This topic is about understanding how people with an ileostomy can effectively absorb fat-soluble vitamins, like vitamin D, when they are taken in soft-gel or gel-cap form. The concern is whether these capsules dissolve properly or if they pass through the digestive system undigested. Here are some helpful insights and advice shared by others:

1. Soft-gels and rapid-release gel caps:
- Many people have successfully absorbed vitamins from soft-gels without finding any residue in their pouch. These capsules are designed to dissolve quickly in the stomach, making them generally safe unless they are specifically labeled as time-release.

2. Standard tablets and non-gelatin capsules:
- Plain tablets and small powder-filled capsules usually dissolve well. Examples include vitamin D tablets, glucosamine, potassium (when the capsule contents are mixed with applesauce), and magnesium (when chewed).

3. Forms to avoid:
- Time-release, extended-release, enteric-coated, or alginate-coated products often do not dissolve properly and may pass through undigested. It's a good idea to list these as restrictions with your pharmacy. Examples include fish-oil gel caps, calcium citrate tablets, MetFORMIN ER, and gabapentin capsules.

4. Alternative delivery methods:
- Consider chewable vitamins like D3/K2, multis, B-complex, and C.
- Sublingual or quick-dissolve tablets/drops for vitamins A, D, and B-complex can be placed under the tongue to bypass the gut.
- Liquid vitamin D is available in dropper bottles, and powdered formulations can be dissolved in water.
- Crushing tablets or opening capsules over applesauce, or poking holes in gel caps, can help with absorption.
- A pill crusher, available at stores like Wal-Mart, can be useful.

5. Monitoring and technique:
- Using a clear pouch can help you visually confirm that pills are not passing through whole.
- If you experience very fast transit, loperamide (Imodium) might help slow the flow and improve absorption.
- Regular blood tests and consultations with a knowledgeable pharmacist or physician are recommended to ensure proper vitamin and mineral levels and to choose suitable formulations.

6. Cost considerations:
- Liquid or compounded forms of vitamins can be more expensive or not covered by insurance. GoodRx cards might help reduce prices for alternative capsule formulations.

7. Miscellaneous observations:
- One person noticed an odor when taking D3 gel caps.
- "Sublingual" means placing the tablet or liquid under the tongue for rapid absorption.