Drops vs. Capsules vs. Gummies

Drops vs. Capsules vs. Gummies

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Katie Stone - Naturopath

Written By:

Katie Stone - Naturopath
Kari Asadorian - BSN, RN

Medical Reviewer:

Kari Asadorian - BSN, RN
Jamie Hope - Methyl-Life® Founder

Edited By:

Jamie Hope - Methyl-Life® Founder
Last updated:

What are drops?

Drops are liquid supplements administered using a dropper. Drops can include vitamins, minerals and herbal extracts. Some are designed for sublingual absorption (under the tongue), but most are swallowed and absorbed through the digestive tract. Children’s supplements are often made in drop form, as they’re easier to take and administer. It’s worth noting that not all nutrients remain stable in liquid.

What are gummies?

Originally a form of candy, gummies are now a popular category of supplements used to deliver nutrients such as vitamins, minerals and CBD. They are generally made with gelling agents, including gelatin (or natural alternatives such as pectin), sugar, flavorings and colors. 

However, gummies are more prone to degradation from heat and humidity, which can reduce nutrient potency over time.

What are capsules?

Capsules are a supplement or medication encased in a cylinder-shaped shell. 

The shell can be hard or soft, and is usually made of gelatin or vegetable-based cellulose. 

Capsules are used for supplements or drugs and made to be swallowed whole. They can also protect sensitive ingredients from stomach acid or oxidation and allow for more accurate dosing than some other forms.

Difference between drops, gummies and capsules

The main differences between drops, gummies and capsules are in their form, delivery and absorption. Drops can be designed for sublingual delivery whereby nutrients are absorbed through the mucous membranes, or they can be swallowed and absorbed through the gut like other oral supplements.
Gummies are chewed and swallowed, and must be processed by the digestive system, which can be inefficient in some people. Gummies also tend to provide a low concentration of nutrients as much of their composition includes fillers. They also may contain added sugars, sugar alcohols or artificial sweeteners. 

Liquid and gummy-based supplements tend to be less stable, particularly nutrients such as B vitamins and vitamin C, which degrade quickly when exposed to air or light.1

Capsules provide a concentrated form of a nutrient that must be swallowed whole. The contents are released when the capsule is broken down in the stomach or intestine, and absorption can be affected by digestive function. Dosing is generally more precise than drops or gummies, and there are fewer fillers.

Different types of supplements in drops, gummies, and capsules

Multivitamin gummies vs capsules

Multivitamins are most often available as capsules or tablets, as these forms can provide higher concentrations of nutrients and a more reliable and accurate dosage. They do not contain the added sugars or artificial ingredients often used in gummies, and typically provide greater stability.

Multivitamin drops can be a good choice for children and babies, as they are an easy way to improve nutritional intake without chewing or swallowing. However, drops can  be difficult to dose precisely, and may have reduced stability.

Probiotic gummies vs capsules

Probiotics are best in capsule form, preferably microencapsulated. The microencapsulation process involves trapping the probiotic microorganisms within a matrix of coating or carrier materials. This coating material protects the probiotic contents from being damaged by humidity, heat, pH and other oxidative factors, which enhances their survival.2 Enteric coating is also important as probiotics are highly susceptible to gastric acids in the stomach.

Are gummy probiotics as good as capsules?

Probiotic gummies are less likely to be effective as capsules as they are more vulnerable to moisture and air, which can degrade the probiotic bacteria. Gummy products also contain sugar or artificial sweeteners alongside materials that maintain the gummy texture, which means they will have fewer bacteria.

Probiotic drops are a good option for babies, as they can provide small amounts of beneficial bacteria. Probiotic drops for adults are less common, as liquid formulas may degrade more quickly over time compared to freeze-dried forms used in capsules or powders.

Prenatal gummies vs capsules

Like multivitamins, prenatal supplements are best in capsule or tablet form as this allows for the greatest quantity of nutrients. Capsules also protect the delicate contents from air, moisture and sometimes light, and generally contain fewer fillers or additives than gummies. 
Prenatal gummies or liquids are less common because necessary minerals such as iron and calcium affect flavor and texture, and these nutrients are often not suited to gummy or liquid form.

Magnesium gummies vs capsules

Magnesium drops and gummies are available, but are less common than capsules or tablets. The most effective magnesium supplements are those comprising bioavailable forms such as magnesium glycinate, citrate or liposomal, which are typically delivered in capsule form to ensure stability and effective dosing. Gummies may not provide sufficient quantities due to limited space and the need for stabilizers.

What is better for absorption?

The formulation of a supplement includes the active ingredient (the nutrient) and excipients, such as fillers that help stabilize the active ingredient/s and help the nutrient to be absorbed in the body. Coatings on tablets or gummies can slow or change how some nutrients are dissolved in the gut, which affects absorption. Other factors that influence bioavailability include the presence of other foods and how much bile the body produces.

Absorption efficiency can also depend on the type of nutrient in the supplement and what form it is in - for example, some forms of magnesium are absorbed more efficiently than others. 

Digestive health and interference with other food in the gut can also affect absorption.


Sublingual formulas generally provide rapid absorption of many nutrients, as the nutrients can enter the circulation via the mucous membranes in the mouth, bypassing the digestive system. Most other supplements, including drops and gummies, are absorbed through the digestive tract. Research has shown that both B12 and glutathione are absorbed more effectively via sublingual dosing; however, nutrients such as  are often more effectively absorbed via the digestive tract. While the digestive tract route is subject to impeding factors such as intestinal barrier dysfunction, food sensitivities, genetic mutations, autoimmune conditions, or medicines,research regarding alternative routes is not yet available. 

Drops vs. Capsules vs. Gummies

Key takeaways

  • Icon The effectiveness of a supplement depends largely on its ingredients and formulation. Some drops, gummies and capsules are better than others, depending on their ingredients.
  • Icon Coatings, fillers and delivery methods can significantly affect absorption.
  • Icon Sublingual absorption is often a reliable method of delivery, but may be more effective for some nutrients than others, particularly B12 and glutathione.

Product Recommendations

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Chewable Methylated Multivitamin - L-Methylfolate + Active B12 - MTHFR/Pregnancy/Children

$42.00

Product Recommendations

Magnesium Complete: Sucrosomial® Delivery

Magnesium Complete: Sucrosomial® Delivery

$29.00

  • Liposomal-Like Delivery for Superior Absorption
  • 3rd-Party Tested for Purity, Potency & Safety
  • 90 Vegan, Non-GMO, Gluten-Free Capsules

Frequently Asked Questions about drops, gummies and capsules

Are capsules better than gummies?

Depending on the formula, capsules generally provide a more concentrated and protected source of nutrients than gummies. Gummies often contain fillers and binders along with added sugars and artificial ingredients. The nutrient content in gummies is often negligible, as ingredients are less stable and more prone to degradation compared to capsules, so they’re not a reliable source of high-quality vitamins or minerals. However, some advanced gummy formulations may be more effective for low-dose nutrients.

Does the body absorb gummies better than pills?

The bioavailability of a supplement depends partly on its formulation and how efficiently it dissolves in the gut upon ingestion. Coating of the nutrients also affects dissolution.3 Some capsules and tablets are formulated to ensure rapid absorption in the gut in the small intestine, which is where nutrients are absorbed.
Gummies are chewed and start dissolving in the mouth, which may slightly increase absorption via the sublingual route, but this isn’t guaranteed for all gummy products. It depends on the ingredients, how long they’re chewed and held in the mouth, and the nutrients in the product.

Do gummies work the same as tablets?

Not usually, tablets are generally more effective than gummies. Some gummies are mostly made up of fillers with minimal nutrient levels.
A 2018 study claimed that a vitamin D gummy was better absorbed than a tablet. However, the gummies used in the study contained syrup, sucrose, gelatin and pectin: ingredients that dissolve easily and may help disperse vitamin D in the digestive tract. The tablets in the study were made of cellulose and maltodextrin, which dissolve differently and may release vitamin D more slowly.4
Some chewable tablets such as Methyl-Life®’s Chewable Multivitamins provide a comprehensive amount of methylated nutrients, some of which are absorbed sublingually (bypassing the digestive tract), while others are absorbed in the intestinal lumen. These chewable tablets hold their stability until placed in the mouth where they begin to quickly break down for optimal absorption. They contain no unnecessary excipients, synthetic colors, artificial preservatives or common allergens.

Do gummies dissolve in your stomach?

Gummies are partly dissolved in the mouth with saliva, and then broken down in the stomach with gastric acids and enzymes. Upon reaching the small intestine, the gummy ‘matrix’ is broken down further by bile and pancreatic enzymes to release the nutrients for absorption.

Are chewables or capsules better?

This depends on the quality and formulation of the product. Some capsules and chewables are designed for high bioavailability and faster nutrient delivery, while others use coatings or fillers that can slow or reduce absorption. It’s important to check the ingredient list for the type of delivery vehicle or form base used (for example, oil-based vs. powder-based), as this can affect how well certain nutrients are absorbed.
Ultimately, the best option depends on the quality of the nutrient, the formulation of the supplement and your digestive health.

References

  1. Monika Mieszczakowska-Frąc, Karolina Celejewska, Witold Płocharski; "Impact of Innovative Technologies on the Content of Vitamin C and Its Bioavailability from Processed Fruit and Vegetable Products"; Antioxidants; 2021 Jan

    https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7824742/

  2. Kambhampati Vivek, Sabyasachi Mishra, Rama Chandra Pradhan, Meena Nagarajan, Pavitra Krishna Kumar, Singam Suranjoy Singh, Dronachari Manvi, NA Nanje Gowda; "A comprehensive review on microencapsulation of probiotics: technology, carriers and current trends"; Applied Food Research; 2023 Jun

    https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2772502222002037

  3. Carol L Wagner, Judy R Shary, Paul J Nietert, Amy E Wahlquist, Myla D Ebeling, Bruce W Hollis; "Bioequivalence Studies of Vitamin D Gummies and Tablets in Healthy Adults: Results of a Cross-Over Study"; Nutrients; 2019 May

    https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6566230/

  4. Carol L Wagner, Judy R Shary, Paul J Nietert, Amy E Wahlquist, Myla D Ebeling, Bruce W Hollis; "Bioequivalence Studies of Vitamin D Gummies and Tablets in Healthy Adults: Results of a Cross-Over Study"; Nutrients; 2019 May

    https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6566230/

Katie Stone - Naturopath

About the Author

Katie is a qualified Naturopath (BNatMed) and freelance writer from New Zealand. She specializes in all things health and wellness, particularly dietary supplements and nutrition. Katie is also a dedicated runner and has completed more half-marathons than she can count!

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