This question is a bit complex since there are many factors to consider. Generally, sublingual vitamins are easier for the body to absorb since they go directly into the bloodstream through the tissues under the tongue.
However, this doesn’t mean they are always better than other types of vitamins. For example, if you have a specific health condition that makes it difficult to absorb nutrients, then a sublingual vitamin might not be the best option.
The primary recommendation is you see a medical specialist to advise you on the appropriate option. But before that, let’s learn a few things about how sublingual and oral vitamin intake compare.
What Are the Benefits of Sublingual Over Oral Vitamins Intake?
There are many benefits to taking vitamins sublingually or under the tongue. They include:
- Vitamins are absorbed more quickly: Orally taking vitamins has to be digested before they are absorbed into your bloodstream. That can take hours or even days.
When you take vitamins sublingually, they are absorbed directly into your bloodstream through the mucous membranes in your mouth, so they start working right away.
- You get more of the vitamin: When vitamins go through your digestive system, some are destroyed by stomach acids or eliminated in your stool.
When you take vitamins sublingually, there is no digestive process, so more of the vitamin is absorbed into your system.
- It’s soft on your stomach: If your stomach is sensitive or you have gastrointestinal issues, taking vitamins sublingually can be easier on your system than taking them orally. You do not need to worry about stomach acids or digestion when the vitamin is absorbed through your mucous membranes.
- You can take higher doses: Because sublingual vitamins are absorbed more quickly and completely, you can take higher doses than you could if you were taking them orally. That can be beneficial if you are trying to treat a deficiency or boost your intake of a particular vitamin.
When Can a Doctor Recommend Sublingual Vitamins?
There are many instances when a doctor may recommend sublingual vitamins.
- This delivery method is beneficial when someone has difficulty swallowing pills or needs a quick and effective dose of vitamins and minerals.
- Sublingual vitamins can also be recommended for people with malabsorption issues, as the nutrients are absorbed directly into the bloodstream through the tissues under the tongue. That bypasses digestion, which can be problematic for some individuals.
- Sublingual vitamins may be recommended for people who are seeking a higher level of absorption than what can be achieved with oral supplements.
What Are the Drawbacks of Sublingual Over Oral Vitamins Intake?
There are a few potential drawbacks to taking vitamins sublingually instead of orally. They include:
- Sublingual vitamins may not be as effective as oral supplements. That is because the absorption of the vitamin into the bloodstream may only be fully complete if it is taken with water.
- Sublingual vitamins can cause an unpleasant taste in the mouth.
- They can also irritate if they come into contact with the gums or teeth.
Can a Doctor Recommend Against Sublingual Vitamins?
Yes, a doctor can recommend against taking sublingual vitamins if they feel it is not the best course of action for a patient. That could be for various reasons, such as the patient’s overall health or a specific health condition.
