it ...
ANTHONY Oluwaseun Ugwu
65 Days
Great products
Great products, fast delivery.
Nujood ALHADDAD