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.
3 Days
Good quality product and customer service.
So far, I'm liking this product, and the customer service was very good.
ELZL
10 Days
The products I use are excel·lent
The products I use are excel·lent
ROSAS Josep Maria
18 Days
Delivery is prompt and I never saw a…
Delivery is prompt and I never saw a quality problem with the manufacturing. It is not possible to assess efficacy on a personal basis, since too many factors come into play. Efficacy can only be assessed statistically with a sufficient number of cases.
Roger De Backer
19 Days
I collaborates with the Supersmart…
I collaborates with the Supersmart more than 10 years. Every thing is going good. Quality of the things is good. Delivery comes in time. Five stars definitely !!!
Oleksiy
19 Days
All good
Simple, frictionless site, easy ordering, good delivery updates and execution.
Chris Robbins
21 Days
I feel better
I feel better
Peter Ammann
21 Days
Prompt delivery
Prompt delivery
JAKUB Radisch
22 Days
My new go-to for top quality supplements!
I am buying more and more of my supplements from this superb, high quality company. Cannot recommend it enough. Plus, excellent customer service with a quick, helpful team and speedy deliveries. Highly recommend Supersmart!
Cecilie H.
26 Days
SUPERSMART WHAT ELSE👍
SUPERSMART WHAT ELSE👍
DIEDERLE Christophe
29 Days
Excellent quality products with…
Excellent quality products with innovative formulas, as someone who has been suffering with acid reflux, these supplements have been lifesavers.
Oriana Moniz
29 Days
high quality supplement!
high quality supplement!
GALANT
30 Days
Good service prompt delivery
Good service prompt delivery
Mrs Marcella Reeves
35 Days
I like your clear explanation
I like your clear explanation. And how to make a choice of products for a specific health problem
Ingrid
41 Days
Great product and it arrives quickly.
Great product and it arrives quickly.
SOMMARIVA Gianni
42 Days
Excellent products and fast service.
Excellent products and fast service. What do we need more?
Margarida