If you have trouble swallowing tablets and capsules, do not worry; you are not alone.
There are many reasons why people find this a difficult task, from the size or shape of the tablet or capsule to having a fear of choking.
Difficulty swallowing can make taking your daily supplements and tablets frustrating and can sometimes lead to people skipping them altogether.
In this guide, we will explore the causes of some people's trouble swallowing tablets and share tips on techniques and alternative options that can help.
What is difficulty swallowing?
Difficulty swallowing is essentially the inability to swallow food, liquid, or supplements with ease.
Research has shown that one in three people who have trouble swallowing tablets will vomit, or choke (i).
In addition, a study found that approximately 15-20% of the general adult population reported some degree of difficulty when swallowing tablets or capsules (ii).
It was revealed that those who reported difficulty when swallowing would be unlikely to consult their healthcare provider before splitting or crushing their supplements.
Further research undertaken within pharmacies in England and Northern Ireland revealed that almost 60% of people experience difficulties swallowing their treatments (iii)
Out of the patients surveyed, 68% admitted that they needed to open a capsule or crush a tablet to swallow it, while 69% would not take their treatment at all because it was difficult to swallow.
What could cause difficulty swallowing?
Swallowing is more of a complex process than you might think.
It involves approximately 50 pairs of muscles and many nerves to help move tablets, liquids, and foods from your mouth and down into your stomach (iii).
If any part of this process is disrupted, this can lead to difficulty swallowing.
Here are some common causes of swallowing problems:
- Acid reflux/heartburn. The process by which stomach acid flows back into the oesophagus, causing irritation and discomfort in the throat. Approximately 20% of UK adults have problems with severe acid reflux causing swallowing difficulties (iv)
- Dry mouth. Can occur when your mouth does not produce enough saliva. Saliva acts as a lubricant (v), helping the tablet or capsule to navigate down your throat; without this, it can be very difficult to swallow tablets
- Anxiety. Studies have found that being highly aware of sensations in the oesophagus can result in individuals worrying about how their body is functioning (vi)
- Fear of choking. In a study of 152 participants, it was revealed that 57% who have current swallowing difficulties remember choking on tablets in the past (i)
Can anxiety cause swallowing difficulties?
Stress and anxiety have been linked to problems with swallowing, due to individuals feeling as though their throat is tightening or the feeling that something is stuck (vii).
A study of 290 people, of which 21% had pre-existing anxiety, 17% had pre-existing depression, and 36% had both anxiety and depression, revealed an interesting link between psychological factors and difficulty swallowing (viii).
Those with anxiety and depression had a significantly higher mean Eating Assessment Tool score of 14.63 compared to those without these diagnoses scoring 8.93.
Find out ways you can ease anxiety symptoms in our handy guide.
How can I make my tablet easier to swallow?
Difficulty swallowing can turn the simple act of taking your supplements and tablets into a daily challenge.
However, with some practice and the right techniques, you may be able to make the process easier and more comfortable.
Here are some ways you can make tablets easier to swallow:
- The pop-bottle method. Involves filling your water bottle, placing the tablet on your tongue, closing your lips tightly around the opening of the bottle, and taking a drink using a sucking motion. Studies show that using this method improved swallowing in 59.7% of cases (ix)
- Lean-forward technique. Requires you to place the capsule on your tongue, take a sip of water, tilt your chin towards your chest, and swallow. The same study found that using this technique improved swallowing in 88.6% of cases
In addition, the NHS also recommends the following for those who have swallowing difficulties(x):
- Taking tablets with water
- Practising swallowing with small sweets or bits of bread
- Not throwing tablets toward the back of your throat
- Not tipping your head back too much when swallowing
- Not crushing tablets or opening capsules without seeking medical advice
*Do not try these techniques if you also have difficulty swallowing food or drink (not just tablets), as you may choke. Please seek advice from a pharmacist or your GP.
Consider gummy supplements as an alternative
We understand that tablets and capsules are not for everyone and that supplements should be tailored to individual needs.
Our gummies range caters to many individuals who have difficulty swallowing traditional tablets and capsules.
Further benefits of our gummies include:
- Great taste. Each of our gummies has its own delicious taste, from our orange-flavoured ProBiome gummies to our strawberry and cherry MagAsorb gummies
- Vegetarian. None of our gummies contain any animal-derived products, making them suitable for those following a vegetarian diet
- Convenient. Gummies do not require water to swallow or any additional preparation, so they are ideal for on-the-go supplementation
- Easy to chew. Vitamin gummies are ideal for those who struggle to swallow traditional tablets and capsules, as they are smooth and easy to chew
- Tooth-friendly. Our gummy products are free from added sugars or sweeteners that can contribute to tooth decay. In addition, they are also free from gelatine which can stick to teeth and lead to cavities
If you do have trouble swallowing supplements, you do not need to miss out on the benefits of tablets and capsules.
Our selection of gummies has been designed to cater to a diverse range of needs and make health and wellness more accessible.
The range includes:
- ProBiome. Contains 1 billion live bacteria to support healthy gut microbiome
- ProBiome Complete Gummies. Contains 1 billion live bacteria containing a specific strain Bacillus Subtilis DE111 which is a leading live bacteria known for supporting immune function and a healthy gut microbiome.
- Vita-A D Gummies. Provides 1000iu (25µg) of vitamin D3to support your immune system, bone health, and normal muscle function
- Multi-Max Kids 4+ Gummies. Delicious strawberry-flavoured gummies that make daily nutrition easier for your little ones. They contain 13 active ingredients to support your child’s overall health, cognitive function, and immune system
- MagAsorb Gummies. Nourishes your body with 150mg of magnesium citrate, contributing to 40% of the recommended Nutrient Reference Value (NRV) per serving. These gummies support your energy levels and contributes to a healthy nervous system
- Berryguard Gummies. Enriched with vitamin C and zinc to support the regular function of your immune system and help your body’s defences against common illnesses
- Multi-Max Hair, Skin, & Nails Gummies. Packed with vitamins A, B3, and biotin to support skin health; zinc for healthy hair; and vitamin B2
Final thoughts
Difficulty swallowing does not have to stand in the way of your health and wellness.
Understanding the causes and how you can make the process easier can help you feel more confident and comfortable when taking your daily supplements.
Whether it's adjusting your swallowing method, taking your supplements with food or water, or exploring alternative options like gummies, there are plenty of solutions to ensure you still receive your daily intake.
Before adding any supplements to your diet, it is important to consult your healthcare provider to see if they are the best option for you.
If you want to find out more about supporting your overall health, check out our dedicated health blog.
Alternatively, you can speak to our expert Nutrition Advisors who can provide free and confidential advice via email, phone, and Live Chat.
References:
i. (2023) What to Know About Swallowing Pills. WebMD. Available online: https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/what-to-know-about-swallowing-pills
ii. Mullin, G. E., & Wang, M. F. (2021) A review of swallowing difficulties related to oral medication. Nutrients 13(1): 183. Available online: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7810703/
iii. Wright, D. (2016) Medication-related swallowing difficulties may be more common than we realise. ResearchGate. Available online: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/289757864_Medication-related_swallowing_difficulties_may_be_more_common_than_we_realise
iv. National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD). (no date) Dysphagia: Overview and Causes. NIDCD. Available online: https://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/dysphagia
v. Click2Pharmacy. (no date) Acid Reflux Statistics in the UK. Click2Pharmacy. Available online: https://click2pharmacy.co.uk/acid-reflux-statistics
vi. Agarwal, M., & Choudhary, P. (2022) Prevalence and impact of swallowing difficulties in patients with chronic conditions. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 19(9): 5392. Available online: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9126227/
vii. Steele, C. M., & Cichero, J. A. (2010) Physiological factors influencing swallowing safety and efficiency. Dysphagia 25(4): 227–238. Available online: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2950665/
viii. WebMD. (no date) Causes and Treatments for Tightness in the Throat. WebMD. Available online: https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/tightness-in-throat-causes-treatments
ix. Suzuki, K., & Saito, Y. (2023) Recent advances in the diagnosis and management of swallowing disorders. Journal of Clinical Medicine 12(2): 348. Available online: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37942834/
x. Carnaby, G. D., & Crary, M. A. (2014) Dysphagia in the elderly: Current concepts in evaluation and management. Journal of Clinical Interventions in Aging 9: 1413–1429. Available online: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4226776/
xi. NHS. (no date) Problems Swallowing Pills. NHS. Available online: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/problems-swallowing-pills/
