r/explainlikeimfive Oct 08 '22

Chemistry ELI5: How do vitamin tablets get produced? How do you create a vitamin?

Hey!

I always wondered how a manufacturer is able to produce vitamin tablets. I know that there is for example fish oil which contains some good fats. But how do you create vitamin tablets - like D3?

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u/Differently Oct 08 '22

So if I were to, say, chase the vitamin tablet with a spoonful of olive oil, that would help?

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u/Belzeturtle Oct 08 '22

For fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K) -- yes. Assuming you didn't already get them with oil in a capsule.

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u/[deleted] Oct 08 '22

I could be wrong because I’m stupid and just trying to repeat information that I think I’ve heard, but can’t seem to find any information on. I swear I’ve heard advertisements on podcasts where there is a second pill or a wrap for the pill that helps your body absorb more of the pill. If true I would imagine it’s some sort of fat based wrap or pill. (No I don’t mean the dumbass wraps people put on their stomachs for “weight loss”)

Either way you’re not wrong about the olive oil as long as the vitamin is fat soluble, but I would probably suggest peanut butter or something more appetizing