Licensed pharmacist Dr. Grant Harting has exposed what he calls the biggest scam in the medical industry: gel capsules. These capsules make up a multi-billion-dollar industry, with one of their main selling points being that the softer material dissolves more quickly in the body, allowing drugs to take effect faster. Harting argues that studies have shown that tablets actually break down faster and work quicker than capsules. This fact matters, argues Harter, because gel capsules are more expensive than tablets. For example, a 24-pack of Tylenol tablets costs around $5, compared to $8 for gel capsules. In a study, Tylenol Extra Strength 500mg rapid release capsules took 3.94 minutes to dissolve, while Tylenol Extra Strength 500mg tablets took 3.56 minutes to dissolve. Consumers who buy gel capsules instead of tablets are essentially paying more for less.
