id you know that when you take an oral vitamin, less than 10 percent of the nutrient is usually absorbed into the bloodstream? Seems like a waste, eh? The reasons this happens is because the stomach breaks it down so quickly. In an attempt to solve this problem, vitamin makers add stronger casings and shellacs to protect the pills from stomach acids. And while these shiny, waxy coatings allow the pills to be broken down more slowly, it does make it harder for the body to dissolve it. Further, tablets with added sweeteners to make them more palatable, but this can also block the vitamins from being absorbed into the bloodstream, making it difficult for the body to absorb the nutrients it needs.