Comparing oral dissolving films to gummies and pills.

August 28, 2025

Supplement form and effectiveness

When considering a supplement, one of the things to keep in mind is not only what you're taking, but also how you're going to be taking it - as in, what form it is in. It has been well established that bioavailability is the key to the effectiveness of anything you take, be it food, a medication or a supplement. It becomes active and effective only when it is absorbed and made bioavailable for your metabolism. That determines the amount of the supplement that can actually be used by our system. When the body metabolizes a supplement, the ingredients are released into the bloodstream to produce and provide the intended benefits
The superior effectiveness of Riize oral dissolving film (ODF) supplement strips is best demonstrated when comparing them with two other common forms - namely, gummies and pills.

Gummies

Gummies have become an increasingly popular delivery form, especially in the areas of CBD and cannabis products. However, they have also seen growth in products for nutrition (vitamins), supplements and even medications. Much of their appeal is based on their ease of use (no swallowing) and flavor options. They do have some advantage over pills by virtue of the fact that they are placed directly on the tongue, similar to ODFs, which starts the ingredient absorption process. However, unlike ODFs, not all the ingredients are absorbed this way, with some being swallowed and subject to the effects of first-pass metabolism in the gastrointestinal tract. In addition, gummies usually contain sugar, along with some percentage of excipients, which are basically useless ingredients added for stability or forming. Depending on the ingredients, gummies can take anywhere from 30 to 45 minutes to have an effect.

Pills

Pills go directly to the stomach and are therefore completely exposed to first-pass metabolism. Being metabolized through the digestive tract degrades and reduces the concentration of the supplement ingredients. The first-pass effect is often associated with the ingredients being metabolized in the liver, but can also happen in other body tissues, such as in the lungs and vascular system. This process also slows down the time it takes for the supplement to have an effect. It can take anywhere from 45 minutes to over an hour for pills to be effective. They can also contain as much as 60% excipients such as alcohol or oils which are often added to help with swallowing or to activate the ingredients. Put simply, it is a less efficient way to get the benefits of supplements.

Oral dissolving films (ODFs)

Made with water-soluble polymers, ODFs dissolve within seconds upon contact with saliva on the tongue. This allows the ingredients to be released and absorbed almost immediately. The large surface area, combined with the high degree of permeability of the tissue (up to 4000 times more than skin) maximizes the systemic delivery of the supplement ingredients. There is a dense presence of thin-walled capillaries inside the mouth that diffuse blood directly to the veins and arteries to accomplish this. The only delivery method faster and more efficient would be direct to the bloodstream via IV delivery. ODFs can also be manufactured with no excipients, zero sugar and using only clean, natural ingredients. This is the case with all Riize supplement strips.

Comparison of ODFs to Gummies to Pills

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Comparing oral dissolving films to gummies and pills.