Question:
Can we take coated multivitamins?

I take a small, coated multi-vitamin. On the package it says, "Guaranteed to dissolve within 60 minutes." Will I absorb all of the vitamin, or will some of it pass through unabsorbed because it hasn't had time to dissolve fully? Thanks!    — Angie M. (posted on November 6, 2002)

November 6, 2002
Angie, I would NOT recommend a tablet vitamin of any kind because you will actually absorb very little. Actual absorption of a tablet is only 0-20% and takes any where from 45 minutes to 4 hours just to break down. Most tablets are passed right through the digestive system with NO absorption whatsoever. I always recommend "Isotonix" brand vitamins. They are sold in powder form and ingested in liquid form after adding water. The most unique feature about this vitamin line is after adding water they are ready for IMMEDIATE ABSORPTION and you can expect around 90% ABSORPTION WITHIN 5 MINUTES!! I guarantee you will NOT find this in any other brand. I am a registered nurse and nutrition has been my passion for quite some time now. I have personally used this brand for the past 6 years and recommend them to EVERYONE, whether or not they had WLS. With "Isotonix", stomach acids are not required to break them down because they are already in a form for immediate absorption. They do not linger in the stomach like a tablet but go directly to the small intestines where absorption takes place. "Isotonix" brand is all-natural, No preservatives, No binders, No fillers, No coatings. You're absorbing what you pay for and NOT flushing you're money down the toilet! You may email me privately if you wish. I distribute natural products for a company and I've found the customers have been extremely pleased with "Isotonix".
   — Patti S.

November 6, 2002
Angie, You want supplements that are absorbed in 5 minutes or less. You can test any tablet/capsule by putting it in warm water; if it dissolves in less than 5 minutes it's o.k. Anything that is "coated" or time released will just pass on through the pouch and out of the body before it has time to be absorbed. That's why so many of us use chewable or liquid vitamins.
   — LLinderman

November 6, 2002
Well, you shouldn't take coated vitamins. And that goes for shoed and umbrella-ed vitamins too. :0)
   — Debby M.

November 6, 2002
hello...i have always been told the "20 minute rule". put whatever pill you want to take into a cup with a small amount of water and if it doesn't dissolve in 20 minutes - do not take it. food/vitamins stay in the pouch for a max of 20 minutes so if whatever you take isn't broken down in that time then it's a waste. centrum makes an orange flavored chewable vitamin that i really like, you can get it at walmart for around $5. good luck, kate open rny 6-14-01 pre op: 268lbs goal: 135lbs current: 126lbs
   — jkb