Continued from How to Read a Supplement Label.

Tablets are usually less expensive than capsules, but they’re sometimes tougher to swallow, and some may pass through the digestive system without breaking down.

“The key is that the tablet must be manufactured according to good manufacturing practices that insure quality-control tests for tablet hardness, disintegration, and dissolution,” says Michael T. Murray, ND. Tablets can be a good option for vegetarians who want to avoid gelatin capsules.

Because of their shape, capsules are easy to swallow. They also mask odors and tastes. Water-soluble capsules are designed to dissolve in the stomach, releasing their contents minutes after swallowing.

Many are made from gelatin, an animal product, so read labels carefully. Those made from all-vegetable sources (usually starch) have labels stating that they’re vegetarian formulas.

Have difficulty swallowing pills? Try liquid supplements, which are typically absorbed by the body quicker than capsules or tablets. They require little or no breakdown in the gastrointestinal system — particularly helpful for those with impaired digestive systems.

But it can be difficult to maintain the stability of some ingredients in liquid form, so they may lose potency. Be sure to check labels for expiration dates.