When Is The Best Time For Taking Vitamins?

When do you take your multivitamin? Does it really make any difference when you take your vitamin? Are there some foods that keep your body from absorbing the vitamin? These are all good questions and we will try to answer them in this article.

The answer to when you should take your vitamin is: there is no specific time and no rules about when you should take an extra vitamin. You should take them when they agree with you most. Some people take their vitamin first thing in the morning and do not experience any problems at all. Others may not be able to keep them down if they take them in the morning before they have anything to eat. For me, taking my vitamin is part of my morning routine and if I don’t take it then, chances are I won’t remember to take it during the day.

Taking vitamin and mineral supplements can occasionally cause nausea, heartburn, and other stomach upsets if they are taken on an empty stomach. If you find you are having problems with your vitamin at breakfast, try taking it with lunch or dinner. Many people find it is easier to remember their vitamins if it is in front of them at the dinner table. Whichever way is easiest on your stomach and for you to remember is the best time for you to take your vitamin supplement.

If you are taking calcium as a supplement, you will need to have enough stomach acid to assimilate it so you need to take it after you have food in your stomach. Food in your stomach stimulates acid secretion and that is what is needed to absorb calcium. If you are taking iron supplements, the tannins in tea can block its absorption, soy products will block iron as well. Vitamin C will heighten absorption of iron as well as the lactic acid in sauerkraut and yogurt. Drinks with caffeine also will interfere with iron absorption and so will eggs, milk and bran.

If you are a premenopausal woman with a heavy flow, or your doctor has recommended you take an iron supplement, you shouldn’t take a vitamin supplement with iron.

If you drink alcoholic beverages nearly every day, it has been proven that alcohol can interfere absorption of vitamins and minerals.

For best absorption and the least irritation to the stomach lining, take your vitamin supplement with any meal containing fat. This is especially important for fat-soluble vitamins such as A, D, and E.

If you are eating healthy, you don’t need to worry about foods interfering with your vitamins and minerals being absorbed. Take your vitamin any time of day that works best for your schedule. The important thing to remember is to take it regularly. If you know your diet is unhealthy, it is important you take a vitamin supplement to keep your body and mind healthy. Look at the labels to ensure you are getting the minimum daily requirement of your vitamin and mineral needs.