What's the difference between Sublingual Absorption and Oral Intake?

The Benefits of Sublingual Absorption

Why choose sublingual application over the traditional oral route? This method offers three main benefits:

1. SPEED

When we swallow a tablet, it goes through our mouth, esophagus, stomach, intestines, and liver before going to where it needs to be. It’s a pretty long process when you think about it.

So when you wonder why anyone would want to dissolve ingredients under their tongue, think speed. There are no roadblocks with sublingual absorption. The thinness and permeability of the mucosal membranes in your mouth deliver the compounds straight to your bloodstream. It’s approximately three to 10 times faster than the traditional oral or digestive route.

2. EFFICIENCY

Less is more! Because the sublingual method bypasses the digestive system and liver metabolization (which can weaken the potency of the supplement), you can take a little less to receive the full effects. Moreover, since there are fewer bodily routes involved, sublingual supplements don’t carry or need many additives and synthetic ingredients. This means you’re consuming cleaner and purer products for the complete benefits.

3. EASE

If you suffer from swallowing or digestive issues, sublingual absorption is ideal. Simply apply it under the tongue, sit back, and relax. No water or chewing is necessary.

How Long Does Sublingual Absorption Take to Work?Generally, it takes approximately 10 to 15 minutes for the effects to come through.

But the times can vary depending on several other factors, such as the supplement you’re taking, the amount, and your metabolism and body composition. (1)

Benefits of Oral Intake Using Capsules

1. It is the simplest, most convenient, and safest means of drug administration. 2. It is convenient for repeated and prolonged use. 3. It can be self-administered and pain-free. 4. It is economical since it does not involve the patient in extra cost.

There are 2 kinds of Hard Capsules: Gelatin and Vegetable Capsules, what's the difference?

1) Gelatin Capsules - The primary gelatin types used in capsules are typically from bovine or porcine raw materials. Depending on the fill, formulation and on the target market group, manufacturers have flexibility in the raw material type, with some opting for a combination of porcine and bovine options. Bovine bone gelatin, for example, contributes to capsule firmness. Porcine options, on the other hand, offer plasticity and clarity characteristics. (2)

2) Vegetable Capsules - Vegetarian capsule is made up of cellulose, an important structural component in plants. To be more specific, the main ingredient of vegetarian capsule is hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose (HPMC). In the current market, gelatin capsule is more broadly used than vegetarian capsule because its cost of production is lower. Despite the cost factor, vegetarian capsule offers extra benefits aside from being a good substitution for gelatin capsule. The table below compares the differences between gelatin and vegetarian capsule.(3)

Gelatin Vs Vegetarian Capsule

Vegetarian Capsule	Characterestics	Gelatin Capsule
Higher stability due to lower moisture content (3%-7%).	​Stability	Lower stability due to higher moisture content (13%-15%), more sensitive to extremes of humidity.
Absent	Cross-linking problem	Cross-linking leads to reduced solubility (induced by high humidity, temperature, UV light and specific fill component).
Suitable for variety of fill materials, including those containing aldehydic group.	Tolerance towards fill composition	​Suitable for dry and powdered materials, may not compatible with some liquid materials such as oils and gels with aldehydic group.
No	Degradation by light	Possible
Approximately above 80°C	Degradation by heat	Approximately above 60°C
Higher	Oxygen Permeability	Lower
Soluble	Dissolution in water at room temperature	Insoluble
Absent	Risk of TSE (Transmissible Spongiform Ecephalopathy)	For bovine type, may require TSE Certification to ensure safety.

Which is better?

Vegetarian capsule stands out when it comes to the aspect of stability because it has lower moisture content, lower hygroscopicity and higher stability in different ranges of temperature as well as humidity when compared to gelatin capsule. In terms of solubility, both types of capsules dissolve well at human body temperature (37 °C).

However, vegetarian capsule is readily dissolved in water at room temperature but the solubility of gelatin capsule starts decreasing as temperature drops below 37 °C and fails to dissolve below 30°C. Additionally, vegetarian capsule is suitable to hold a more variety of fill materials while gelatin capsule can be easily degraded by aldehydic end-products, mostly materials in liquid and semi-liquid form. (3)

Author's Choice - SUBLINGUAL.

learn more:

1. https://hemplucid.com/

2. https://www.gelita.com/

3. https://www.bhbhealth.com/