Do you have a specific time set to take your vitamins during the day or do you take them whenever you remember? Have you ever been curious as to when the best time is to take your vitamins?
Vitamins are an excellent way to assist with your health and wellness, but if they are not taken correctly, your body cannot completely absorb them, and in turn, cannot fully reap the benefits. While many of us are under the impression that we should be taking our vitamins at certain times throughout the day, doctors suggest syncing your supplement intake with your daily schedule for optimal results. The effectiveness of your vitamins depends largely on your eating and drinking schedule, if the vitamin is fat soluble or water soluble, and the type of vitamin.
Multivitamins
Multivitamins include a mix of both water-soluble and fat-soluble vitamins, so it is recommended to take these with food and water. Make sure you are taking your multivitamins on a full stomach rather than just washing them down with a glass of water in order to avoid a potentially upset stomach.
B Vitamins and Vitamin C
Both vitamin C and B vitamins are water-soluble vitamins, which means they need to be taken with water in order to be properly absorbed. Vitamin B12 is known for its energizing properties, so it is best to take this in the morning in order to avoid interference with your sleep schedule.
Vitamin D and Other Fat-Soluble Vitamins
Vitamin A, D, E, and K are all fat-soluble vitamins, which means that they require fat in order to be fully absorbed. In order for your body to fully absorb all the nutrient-dense benefits, take these vitamins with a small amount of food that contain fat, such as low or whole-fat yogurts.
Prenatal Vitamins
Folic acid and prenatal vitamins are essential for healthy pregnancies. Not incorporating enough folic acid into your routine could lead to potential neural tube defects. Folic acid is a water-soluble vitamin, so it should be taken with a glass of water on an empty stomach. Prenatal vitamins should be taken with both food and water in order to be effective. Doctors suggest taking these around breakfast or lunch to avoid acid reflux, upset stomach, and heartburn.
Calcium
While calcium has been considered a vitamin by many, it is truly a mineral. The majority of people receive enough calcium from the foods they eat, but some might need to supplement their calcium intake, such as those with postmenopause or those who just aren’t taking in enough calcium-rich foods. There are two types of calcium supplements, calcium carbonate and calcium citrate. In order to experience the benefits of calcium, it must be taken correctly. Take calcium carbonate with a meal so it can be properly absorbed by the body. Calcium citrate can be taken with or without a meal, as it does not need acid in the stomach to be absorbed like calcium carbonate does. *Please note that K2, D3, and Magnesium are also necessary for Calcium to make it into the bones.
Remember:
Multivitamins can be a great way to supplement nutritional needs and improve health and wellness, however, it is important to note that before you start incorporating multivitamins, vitamins, and other supplements into your health and wellness routine, you should consult with your healthcare provider(s). Contrary to popular belief, not everyone needs to be taking multivitamins or certain supplements. Always consult with your healthcare provider before making lifestyle changes such as these.
Source:
Cleveland Clinic. (2021, April 26). The Best Time to Take Vitamins. Health Essentials from Cleveland Clinic. https://health.clevelandclinic.org/the-best-time-to-take-vitamins