CBD Capsules Vs. Softgels: Which One Is Better?

CBD capsules and softgels play an important role in the health sector. Both are popular since they are used in tackling various health issues. The article exploits both products deeply by providing detailed information about their similarities, differences, and advantages.

CBD is a chemical compound derived mostly from the leaves and flowers of the hemp plant. It has recently gained popularity due to its unlimited health benefits, such as reducing pain, anxiety, and inflammation, improving sleep quality, treating cancer symptoms, and reducing seizures and neuroprotective properties. CBD companies have produced dozens of CBDS products on the market, from CBD topical to oil and other forms. CBD capsules and softgels are popular forms of CBD, which are largely used by the mass since they are readily available over the counter and in most dispensaries. Few people know the difference between the two forms. There are enough differences that can identify the cons and pros.

What are CBD Capsules?

Birnbaum et al. (2019) stated that they are pill-like products that are cylindrical and are consumed orally. They consist of the casing part and the CBD compound. The casing is mostly made of gelatin products which comprise vegetable raw materials. The case covers a filling containing a specific dosage of CBD.

They are popular because they are flavorless and cover the earthy grassy taste associated with CBD oil. They contain a precise dose that doesn't require expertise interference, making them handy. However, one is limited to the product's dosage. If the capsule contains 10 mg of CBD, you can't adjust the dosage by 5 mg, making CBD oil tinctures most preferred since they use droppers to regulate dosage.

CBD capsules take longer to take effect compared to CBD oil or topical. It is because they must pass through the digestive system to the liver for metabolization. It can take around 3 to 4 hours before you harness the power of CBD in your body by consuming the capsules.

Advantages of CBD Capsules

• It is easy to transport than CBD oil or topical.
• They are convenient and easy to use
• They have high CBD potencies - buying capsules from top-rated CBD brands ensures you a product with a high concentration of CBD compounds starting from 15mg to even 200 mg.
• Flavorless, tasty, and enjoyable to take- most CBD capsules are tasteless, thus masking CBD's main roadblock, which is CBD oil's strong, unpleasant earthy taste. Some manufacturers may add enhanced flavors such as citrus.
• They provide various health benefits. Like other CBD forms, they help regulate body imbalances such as pain, inflammation, stress, anxiety, etc.

Disadvantages of Capsules

• They can react with other prescribed medications- CBD is an active chemical compound that can react with other chemicals resulting in undesirable side effects.
• Longer activation time- we already know it must pass somebody's processes like digestion and metabolism.

CBD Softgels

Capano et al. (2020) explained that they contain CBD compounds extracted from the CO₂ technique combined with a carrier oil such as hemp seed oil, MCT oil, or coconut oil. Carrier oil helps the body absorb CBD because CBD is a fat-soluble compound that can't mix with water, so it is hard for the body to absorb. The CBD and carrier oil are packed into a soft, airtight, and dissolvable casing. CBD softgels are just airtight capsules with carrier oil inside. They contain a liquid format of CBD rather than dry ingredients present in capsules.

One of the main reasons people buy CBD softgels over capsules is because they're more convenient since their soft nature makes them manageable even if you struggle to swallow pills. They are dissolvable; therefore, they can easily be infused into daily meals and drinks. People tend to add them to tea and coffee, where they dissolve and are taken orally. CBD is sensitive to heat since high temperature affects the composition of CBD structure, weakening its effects; therefore, they are mostly added to a complete dish.

Advantages of CBD Softgels Over Capsules

• They contain organic carrier oil, having heightened health benefits compared to isolated CBD powder.
• Since they can dissolve easily, they are breakdown and are absorbed faster than CBD capsules.
• They are easy to swallow since they contain soft casing.
• They can be added to meals, thus allowing people to harvest CBD benefits with a delicious flavor.
• CBD softgels are usually smaller than CBD capsules and thus easy to swallow.
• They can also stay fresh and pure longer than capsules since they are packed in an airtight sealed casing.

Advantages of CBD Capsules Over Softgels

• CBD capsules are available in low and mid-range doses, while the softgels have no specific defined dosage known.
• They contain raw materials of hemp plants such as terpenes, thus providing entourage effects compared to softgels which typically contain CBD compounds only.
• Most capsules contain fiber ingredients, thus aiding in digestion.
• CBD capsules are easier and cheaper to manufacture than softgels

Similarities of Both CBD Products

Tweed &Vera (2020) highlighted the following similarities between the two CBD products:

• Both may contain one of the three CBD extracts: CBD isolates made of pure CBD compounds. CBD full-spectrum contains all cannabis plant cannabinoids, including less than 0.3% of THC. And lastly broad –spectrum CBD lies in the middle of both types and contains most cannabinoids except THC.
• Both capsules and softgels are made of the same casing ingredients ( gelatin), flavorless, and are taken orally.
• They both offer mental and physical support to users.

Which One Is Better? CBD Capsules or CBD Softgels

Choosing which one is better depends on user preference. Carter-Bennett & Denise (2018) revealed that they both provide all the health benefits of CBD. Still, softgels tend to be slightly more effective than capsules since they contain additional benefits of carrier oil. Most people may prefer CBD capsules since it is friendly in terms of dosage; however, it is hard to adjust them. It is stomach friendly compared to other CBD forms like CBD oil since it contains fiber materials. Another group may prefer the softgels because they are soft and easy to swallow, plus you can easily add them to your daily lunch, dinner, or breakfast. However, they may contain unspecified dosage, so they are not favorable for beginners. When purchasing both of them, you should consider the following to ensure a high-quality product:

• CBD source and cultivation of hemp plant
• Price
• CBD potency
• The reputation of the manufacturer
• Method of extraction
• Third-party testing

Conclusion

If you wish to join the CBD regime be ready to spend a fortune to test each CBD product and highlight which favors your purpose and taste. Differentiating CBD capsules and softgels are easy since both have different compositions. Capsules contain fiber contents useful in the digestion system and are cheaper to purchase. CBD softgels contain carrier oils such as MCT oil that add additional health benefits to users; plus, it is easy to swallow since it has a soft casing and stays fresh for a longer period because it has an airtight seal—knowing that your preference will tell which one is better.

References

Birnbaum, A. K., Karanam, A., Marino, S. E., Barkley, C. M., Remmel, R. P., Roslawski, M., ... & Leppik, I. E. (2019). Food Effect On The Pharmacokinetics Of Cannabidiol Oral Capsules In Adult Patients With Refractory Epilepsy. Epilepsia, 60(8), 1586-159

Capano, A., Weaver, R., & Burkman, E. (2020). Evaluation Of The Effects Of CBD Hemp Extract On Opioid Use And Quality Of Life Indicators In Chronic Pain Patients: A Prospective Cohort Study. Postgraduate Medicine, 132(1), 56-61.

Carter-Bennett, D. (2018). Cannabidiol: A Better Treatment Option Than My Tiny Pink Pills?. Matters Of Substance, 29(1), 8-9. V. (2020). CBD Update. Better Nutrition, 82(1), 36-39.