What is the best time to take vitamins?

Many people take vitamin supplements on a regular basis. Generally speaking, you will take the pills whenever you remember, but considering the differences between vitamins on how they are absorbed in your body, it’s better to take these supplements at a different time.

Water-soluble vitamins

Water-soluble vitamins include vitamin C and most B vitamins. The human body does not produce these vitamins, but you can take in from natural plants like grapefruit and lemon, animal, and even vitamin C supplements. Since your body doesn’t store vitamin C and just excrete the extra through the urine, it is recommended to take vitamin C-rich food throughout the day.

B vitamins are a special branch of water-soluble vitamins which can boost energy and reduce stress. The best time to take it is in the morning right after you wake up. Note that scientists have found that the vitamin B-6 may interfere with sleep and lead to vivid dreams, you’d better take it earlier the day.

Fat-soluble vitamins

Fat-soluble vitamins include vitamin A, vitamin D, vitamin E, and vitamin K. It breaks down in the body using fats. In most cases, you will get a sufficient amount of these vitamins just through regular diet because cooking food doesn’t wash off fat-soluble content. Of course, for those who need to supplement the vitamins, the best time is alongside the meals for full absorption.

Extra fat-soluble vitamins will be stored in the liver, so do control the intake in small doses or else it may be harmful or toxic to your body.

Prenatal vitamins

Prenatal vitamins are a multivitamin containing calcium, iron, and folic acid. Iron is absorbed the best in an empty stomach, and its effects will be counteracted if you have dairy food at the same time. To make the most of prenatal vitamins, try taking them early in the morning or before you go to bed. Women during pregnancy should take prenatal vitamins, especially folic acid daily. If possible, you can take 0.4 to 0.8 milligrams of folic acid per day for a year before pregnancy.

Vitamin supplements are great for your overall health, as long as you don’t take more than the recommended amount. Also pay attention to your diet if you are taking in vitamin supplements, because vitamins in natural foods combined with supplements may throw your body off balance.

Read More:

Should people with diabetes avoid eating fruits?

Will drinking tea affect calcium absorption?