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Liquid herbs and vitamins offer some advantages to regular supplements that make them worthy of consideration, even though they are generally not as cheap as the tablet variety.

One of the most important is that herbs and vitamins in liquid form are more readily absorbed by our bodies, although there is not a lot of scientific data comparing liquid to regular supplements. This is particularly true of colloidal mineral formulas, which have the minerals in a different chemical form compared to the compounds that are present in capsules and tablets. But water soluble vitamins in liquid formulas are also absorbed faster - liquids in general are processed more quickly by our digestive system.

Fat soluble vitamins are a different issue, however. These include vitamins A, E, K, and D. It’s good to remember that even when they are in a capsule, these fats are still ‘liquid’ - they are just encased in an easily broken down gelatin capsule. Indeed, for some, like the fish oils, it is an advantage that these remain encapsulated until they get to the small intestines, where they are absorbed. Hence many manufacturers offer enteric coated capsules which help with this.

Personally, I’ve always found liquid herbs to be the best form of taking a herb. It does have an effect faster, and most herbalists will prescribe liquid extracts of a herb when you visit their practice. But for vitamins and minerals, except for the colloidal variety, I would stick with the regular capsule. You do get a greater amount of the actual vitamin in them.

But if you prefer taking things in liquid form, or have children who don’t like tablets, then liquid vitamins are a good bet. At least they can be mixed with drinks.