White label supplements have become popular in these past few years because they offer an affordable alternative option to costlier branded supplements and vitamins. Where the question once revolved around their quality, updates to the regulatory guidelines by the FDA have all but turned this on its head. Increasingly, white label supplements—so-called supermarket supplements—have been a viable option for many who value health and wellness but cannot afford those costly supplements produced by the big names in the pharmaceutical industry. The real question that really remains is the effectiveness of the medium of delivery. Myths have circulated for years regarding which is the better choice.
Before anything, one particular myth when it comes to white label supplements and supplements in general needs to be addressed: the myth of absorbability. Much of the argument regarding the form of supplements revolves around casual observations regarding absorption. These range from the argument that liquids get absorbed faster or that tablets might not always be absorbed. Tests have proven that all of these are patently false. Or, in the case of liquids, might be true but to no detrimental effect or advantage whatsoever. Any form is designed to be absorbed at a pace that is effective for its formulation and dosage.
Tablets: The first and longest running delivery medium has the weight of history backing it up. It’s very effective at delivering nutrients or medication, and newer formulations contain reactive capsules that expand and help to break it up in the stomach for absorption. Cases where they pass through the system whole have proven to be caused by digestive problems than by faults in design. They’re efficient as they allow a lot more to be packed in a small form. The only downside is that “small” is relative, and these tablets can get too big for some to swallow in certain cases.
Capsules: These solve the problem of size well as they can be opened up and the powder inside consumed or mixed with something more palatable. The capsule’s shell makes it easier to break down. Capsules also tend to be better shaped for easier swallowing. The down side is that they have limitations on dosage and potency because the powder can’t be compressed too much. They also tend to cost more.
Powders: This the most popular form for protein shakes and other weight gain supplements. They maximize ease of ingestion when dissolved in a liquid, and they go down smoothly. They afford the best flexibility in dosage as you can carefully measure the amount to be taken. Powders have a disadvantage in portability because they often come in huge containers and take time and extra materials such as water, juice, or food to prepare.
