Supplement Tablets Have Started to Crumble & Break - ConsumerLab.com (2024)

FAQs

Supplement Tablets Have Started to Crumble & Break - ConsumerLab.com? ›

Answer: Some ingredients in supplements are hygroscopic, that is, they attract water. If sold as uncoated tablets and exposed to humidity, the tablets may become soft, crumbly, and fall apart.

The term “Binding” describes when the tablet sticks/takes hold of the die or splits during the molding/pressing process. During the process, a film is built on the molding or die area, restraining the ejection of the tablet. If there is excessive binding, the sides of the tablet might become cracked and can crumble.

Common bulking agents include talcum powder and cellulose, so look for these as red flags in supplement ingredients lists.

Capsule drugs are used frequently in life. However, in actual production, the problem of softening of the capsule is often encountered, which is usually happened in spring and summer. The main reason is that the gel cap is not properly stored, which is affected by the temperature or adsorbs moisture in the air.

Factors like heat, moisture and humidity are more likely to affect pills that have been split. And don't try to divide pills into sizes smaller than a half. They are likely to crumble.

Answer: Some ingredients in supplements are hygroscopic, that is, they attract water. If sold as uncoated tablets and exposed to humidity, the tablets may become soft, crumbly, and fall apart.

What supplements are bad for the kidneys? ›

You should avoid some supplements if you have unhealthy kidneys, especially if you have chronic kidney disease. These supplements include vitamins A, D, E, and K because they can cause a buildup in your system.

Large doses of minerals can compete with each other to be absorbed. Don't use calcium, zinc, or magnesium supplements at the same time. Also, these three minerals are easier on your tummy when you take them with food, so if your doctor recommends them, have them at different meals or snacks.

The fat-soluble vitamins, A, D, E, and K, are stored in the body for long periods of time and generally pose a greater risk for toxicity than water-soluble vitamins when consumed in excess.

You'll want to place the pill inside the v-shaped holder with the score line directly in the middle. Then quickly press downward on the blade to cut the pill. If you do this too slowly, the pill is more likely to crumble.

Causes of Chipping:

Tablets lack sufficient hardness. Tablets with high friability tend to chip, crack, or break under mechanical stress. Tablets are not properly designed and come with sharp edges or corners. Inconsistent or excessive compression force results in weak tablets prone to chipping.

The active ingredient released may degrade on contact with light, moisture or the food with which it is mixed for administration. The person who crushes the tablets or opens the capsules is exposed to drug particles, which may be carcinogenic, teratogenic or fetotoxic. They are sometimes allergenic.

Definition: The chipping occurs when the edges of the tablets break during the press process or during the handling and coating. Reason: May be due to the incorrect equipment setting, misaligned ejection.