Capsules

A capsule encloses a portion of the supplement in a coating that is swallowed whole, without measuring and without taste. In this category, we gather supplements in capsules and explain the differences between their types, how to count portions from the packaging, and what to check in the composition before choosing one of them.

Supplements in capsules: what you will find in the category

Currently, there is Omega-3 & Vitamin D3 Complex by SOOL, which are soft capsules with fish oil and vitamin D in the form of cholecalciferol. The package contains 90 capsules, and the daily portion is 2 capsules. The production is handled by Novel Nutraceuticals from Warsaw.

The composition includes vitamin E in the form of dl-alpha-tocopheryl acetate, phosphatidylcholine from soy lecithin, conjugated linoleic acid, or CLA, as well as extracts from rosemary and mint. The coating is made of animal gelatin. Supplements in other forms can be found in the Supplements category.

Soft or hard capsule

A soft capsule, also called a soft gel, is a uniform, flexible coating filled with liquid, most often oil. It works well with fat-soluble ingredients because oil is a natural carrier for them. This is how the SOOL complex is structured: fish oil and vitamin D in one capsule.

A hard capsule consists of two halves that fit together and usually contains powder, for example, powdered plant extract. A hard capsule can usually be opened, while a soft one cannot. Unless the manufacturer states otherwise, both types are swallowed whole and taken with water.

Coating: gelatin or cellulose

The coating is the first thing to check if you do not consume animal products. Gelatin comes from animals, so a capsule with a gelatin coating is not vegan or vegetarian. This is the case with the SOOL complex, where the oil itself also comes from fish.

Plant coatings are usually made from cellulose, described on the label as HPMC or hydroxypropyl methylcellulose. You will find information about the coating in the ingredient list, most often at the end. If it is not there, look for a vegan declaration on the packaging.

How to count portions from the packaging

The number of capsules in the product name does not indicate how many days the package will last. The daily portion determines this, which can be one capsule or several. In the SOOL complex, 90 capsules at a portion of 2 capsules gives 45 portions, or about one and a half months of daily use.

For the same reason, compare the ingredient content based on the daily portion, not on one capsule. Two products with the same number of capsules may last for a completely different time. Do not exceed the daily portion recommended by the manufacturer.

What else to check on the label

The percentage next to an ingredient does not always indicate its amount in the capsule. In the SOOL complex, the notation of 20% EPA and 50% DHA describes the profile of the fish oil itself, meaning what portion of its acids corresponds to each of them. The amount of EPA and DHA per portion is provided in milligrams in the table on the packaging, and these numbers are compared between brands.

The second thing is the form of the ingredient. Vitamin D is present here as cholecalciferol, which is vitamin D3, and vitamin E as dl-alpha-tocopheryl acetate. The third is allergens: this composition contains fish and soy from soy lecithin.

The fourth is the restrictions provided by the manufacturer. The SOOL complex is intended for adults, and the manufacturer advises against it for pregnant and breastfeeding women. More about reading the ingredient list is discussed in the text how to read a dietary supplement label.

Taking and storing

Soft capsules are swallowed whole, without chewing, taken with water. The manufacturer of the SOOL complex recommends taking them with a meal containing fat, as both omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin D dissolve in fats. We discuss fatty acids in the text omega-3: properties and dosage.

The manufacturer recommends storing the capsules in a cool place with low humidity, in a tightly closed package. Keep them out of reach of children.

Frequently asked questions

How many capsules per day does the manufacturer of the SOOL complex recommend?

Two. At this portion, a package of 90 capsules provides 45 daily portions, or about one and a half months of use. Capsules are best taken with a meal containing fat, as omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin D dissolve in fats. The complex is intended for adults, and the daily portion should not be exceeded.

Are capsules in this category vegan?

The Omega-3 & Vitamin D3 complex is not vegan. It has a coating made of animal gelatin, so the capsule is not vegetarian either, and the oil comes from fish. For other capsules, check the coating in the ingredient list, usually at the end: plant-based is usually cellulose, described as HPMC.

What is the difference between a soft capsule and a hard one?

A soft capsule is a uniform coating with a liquid interior, most often oil, so it works well with fat-soluble ingredients. A hard capsule consists of two halves and usually contains powder. A hard capsule can usually be opened, while a soft one cannot. Both are swallowed whole unless the manufacturer recommends otherwise.

What does the notation of 20% EPA and 50% DHA mean?

This is the profile of the fish oil in the SOOL complex, meaning the share of these two acids among all acids in the oil. It is not the amount in the capsule. Milligrams of EPA and DHA per daily portion are provided in the table on the packaging, and these numbers are compared between brands.

What allergens are in the SOOL complex?

Fish, as the ingredient is fish oil, and soy, as phosphatidylcholine comes from soy lecithin. Check the full allergen declaration on the packaging. Also, check the restrictions provided by the manufacturer: the complex is intended for adults, and the manufacturer advises against it for pregnant and breastfeeding women.