The truth about absorption.

You invest in high-quality vitamins, take them daily, and trust they’re supporting your body. But have you ever wondered—is my body actually absorbing these nutrients?

Because here’s the truth: Not all vitamins are created equal. Just because a supplement lists a certain nutrient on the label doesn’t mean your body is actually using it.

Absorption is everything. It determines whether your vitamins are truly nourishing you—or just passing through. With so many supplement forms on the market—pills, gummies, powders, liquids, and sublingual sprays—it’s easy to assume they all work the same way. But the science says otherwise.

So let’s break it down. Which forms actually deliver? And which are little more than expensive fillers?

Pills and Capsules: Convenient, but Not Always Effective

For decades, pills and capsules have been the go-to for supplements. They’re convenient, easy to dose, and widely available. But when it comes to absorption, they aren’t always the best option.

Capsules and tablets must pass through the digestive system before their nutrients can be absorbed, meaning:

• The capsule or tablet must fully break down in the stomach.
• The nutrients have to survive stomach acid, which can degrade certain vitamins, or the absorption depends on stomach enzymes like ‘intrinsic factor’ to absorb vitamin B12 for instance.
• Absorption depends on gut health, which varies from person to person. And since up to 40% of people have gut health issues, most don't absorb that well anyways.

So for those with digestive issues, poor gut health, or low stomach acid, pill-based supplements may not break down efficiently—leaving you with less absorption and fewer benefits.

Gummies: Fun, but not Functional, or Healthy even…

Gummy vitamins have surged in popularity for one reason: they taste good.

But here’s the problem—most gummies contain added sugars, artificial flavours, and stabilizers to make them palatable and shelf-stable. Beyond that, they’re often missing key nutrients like iron, B vitamins, and magnesium because these compounds don’t blend well into gummy form.

Another issue? Nutrient degradation. Because gummies are exposed to oxygen and moisture, their potency declines over time. By the time you finish a bottle, the actual nutrient content may be far lower than what’s listed on the label.

If you’re prioritizing health over taste, gummies simply don’t hold up.

Powders: Better Absorption, but Not Always Practical

Powdered vitamins offer some advantages over pills—they don’t require digestion in the same way, and they can be mixed into water, juice, or smoothies. This makes them more bioavailable than traditional capsules.

But they have their downsides:

• Nutrient potency can vary. Exposure to air and moisture can degrade certain vitamins over time.
• Taste and texture aren’t always ideal. Some powders can be gritty or difficult to mix.
• Fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, and K) require dietary fats for absorption, which powders don’t always include.

Powders can be effective, but they require consistency and careful formulation to ensure proper absorption.

Liquid Vitamins: Highly Absorbable, Gentle on Digestion

If maximum absorption is the goal, liquid vitamins are one of the most effective options.

Unlike pills, which require digestion, liquids start absorbing as soon as they hit the mucous membranes in the mouth. This means:

• Faster delivery into the bloodstream
• No harsh breakdown process in the stomach
• Better for people with digestive issues, gut imbalances, or low stomach acid

Liquid vitamins are especially beneficial for hard-to-absorb nutrients like B12, iron, and magnesium. Plus, they eliminate the hassle of swallowing pills and can be mixed into drinks for easier consumption.

The only downside? Some liquid vitamins use artificial flavours or preservatives, so choosing a clean, high-quality formulation is essential.

Sublingual Sprays: Direct Absorption, No Digestion Required

For those looking for the fastest, most efficient nutrient delivery, sublingual (under-the-tongue) sprays are one of the best options. These supplements bypass digestion entirely, delivering nutrients directly into the bloodstream through the capillaries in the mouth.

This is especially important for:

• Vitamin B12, which many people struggle to absorb from food or pills
• Vitamin D, which requires fat for absorption, making sublingual delivery ideal
• Iodine, a crucial mineral for thyroid function, metabolism, and cognitive development, which can be poorly absorbed through traditional supplement forms

Sublingual sprays are fast, effective, and require no digestion, making them an excellent choice for those needing targeted, high-absorption nutrients.

So, What’s your Best Option?

It depends on the nutrient, but if absorption is the priority, liquid and sublingual vitamins are the clear winners.

• Capsules and pills work, but absorption depends on digestion.
• Gummies taste good but often contain sugar and lack key nutrients.
• Powders can be effective but require careful mixing and consistency.
• Liquid vitamins offer faster absorption and are gentle on digestion.
• Sublingual sprays deliver nutrients directly into the bloodstream for maximum efficiency.

For those serious about optimizing their health, a combination of high-quality liquid and sublingual vitamins ensures that every dose is actually working for you.

Because the goal isn’t just to take vitamins—it’s to actually feel the benefits.