When Is The Best Time To Take Vitamins And Supplements?

Let’s start by answering the question. The ideal time to take vitamins and natural supplements is determined by the vitamins you are taking and the health benefits you hope to gain. Not all vitamins are created equal. Furthermore, when most people refer to vitamins, they refer to micronutrients that fall into both the vitamin supplement and mineral groups.

There are a few simple principles to follow to get the most out of your vitamin and mineral supplements. Remember to discuss supplement usage with your healthcare professional and get personalized advice if unsure how to take it. 

Water-soluble Vitamins

Water-soluble vitamins are not made or stored by the human body, unlike fat-soluble vitamins. As a result, people must obtain these vitamins from plants, animals, and sometimes supplements sources.

Water-soluble vitamins include vitamin C, niacin, pantothenic acid, and most B vitamins.

When to take vitamin C

It is safe to take vitamin C in recommended doses at any time of day. It occurs naturally in many plant products, including orange juice, lemon, and grapefruit.

When to take vitamin B

Because of its energy-boosting properties, taking a B Vitamin supplement after getting up on an empty stomach is the best way to promote optimal absorption.

Furthermore, a new study suggests that vitamin B-6 may interfere with sleep and cause vivid nightmares. People may want to take them earlier in the day to avoid this side effect.

Fat-soluble vitamins

Fat-soluble vitamins are usually required in your body in small doses. On the other hand, large doses of the vitamins might be damaging or poisonous to a person’s body. 

A few examples include vitamin A, vitamin D, vitamin E, and vitamin K. It easily dissolves in oil, so the best time to take them is alongside your food.

Prenatal vitamins

Pregnant women or women who wish to get pregnant should take prenatal vitamins alongside folic acid.

Several prenatal vitamins are available, and a woman should use caution when choosing one to take throughout her pregnancy. Although many are similar, each may include different levels of minerals and chemicals. Hence, you should be cautious since supplements are not regulated by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration).

Before taking prenatal vitamins, you should consult your doctor for advice and recommendations. There is a risk of ingesting too much vitamin or mineral supplement, which might harm you or the fetus.

Multivitamins

Multivitamins combine the most vital vitamin supplements and minerals into one easy-to-take daily dietary supplement. Multivitamins often contain ascorbic acid, some B vitamins, vitamins d, A, E, and K, and minerals such as zinc, selenium, and calcium supplements.

Most people take multivitamins in the morning, especially if they take additional drugs. Because some of its vitamins are likely fat-soluble, you should take them with a snack or meal.

Certain vitamins are found in the food you eat. However, cooking does not destroy the vitamin content of food. Most people acquire all their vitamins from a balanced diet and do not need to supplement them. If you cannot consume a balanced diet, you can fill the nutrition gaps using supplements.

References

PubMed:  https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29665762/