Taking vitamins can be a great way to support your nutritional needs — but there is a right way to do it. Show
Advertising Policy Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy “When people don’t take vitamins the proper way, they don’t see improvement,” says family medicine doctor Rodolfo Perez-Gallardo, MD. “Your body can’t fully absorb vitamins unless you know the best time to take them.” Dr. Perez-Gallardo says it’s less about time of day and more about syncing the habit with your eating and drinking schedule. He explains how. When is the best time to take vitamin C and vitamin B12?Vitamin C and vitamin B12 are water-soluble vitamins, which means you need water to absorb them. “Take water-soluble vitamins on an empty stomach with a glass of water,” recommends Dr. Perez-Gallardo. And since it can be energizing, Dr. Perez-Gallardo says that the best time to take vitamin B12 is in the morning, so it won’t affect your sleep. When is the best time to take vitamin D and other fat-soluble vitamins?Fat-soluble vitamins require fat for your body to absorb them. They include: Advertising Policy
For maximum absorption, the best time to take vitamin D and other fat-soluble vitamins is after you’ve eaten foods that contain fat. And you don’t need much: Dr. Perez-Gallardo says even small amounts of low- or whole-fat milk or yogurt will do the trick. So will eating food cooked with oil. When is the best time to take multivitamins?Multivitamins can be trickier: They often contain both water- and fat-soluble vitamins. “The best time to take a multivitamin is with food so any fat can help with absorption. You can also drink a water-based beverage to wash it all down,” notes Dr. Perez-Gallardo. “But the drawback is that your body won’t absorb the water-soluble vitamins as well as fat-soluble ones.” The reverse is true when you take a multivitamin on an empty stomach with water — your body can’t properly absorb the fat-soluble vitamins. You could also end up with an upset stomach. So for full absorption, Dr. Perez-Gallardo recommends taking water- and fat-soluble vitamins separately. When is the best time to take prenatal vitamins?While they are important throughout pregnancy, the best time to start taking prenatal vitamins is before you’re pregnant — when you’re planning to conceive, says Dr. Perez-Gallardo. And while you’re at it, also take 400 micrograms of folic acid daily three months before you plan to get pregnant. “Folic acid is essential for the development of your baby’s neural tube. Not having enough can lead to neural tube defects,” he says. Advertising Policy When’s the best time to take prenatal vitamins and folic acid?
When is the best time to take calcium?Many people consider calcium to be a vitamin, but it’s actually a mineral. So, you’ll want to be careful and not overdo it with calcium. Most people can get a sufficient amount of it from food. But if you’re not eating enough calcium-rich foods or you’re postmenopausal, Dr. Perez-Gallardo says you’ll need to take calcium the right way to decrease bone loss and osteoporosis. Calcium supplements come in two forms: calcium carbonate and calcium citrate. The best time to take calcium depends on the kind you take, explains Dr. Perez-Gallardo.
Should you take vitamins?Before you start a daily vitamin habit, Dr. Perez-Gallardo emphasizes that not everyone needs them. “If you eat a nutritious, balanced diet, you do not need these supplements. The best source of vitamins and minerals is a plate that is one-quarter fruits, one-quarter vegetables, one-quarter protein, such as fish and poultry, and the other quarter grains.” If you can’t eat this way at least one meal a day, you may benefit from taking vitamins. Doctors may also recommend taking vitamins if you:
“But talk to your healthcare provider first,” says Dr. Perez-Gallardo. “Your provider can check your levels to see if and where you are deficient, then get you what you need.” When should I take B complex morning or night?B Complex
B vitamins tend to boost energy, so take them in the morning; at night, they can lead to restlessness and insomnia. They're best absorbed on an empty stomach, but if you have a sensitive tummy, take them with a little food.
Is it OK to take B complex everyday?You're unlikely to get too much vitamin B complex from your diet. That's because B complex vitamins are water soluble. That means they aren't stored in your body but are excreted in your urine daily. You're also unlikely to get too much vitamin B if you're taking any supplementation as directed.
When should B complex be taken?This medication is best taken on an empty stomach 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals. Take with a full glass of water (8 ounces or 240 milliliters) unless your doctor directs you otherwise. If stomach upset occurs, you may take this medication with food.
Is it OK to take B complex at night?“Digestion slows down during sleep, so taking your nutrient supplement late at night would not be associated with an efficient absorption.” Neil Levin, a clinical nutritionist at NOW Foods, agrees that morning is best for multivitamins and any B vitamins.
|