Many people turn to nutritional supplements to fill in nutritional gaps in their diet or to address specific health needs. But this can mean swallowing handfuls of pills with little guarantee that your body actually absorbs and utilizes the vitamins, minerals, and herbs in them. Fortunately, a growing number of brands are making it easier to swallow your daily supplements…by eliminating the swallowing part altogether. Spray supplements (or buccal sprays) are a convenient, and possibly more effective, way to take your daily vitamins.

Benefits of Spray Supplements

Better Absorption

Bioavailability refers to the percentage of a substance that absorbs into the bloodstream. A huge benefit to sprayable supplements is that they actually tend to be more bioavailable than oral tablets and capsules. This is because a swallowed pill first passes through the harsh environment of the stomach and must be metabolized through the liver or kidneys. Stomach acid can destroy a portion of the nutrients in supplements, and any toxic build up in the liver also impedes absorption.

When you use a buccal spray, it gets absorbed directly into the bloodstream through the vascular tissue in your mouth. The result is your body absorbs the substance faster and more efficiently.

Easier to Take

Say goodbye to capsules lodged in your throat and vitamin burps. Sprayable supplements could increase regular usage and make taking your supplements a more pleasant experience. With young children, the elderly, and others who struggle to swallow pills, a spray option may be the only way to administer certain supplements effectively.

Cleaner Ingredients

Capsules and tablets usually contain fillers, binding agents, and artificial coloring, as well as gelatin and the other ingredients that make up the capsule itself. Most spray supplements contain fewer and cleaner ingredients that include the vitamin, water, and natural flavoring. (However, some do contain artificial flavors and questionable preservatives, so be sure to check the label.)

Easier on the Stomach

Many people also avoid taking supplements because they tend to upset their stomach. Buccal sprays bypass the stomach for better absorption without the worry of stomach discomfort.

The Bottom Line

Whatever method you choose to get your vital nutrients, just make sure you get them. The standard American diet leaves numerous nutritional gaps, and many people are deficient in more than one essential nutrient. Whether you choose a spray, tablet, capsule, liquid, or powder, do your research and select quality products with effective delivery.

Want to check out some of my favorite spray supplements? Head here and go to the shop.