Maybe they were old. I did try chewing them up though, but still didn't help. I've been taking hydro for awhile and have never had this happen. So Scarecrow, you said you ask before ordering? Did your OP honor your request not to be given the "mallies"? I'll try that for sure next time. I just ordered from Ephy because the mallies are so ineffective. I hope ephy doesn't send them too.