Capsules: The Fact Sheet

Q: How do capsules compare to tablets in terms of absorption?

Capsules are absorbed more quickly than tablets. Capsules disintegrate and are absorbed faster, with a higher likelihood of active ingredients entering the bloodstream[1]. In general, capsules and softgels break down faster than tablets, which can speed up the onset of action[4]. However, tablets can accommodate higher doses of active ingredients[8], so the choice depends on your specific needs.

Q: What is the shelf life of capsules compared to other formats?

Capsules expire more quickly than tablets[1], which have a longer shelf life[8]. This means capsules require more careful storage attention and attention to expiration dates. Tablets and powders may maintain potency longer under proper storage conditions.

Q: Can capsules be divided or split into smaller doses?

No, capsules cannot be easily broken apart to divide doses[1]. This is a significant limitation compared to tablets (which can sometimes be split) or powders (which can be measured to adjust dosages[5]).

Q: What are capsules made of?

Capsules contain powdered or liquid ingredients encased in a gelatin or vegetarian shell[3]. Gelatin capsules typically come from bovine sources[2], while vegetarian capsules are made from hypromellose cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, or microcrystalline cellulose[2].

Q: Are capsules suitable for all types of supplements?

Capsules work well for most formulations, but they have space limitations compared to tablets[2]. Formulations containing aqueous (water-based) liquids can only be included in softgels, not capsules[6]. Due to space limitations, many multivitamins are manufactured as tablets rather than capsules[2].

Q: What percentage of the supplement market uses capsules?

Almost half (approximately 50%) of all dietary supplement products sold in the U.S. market are in capsule form, including gel caps and softgels[2]. This makes capsules the most prevalent supplement delivery format.

Q: Can I make my own capsules at home?

Yes, you can encapsulate any quantity of vitamins into capsules at home, making fresh batches[1]. However, you must select the correct capsule size to ensure they are easy to swallow[1], and you should consult with your doctor to ensure your custom formulation meets your nutritional needs.

Q: Are capsules difficult to swallow?

This depends on capsule size. If you choose the wrong size, capsules could be difficult to swallow[1]. Before purchasing capsules to fill at home, you should understand the size chart to select an appropriate size. Individuals with dysphagia (swallowing difficulties) may find capsules particularly challenging and should consider alternative formats[2].

Q: What is the manufacturing advantage of capsules?

Although tablets have a faster manufacturing process, filling capsules is a much less complicated process than manufacturing softgels, tablets, or caplets[7]. Additionally, capsule formulations can be made without the use of binders or other excipients[7], allowing for cleaner formulations with fewer additives.

Q: Are capsules better for protecting sensitive ingredients?

Yes, capsules are ideal for protecting sensitive ingredients. The capsule prevents external liquids or oil-based ingredients from seeping into the internal active ingredients[2]. Capsules are particularly effective for formulations requiring enhanced stability and protection.

Updated: January 9, 2026 Citations Included

Quick Answer: What are Capsules?

Capsules are a supplement delivery format consisting of powdered or liquid ingredients encased in a gelatin or vegetarian shell[3]. They are one of the most prevalent oral supplement forms, representing nearly half of all dietary supplement products sold in the U.S. market[2].

Key Benefits

✓Faster absorption and disintegration compared to tablets[1]
✓Higher likelihood of active ingredients entering the bloodstream[1]
✓Ideal for protecting sensitive ingredients from external elements[4]
✓Can be filled with either powdered or liquid formulations[3]
✓Flexible manufacturing process that is less complicated than tablets or softgels[7]
✓Customizable formulations possible when made at home[1]
✓Can be manufactured with minimal binders or excipients[7]

Potential Side Effects

No direct side effects from the capsule format itself are documented in available sources. However, capsules may be difficult to swallow if the wrong size is selected[1], and they expire more quickly than tablets[1]. Some individuals may have difficulty swallowing capsules, particularly those with dysphagia[2].

Capsules vs. Other Supplement Forms

Feature	Capsules	Tablets	Powders	Gummies
Absorption Speed	Fast - quick disintegration[1]	Slower - may disintegrate unevenly[8]	Fastest - pre-dissolved[5]	Variable[7]
Shelf Stability	Shorter lifespan[1]	Long shelf life[8]	Variable	Variable
Dosage Flexibility	Cannot be easily divided[1]	Variable depending on type	Highly customizable[5]	Some can be cut[7]
Ingredient Capacity	Limited space for ingredients[2]	Can accommodate higher doses[8]	High flexibility[5]	Limited[7]
Ease of Swallowing	May be difficult if wrong size[1]	Non-chewable as hard to swallow[6]	Requires mixing with liquid[5]	High - palatable[7]
Manufacturing Process	Less complicated[7]	Faster process[7]	Variable	Complex
Market Prevalence	~50% of market[2]	Secondary option	Growing	<1% gummies[2]

Top Capsule Brands (General Market Information)

Brand	Price Range (Estimate)	Common Ingredient Types	Capsule Type	Notes
N/A - Brand Specific Data	Generally $0.15-0.50 per serving	Vitamins, minerals, herbs, amino acids	Gelatin or Vegetarian (Hypromellose cellulose)[2]	Pricing varies by ingredient potency and supplier
Market Average	N/A - varies by product	Multi-ingredient formulations common	Both types available[2]	Nearly half of all supplements are capsules[2]

Scientific Consensus

Efficacy Profile

Capsules demonstrate superior bioavailability compared to tablets due to faster disintegration and absorption rates[1][4]. In general, capsules and softgels tend to break down faster than tablets, which can speed up the onset of action[4]. However, absorption ultimately depends on multiple factors including the ingredient's solubility and specific formulation—for example, liquid-filled capsules may allow for faster delivery of active ingredients than dry tablets[4]. Capsules are particularly effective for protecting sensitive ingredients from external degradation, making them ideal for formulations requiring enhanced stability[4]. The faster breakdown and bloodstream entry make capsule formats potentially more effective than tablets for many applications[1].

Safety & Side Effects

Capsules are generally recognized as a safe delivery format with no inherent side effects from the capsule structure itself documented in clinical literature. The primary safety considerations relate to the capsule shell material: gelatin capsules (typically derived from bovine sources[2]) and vegetarian capsules (made from hypromellose cellulose or similar materials[2]) are both considered safe. One limitation is that capsules expire more quickly than tablets[1], so proper storage and attention to expiration dates is important. For individuals with difficulty swallowing (dysphagia), capsule size may present a challenge, and alternative formats should be considered[2].

Dosage & Timing Protocols

Capsule dosing depends on the formulation. Standard capsules release contents rapidly into the bloodstream, making them suitable for immediate nutrient delivery[7]. Delayed-release and acid-resistant capsules are available for ingredients requiring protection from stomach acid before absorption in the small intestine[4]. For optimal absorption, capsules should generally be taken with water and with or without food depending on whether the ingredient is fat-soluble (with food preferred for fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, K). Individual ingredient solubility and formulation type determine specific timing recommendations. Consumers should follow product labeling instructions for optimal results.

Common Questions

How do capsules compare to tablets in terms of absorption?

Capsules are absorbed more quickly than tablets. Capsules disintegrate and are absorbed faster, with a higher likelihood of active ingredients entering the bloodstream[1]. In general, capsules and softgels break down faster than tablets, which can speed up the onset of action[4]. However, tablets can accommodate higher doses of active ingredients[8], so the choice depends on your specific needs.

What is the shelf life of capsules compared to other formats?

Capsules expire more quickly than tablets[1], which have a longer shelf life[8]. This means capsules require more careful storage attention and attention to expiration dates. Tablets and powders may maintain potency longer under proper storage conditions.

Can capsules be divided or split into smaller doses?

No, capsules cannot be easily broken apart to divide doses[1]. This is a significant limitation compared to tablets (which can sometimes be split) or powders (which can be measured to adjust dosages[5]).

What are capsules made of?

Capsules contain powdered or liquid ingredients encased in a gelatin or vegetarian shell[3]. Gelatin capsules typically come from bovine sources[2], while vegetarian capsules are made from hypromellose cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, or microcrystalline cellulose[2].

Are capsules suitable for all types of supplements?

Capsules work well for most formulations, but they have space limitations compared to tablets[2]. Formulations containing aqueous (water-based) liquids can only be included in softgels, not capsules[6]. Due to space limitations, many multivitamins are manufactured as tablets rather than capsules[2].

What percentage of the supplement market uses capsules?

Almost half (approximately 50%) of all dietary supplement products sold in the U.S. market are in capsule form, including gel caps and softgels[2]. This makes capsules the most prevalent supplement delivery format.

Can I make my own capsules at home?

Yes, you can encapsulate any quantity of vitamins into capsules at home, making fresh batches[1]. However, you must select the correct capsule size to ensure they are easy to swallow[1], and you should consult with your doctor to ensure your custom formulation meets your nutritional needs.

Are capsules difficult to swallow?

This depends on capsule size. If you choose the wrong size, capsules could be difficult to swallow[1]. Before purchasing capsules to fill at home, you should understand the size chart to select an appropriate size. Individuals with dysphagia (swallowing difficulties) may find capsules particularly challenging and should consider alternative formats[2].

What is the manufacturing advantage of capsules?

Although tablets have a faster manufacturing process, filling capsules is a much less complicated process than manufacturing softgels, tablets, or caplets[7]. Additionally, capsule formulations can be made without the use of binders or other excipients[7], allowing for cleaner formulations with fewer additives.

Are capsules better for protecting sensitive ingredients?

Yes, capsules are ideal for protecting sensitive ingredients. The capsule prevents external liquids or oil-based ingredients from seeping into the internal active ingredients[2]. Capsules are particularly effective for formulations requiring enhanced stability and protection.

What is the difference between standard and delayed-release capsules?

Standard capsules disintegrate quickly, rapidly releasing their contents into the bloodstream[7]. Delayed-release and acid-resistant capsules are also available for when rapid release is not desired, particularly for actives that need protection from stomach acid before being absorbed in the small intestine[4].

Do liquid-filled capsules absorb differently than powder-filled capsules?

Yes, liquid-filled capsules may allow for faster delivery of certain active pharmaceutical ingredients than dry powder capsules[4]. The composition inside the capsule matters just as much as the shell, so a liquid-filled capsule may support faster absorption of certain ingredients.

Who should avoid capsule supplements?

Individuals with difficulty swallowing (dysphagia), certain allergies to capsule materials (gelatin or vegetarian alternatives), or those who cannot take supplements that expire more quickly than alternatives should consider other formats[1][2]. Vegetarian or vegan individuals should select vegetarian capsules made from hypromellose cellulose rather than gelatin capsules derived from bovine sources[2].

How do capsules rank in terms of convenience?

Capsules rank highly for convenience. Pills and capsules are noted as the workhorses of the supplement world, lauded for their convenience, portability, and long shelf life relative to other fresh formats[5]. They easily slip into purses, wallets, or gym bags, making them ideal for on-the-go consumption[5].

What are the main disadvantages of capsule supplements?

The primary disadvantages of capsules are: (1) they expire more quickly than tablets[1], (2) they have space limitations and cannot accommodate high ingredient concentrations[2], (3) they cannot be easily divided to adjust doses[1], and (4) they may be difficult to swallow if the wrong size is selected[1]. Additionally, formulations containing aqueous liquids cannot use capsules[6].

References & Citations

Disclaimer: This Fact Sheet was automatically generated based on available data sources. While we strive for accuracy, please verify claims independently. This content is for informational and entertainment purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult your doctor before starting any new supplement regimen.