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.
2 Days
Great service
Great service, exceptional delivery time.
Chris
4 Days
Excellent quality of Super Smart
I’ve used Super Smart products for a long time and since the very beginning I have been absolutely keen about their punctuality in delivering but, most of all, I appreciate the quality of their products and the constant updates following the results of proven research.
Olga Gladys Del Signore
6 Days
Slow post
You have a very good range of quality products, and service is usually good. However delivery was slow due to using the national postage company. Correos. Regards David
David Walsh
7 Days
The service is extremely good
The service is extremely good. Earlier we had to wait for more than a week for the delivery. The speed has improved. Very happy with all the service.
SHERINE Mathew
7 Days
Good Quality!
I have purchased several products from Super Smart & always find the supplements very good quality.
SM
10 Days
Fast and efficient
Fast and efficient delivery. Nice products.
Jean-Michel Gaspoz
13 Days
Immediate service
Immediate service
SAMCOS S A Samcos S A
14 Days
Tres rapid a repondre
Tres rapid a repondre
augusto
22 Days
very easy to order
very easy to order, and the time for receiving it was very short.
SUHAROSCHI Ramona
27 Days
To be trusted
To be trusted
Trusted
31 Days
Orders come super fast
Orders come super fast, they have products that can’t be found anywhere else. They are essential for me. Thank you for existing
Ada
35 Days
I am ordering on a regular basis here…
I am ordering on a regular basis here since well over a decade and there was only once a glitch worth mentioning and as soon as customer service was contacted it was taken care of professionally and swiftly - so: zero complaints really.
C.S.
37 Days
Very reliable
Very reliable. Very good communication. Excellent documentation. Only negative is the website. It’s unnecessary complicated and confusing. Too much of trying to get the customer to buy additional products. Please simplify and make the ordering process easier and faster.
Joe O Leary
38 Days
Excellent products
Excellent products
Akin O
40 Days
Perfect
Fast delivery! Excellent products,
Mihaela Antonie