Liquid Vitamins: Benefits, Absorption & Usage

Vitamins are available in several forms, including pill, capsule, injection and liquid. The correct vitamin, dosage amount and type of administration may be determined by a doctor or nutritionist, based on an individual's health needs.

Benefit

• The body will process a vitamin supplement taken in liquid form faster than it will a pill or capsule, as pills and capsules take more time to dissolve in the stomach and intestines, according to "The Physicians' Desk Reference," 60th edition.

Considerations

• Although vitamins are most commonly taken in pill form, ingesting a vitamin in its liquid form may better suit a small child or elderly person who has trouble swallowing pills.

Cost

• Because liquid vitamins have a higher absorption rate, approximately 85 to 90 percent, vs. pills or capsules, purchasing vitamins in liquid form may save money over time, according to "The Physicians' Desk Reference."

Tip

• Mixing a liquid vitamin with juice or soda may help mask an unpleasant taste.

Warning

• To help ensure the liquid vitamins you purchase are of high quality, buy them from a reputable retailer or online source.