How Quickly Do Vitamins Dissolve?
The amount of time that it takes for vitamins to dissolve depends on several factors such as quality, metabolism, chemistry, formulation and type of vitamin. Different vitamins absorb differently, and some people are able to absorb more vitamins than others. The time it takes for a vitamin to dissolve also depends on whether the vitamin was taken in liquid or pill form. Water-soluble and fat-soluble vitamins don't dissolve in the same amount of time, but it also depends on the method of delivery. For instance, the time will vary if the vitamin is taken in liquid, powder or pill form, so take that into consideration as well.
Vitamins in Liquid Form
Liquid vitamins have a higher rate of bioavailability because these vitamins have already been broken down into liquid form, so much of the digestive process is bypassed. Liquids are absorbed into the bloodstream much faster than food or taking vitamins in pill form. Most liquid vitamins absorb within minutes, but if the liquid is very dense it can take 20 to 30 minutes for the larger vitamin particles to dissolve and be absorbed in the body.
Vitamins in Pill Form
When vitamins are taken in pill form, some nutrients are wasted through the digestive process because they take longer to dissolve. Another factor is whether the vitamin is encapsulated in a gelatin cap or packed into another type of material. People who have a very fast metabolism tend to lose more vitamins, because nutrients are excreted through bowel movements before the body has a chance to absorb everything. However the amount that dissolves within the body is different for everyone. Some people with chronic constipation may find it difficult for them to absorb the right level of nutrients. Over time, excess fecal matter will stick to the walls of the colon making it much harder to absorb nutrients. This can also lead to poor health in general. Vitamins taken in pill form can take 1 to 4 hours to dissolve. Check the label to see if more information is available; some companies specifically formulate vitamins to dissolve faster and will advertise that fact on the label.
Vitamins in Powder Form
Vitamins in powder form dissolve within just a few minutes after contact with water and stomach acids. These vitamins are similar to liquid vitamins because they have broken up into much smaller particles. The only difference is that the powdered vitamins are dry.
Water-soluble Vitamins
Water-soluble vitamins are those which dissolve in water very quickly. Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin. The body will flush out any excess. When a water-soluble vitamin is taken in liquid form, it will dissolve within minutes, and when this type of vitamin is taken in powder form, it will dissolve within 10 to 15 minutes. Pill form takes 1 to 4 hours depending on how the vitamin was manufactured. For instance, some vitamins are compacted into a pill using binders to hold the material together. The binders can be plant material or synthetic chemicals. In some cases coal tar is used to bind the material together. Whole food vitamins are made from real food and plant binders or gelatin capusles keep the pill together. Gelatin capsules break down faster than coal tar binders.
Fat-Soluble Vitamins
Fat-soluble vitamins, such as vitamins A, D and E, are stored for later use if you take more than you need on a daily basis. Over an extended period of time, someone who is taking large doses might experience toxic effects. The absorption rate varies from person to person. If a person has a healthy digestive system and can use and store fat properly, then he will be able to absorb fat-soluble vitamins, but people with pancreatic problems or cystic fibrosis may not be able to absorb adequate amounts of fat-soluble vitamins. Fat-soluble vitamins dissolve within about an hour on average.
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