Do you take your vitamins when you should? It’s easy to take a multivitamin in the morning or at night and think that your body is getting the nutrients it needs. But it does matter when you take your vitamins every day—quite a bit, in fact. So, when is the best time to take your vitamins?
It depends on what vitamins you’re taking.
When you take your supplements can have a big effect on how well your body is able to absorb and use the nutrients. When taken with a meal that has fat, fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, and K) and omega-3s (Try SFH Super Omega-3 Fish Oil) are better absorbed. Probiotics work best when taken on an empty stomach, so nothing gets in the way of the good bacteria doing their job. (Try the American Health Enzyme Probiotic Complex) Vitamin B12 is also better absorbed on an empty stomach because it is easier to absorb in an acidic environment.
Take your B-complex vitamins in the morning, preferably with your first meal. They help the body get energy from the food you eat, and if you take them late in the day, they can make it hard for you to sleep. Iron and calcium (Try BodyBio Calcium/Magnesium Butyrate) should never be taken together because they compete for the same receptor sites. Take iron during the day with some vitamin C to help your body absorb it better.
Don’t take your vitamins with coffee or tea if you can.
If you drink coffee or tea, you might not want to take your vitamins in the morning. Many vitamins and minerals, especially iron, can’t be absorbed as well because of the tannins and caffeine. Caffeine also makes you urinate more, which can lower the amount of water-soluble vitamins in your body (B-complex and C). So, take your supplements an hour after your morning coffee. Herbal tea without caffeine, on the other hand, has less tannins than regular tea. Some minerals, like iron, may be absorbed better when you drink this drink.
Read on to find out more about how to choose, take, and get the most out of vitamins and other dietary supplements:
Your 24-Hour Supplement Guide: Here’s When to Take Your Vitamins and Supplements
Learn about vitamins and supplements with this guide.
5 Supplements to Start Taking Right Away
7 dietitians give their thoughts on daily supplements
Editor’s note: This advice is based on what our dietitians say, but CE also recommends that you talk to your doctor before starting any supplement plan. When you take supplements can depend on your health goals and some health conditions.
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