If you’ve recently added vitamins into your daily routine to boost your health, you might be wondering when the best time of day to take vitamins is. Normally, most vitamins and supplements can be taken at any time of day. That said, some vitamins are better absorbed under special conditions, which is why it’s good to know how and when to take a supplement to promote optimal absorption.
The best time to take vitamins can also depend on a few different factors, including your personal health, medications, and diet. Read on to discover the best time to take vitamins so you can ensure your body is absorbing and utilising all the nutrients it needs, including:
Best Time to Take Vitamin B
B vitamins, either sold as B-complex supplements or individually, are water-soluble. This means that you can take them with or without food, and at any time of the day. That being said, it’s often recommended to take your B vitamins in the morning as they play an important role in metabolism and energy production.
If you’re taking vitamin B-12 supplements, it may be beneficial to ingest the supplements on an empty stomach with water to help promote maximum absorption.
Best Time to Take Vitamin C
Like B vitamins, vitamin C is also a water-soluble supplement. Generally, you can take vitamin C supplements at any time of the day, with or without food. There are several forms of vitamin C, including ascorbic acid, calcium ascorbate, liposomal vitamin C and many more. If you choose to ascorbic acid, you may find it better to take your supplement alongside food in order to decrease any gastrointestinal side effects that can be caused by its high acidity.
Best Time to Take Vitamin D
Vitamin D supplements can be taken at any time of the day – however, as a fat-soluble vitamin, vitamin D needs to be taken with a fat-containing meal or snack to ensure optimal absorption. This is because fat-soluble vitamins are most abundant in high fat foods and are much better absorbed into your bloodstream when eaten alongside fatty foods.
It’s important to note that vitamin D activation depends on having adequate levels of magnesium, so make sure you’re also getting enough of this essential mineral too.
Best Time to Take Magnesium
A trace element needed in our diet to support psychological and musculoskeletal function, magnesium is associated with a reduction in anxiety, stress and can help you to get a better night’s sleep. That’s why you may find it beneficial to take your magnesium supplement at night, maximising its effectiveness.
Although magnesium supplements are generally well tolerated, some people can experience digestive problems when taken on an empty stomach. If you’re experiencing digestive issues, taking your magnesium with food could prevent them. If symptoms persist, consider consulting your doctor to determine the best course of treatment for you.
Best Time to Take Calcium Supplements
The best time to take calcium supplements is when you’re eating a meal. This is because calcium is tough to absorb in large quantities. It’s recommended to take calcium supplements in smaller doses, splitting your supplement so you can take one dose in the morning and one dose at lunch.
Best Time to Take Microbiome Supplements
Microbiome supplements support your digestive system, maintaining the balance of good bacteria and bad bacteria in the gut. For a microbiome supplement to be most effective you should take it thirty minutes before a meal, or while sitting down to eat. When the stomach is empty, the acid in our gut can destroy the healthy bacteria delivered by these supplements, reducing efficiency.
Best Time to Take Multivitamins
Multivitamin supplements are best taken in the morning with food to help promote optimal absorption. If you forget to take your multivitamin, it’s perfectly fine to take your supplement in the evening before bed too. So long as you remember to include a multivitamin as part of your daily routine, it doesn’t really matter what time is best to take multivitamins!
So, When is the Best Time To Take Vitamins and Multivitamins?
As mentioned throughout this article, the best time to take vitamins and multivitamins depends on which one you are taking and whether it requires to be taken with or without food. It's best to speak with your doctor or pharmacist to discuss whether your vitamins and supplements will interfere with any medication you're taking too.
The most important thing is to turn your vitamin and supplement intake into a habit. Make sure you are consistent and take your vitamins or multivitamins daily, following the recommended daily dosage as labelled.
