Can anyone tell me if I would be doing any harm by chewing vitamins (calcium, complete, etc...) that I would normally swallow whole?

I really hate swallowing vitamins, however, I noticed that I don't mind chewing them up with something else (like a pretzel...etc.) and swallowing them.

Kind of a strange question but if it's doable, I'd much rather chew them up with food rather than swallow them.

Thanks,

Deb

hi deb welcome to the board!! for most supplements, it's ok to chew them up. indeed, many seniors use pill crushers to crush them into powder before swallowing.

however, some supplements may not be appropriate. these are the time-release supplements or high dose once-a-day and some garlic supplements. Time-release supplements are often recommended to take once a day. these supplements usually contain higher doses and have an enteric coating on the pill so that it can survive the acidity of the stomach and hence slowly release into your small intestines for absorption. if u chew them up, the coating is broken and a high amount of vitamins/minerals will enter the system too quickly. same as ordorless garlic pills - a coating prevents it from releasing the active ingredients as well as the garlic smell too quickly.

hope it helps.