Spirulina Capsules vs Tablets: Which Is Better?

Spirulina is galactic that is perfect for fresh smoothies. It’s a greenish-blue saltwater algae filled with carotenoids and Vitamin B. In addition to calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium, manganese, and zinc, it contains nutrients essential for the human body. It adds a distinct seaweed-like flavor to your food that has numerous health benefits. Unlike other terrestrial plants, spirulina has no cellulose cell wall, so it’s easily soluble. 

It depends on your taste buds, whether you prefer to take spirulina in the form of powder, tablets, or capsules. But as we know that spirulina capsules and tablets both work similarly but have some key differences. A capsule may work better than a tablet and vice versa. Let’s learn about spirulina capsules vs tablets. 

Spirulina Capsule

Spirulina is a type of algae packed with antioxidants. Thanks to its nutrient profile which is a good source of protein. In addition to having 65% protein, it contains nine essential amino acids that make it a superfood. People use it to treat high blood pressure, diabetes, cholesterol, lipids, and other medical conditions. The Mexican people and some Africans have used them in meals for centuries. But it entered the US in the late 1970s.

What is a Capsule?

A capsule contains medication enclosed in an outer shell. The outer shell breaks down while entering the stomach, allowing the drug to be absorbed by the bloodstream and distributed like tablets.

There are two types of capsules, hard-shelled capsules and soft-gel capsules.

Hard-shelled Capsules: These capsules contain two halves that fit one another to form an enclosed casing. It consists of dry medicine powder or pellets. Some may also hold liquid medications known as liquid-filled hard capsules (LFHC).

Soft-gel Capsules: They are slightly different from hard-shelled capsules and a bit wider. They contain gelatin that makes them semi-transparent and easily digestible. 

How are Spirulina Capsules Made?

Vegetable gelatin capsules are used to make spirulina capsules. Spirulina powder is suppressed inside these gelatin capsules through machines.

You can also make these capsules by buying hard-shelled empty capsules available in the market and filling in the spirulina powder with the help of a micro spoon spatula. But the hygienic way is to get branded spirulina capsules available in the market. 

What Is the Use of Spirulina Capsules?

Are spirulina capsules effective? Yes, it’s one of the most efficient forms of spirulina and poses many health benefits. Spirulina capsules lower blood pressure, improve eye health and oral health, control diabetes, and provide many other health benefits. 

Being rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties, it lowers cholesterol and triglyceride levels, reduces allergic rhinitis, and can be effective against anemia. 

Capsules act faster in the body than tablets. Due to their tasteless nature and higher absorption rate, they are slightly better than tablets.

Spirulina Tablet

The most common type of pill is a tablet. It’s a safe and reasonable way to deliver oral medication. A hard, opaque, and smooth tablet is formed by pressing powdered substances. In addition, active pills consist of additives that improve the texture and taste. It can be of any shape- generally oval, round, or disc-shaped. 

A special coating prevents some tablets from dissolving in the stomach and allows them to dissolve in the small intestine. The saliva in the mouth dissolves some chewable tablets. 

However, whichever medicine you take, they all dissolve in the bloodstream. It then travels to your liver and is distributed to the targeted areas of the human body. In this metabolism process, the waste excretes via urine or feces.

How Are Spirulina Tablets Made?

Spirulina tablet mainly comprises spirulina powder combined with oligomeric xylose and isomaltulose. It’s formed into a homogeneous mixture with other agents. The products are dried, and dry granules are composed. 

What Is the Use of Spirulina Tablets?

Spirulina tablets are an inexpensive and safe way to add nutrients including protein, copper, thiamin, riboflavin, folate, and Vitamins A, B6, and K. It’s used to protect against oxidative damage, lower cholesterol, and may reduce cancer occurrence. 

Spirulina Capsules vs Spirulina Tablets

Is consuming spirulina powder or tablets better? Are spirulina capsules effective? Or should I go for a tablet? All these questions might be running through your mind. Till now, we found that capsules have a high absorbing rate by the body but are pricier than tablets. However, both are equally effective.

	Spirulina Capsules	Spirulina Tablets
Preparation	Dehydrated spirulina powder is stuffed within the outer shell.	It’s prepared by combining spirulina powder with additional ingredients.
Absorption Rate	In half an hour	In an hour
Shelf life	Shorter shelf life	As mentioned on the prescription bottle label
Taste	Neutral	Neutral
Dosage	Lower dosage	The right amount of dosage
Cost	Bit expensive	Cost-effective
Storage	Cool and dry place	Cool and dry place

**Note- Always read the prescription label and don’t exceed the recommended dosage. It may not be safe during pregnancy, for children, for people with autoimmune diseases, or before/after surgery.

Preparation

Spirulina capsules are made via dehydrated spirulina powder filling in the center of a hard shell. It’s smooth from the outside and easily digestible.

Whereas, a spirulina tablet contains spirulina powder, xylooligosaccharides, isomaltulose, and other ingredients to form a solid tablet that helps in increasing immunity and combating various diseases.

Absorption Rate

Since Spirulina capsules contain gelatin outer shells, they dissolve more quickly than tablets. Similarly, powdered forms are easier on your body than tablets or capsules.

Shelf Life

Always check the spirulina bottle prescription label for shelf duration. Health supplements shouldn’t be consumed after the expiry. Within a few months of opening, use spirulina tablets or capsules. Its nutritional value diminishes and may spoil after the expiration date.

Taste

Spirulina tastes a bit bitter like seaweed which is why many people don’t like its taste. For them, spirulina capsules and tablets are the best options— as they have no taste. They are created with an added preference for aesthetic appeal.

Dosage

People do ask- Can I take spirulina tablet daily? So the answer is Yes, you can take spirulina tablets daily but within daily limits. Here you have to mind that capsules may contain lower dosages than tablets. So, check the description wisely.

According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), people shouldn’t consume more than 10 grams of spirulina in a day. It’s recommended to ask your physician before using health supplements. See behind the label.

Tablets and capsules are easy to take, and few choose the best spirulina powder for smoothies. It depends on what kind of taste buds you have. 

Cost

Spirulina tablets are more affordable than capsules. It’s because of its formation and ingredients. However, the prices solely depend on the brand, marketing, and quantity.

Storage

Spirulina capsules and tablets both are convenient to store and use. You just have to pop one and take it with water. It’s as easy as a pie. It’s advised to store in an airtight container and away from direct sunlight. Both tablets and capsules may absorb moisture content. So keep that in your mind.

What Should I Look For in Spirulina?

There are many things that you should consider buying spirulina but the most important factor to look for is quality.

It should be clean and pure from any contamination and toxic metals, BMAA, microcystin, herbicides, pesticides, and other toxins. Always look for an organic-certified product. The USDA organic seal ensures that the spirulina you’re buying is free from all sorts of harmful chemical agents and is grown organically. 

FAQS About Spirulina Capsules vs Tablets

Is One Safer Than the Other?

Both spirulina tablets and capsules are safe to take with minor risks. Capsules have fewer ingredients as compared to tablets. Hence there is less risk of allergies. 

Whether you take it as a capsule, tablet, or powder, all provide the same nutrition to the body. However, here the concern is about the quality of the product. Always go for a quality-based USDA-certified product.

What Are the Disadvantages of Capsules?

There are a few disadvantages of capsules. It’s less durable, it has a shorter shelf life, more expensive, may contain animal products (gelatin sourced from cows, pigs, or fish), and may have lower dosages as compared to tablets.

Conclusion

Spirulina capsules vs. tablets are two common types of oral medication that have similar results but with significant differences. 

Spirulina tablets have longer shelf life than capsules. It’s also available in different forms. It accommodates a high amount of active ingredients than a capsule.

Nevertheless, they are a bit slower and may not distribute evenly in the body.

On the other hand, capsules are fast absorbent. It may cost more and expire quickly. However, there are a few minor differences between the two. But if you’re allergic to certain medications, do inform your physician. He will assist you in selecting the options that works best for you— a capsule or a pill.

Also check about spirulina tablets vs powder.