When Is the Best Time to Take Vitamins? The Answer Depends

When Is the Best Time to Take Vitamins?

Does it matter when you take your vitamins? Sometimes! Each vitamin is digested and absorbed a little differently in your body depending on its chemical composition. So mealtimes make a difference. Some vitamins are broken down best with food, some with water, and others should even be taken on an empty stomach. And time of day matters too, some vitamins stimulate your body and are best taken in the morning and others help relax your mind and body and are better suited for bedtime.

But above all else, the best time to take your vitamins is when it’s most convenient to you. In other words, find a time of day that you will remember to take your vitamins consistently. The most important consideration may be when you will remember to take the vitamin out of habit.

Why do people take vitamins?

Vitamins offer a wide range of benefits. Many people take vitamins because they know (or believe) that they have a deficiency within their body. Vitamins can help bridge gaps that exist. For example, a person is most likely to take a vitamin D capsule if they are told by a physician that their vitamin D levels are low.

Many others take vitamins in a preventive or proactive manner. For example, an expecting mother will take a prenatal vitamin to meet new nutritional needs and prevent some future health conditions for her child.

Some people also take vitamins for the additional benefits, even if they are not deficient. For example, vitamins such as B12 can help to support a person’s energy levels.

It is best to take vitamins that you actually need and can benefit from. Vitamins can play an important role in sustaining your overall health and it is best to give your body exactly what it needs.

Best time to take water-soluble vitamins

Water soluble vitamins dissolve in water before your body can benefit from them. Therefore, it is a group of supplements that can be taken with or without food.

Vitamin C and B vitamins are examples of water soluble vitamins. In addition to being water soluble, some B vitamins are also known as energy boosters. Therefore, the morning may be the most ideal time to take B vitamins. Taking B vitamins first thing in the morning may improve your body’s absorption of the vitamins, and ensure that you can reap the energy-related benefits throughout the day.

Pro tip: Make sure your b vitamins are in the most active form to support optimal and efficient absorption. And be sure to look for vitamin C supplements made from foods like acerola cherries.

Best time to take fat-soluble vitamins

Fat soluble vitamins are best absorbed when taken close to a meal containing fats and oils. Fat soluble vitamins include vitamin A, D, E, and K (ADEK). A meal that is higher in fats and oils will increase your absorption of these vitamins.

Should any vitamins not be taken together?

For the most part, vitamins can be taken together. Although most vitamins are generally considered to be safe, that does not mean they can be taken without any concern for side effects or interactions. If you are taking other medications or you have an existing health condition, you should speak with your physician before taking a new vitamin.

The main thing to keep in mind with minerals is that when taken individually they can compete with one another for absorption or deplete other minerals in the process. For instance, supplementing with zinc long term may deplete copper levels over time. Best word of advice is to take zinc combined with copper to ensure the levels in the body are sufficient.

Best time to take prenatal vitamins

Prenatal vitamins are an essential component in any woman’s pregnancy (e.g. for baby’s and mom’s health). The most important thing you can do when it comes to prenatal vitamins is establish a routine. Prenatal vitamins should be taken daily, so forming a habit will set you up for success.

Prenatal vitamins contain numerous vitamins and minerals that expecting mothers need to meet their new nutritional needs. Among these vitamins and minerals are two very important components: iron and methylfolate (the active form of folic acid).

If you are seeking for the most ideal time of day to take a prenatal vitamin, you will want to consider taking it first thing in the morning. Iron–which is contained in most prenatal vitamins–is absorbed best on an empty stomach, so it may be most ideal to take your prenatal vitamin first thing in the morning or before consuming any large meals.You can also consider taking your prenatal right before bed since your stomach is less likely to be full and your body can focus on nutrient absorption.