Because multivitamins contain a mixture of both fat and water-soluble vitamins, in general it's best to take them with a meal for optimal absorption [1].
Neil Levin, a clinical nutritionist at NOW Foods, agrees that morning is best for multivitamins and any B vitamins. “Multivitamins tend to do best when taken earlier in the day, as the B vitamins in them might stimulate metabolism and brain function too much for a relaxing evening or before bed,” Levin says.
AGE SHOULD NOT BE the sole criterion • used to determine whether someone needs to take a multivitamin. Most healthy, active older adults can get the vitamins and minerals they need by consuming a varied and balanced diet.
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.
There's no right or wrong time of night to take your multivitamin. The key is consistency. Take your multivitamin at a time that fits with your schedule and, crucially, that you'll remember. You might want to consider using the Care/of app.
Supplementing vitamin B6 may improve sleep quality and duration. A 2019 study also found that taking a supplement of magnesium, melatonin, and vitamin B complex for 3 months improved sleep and helped treat insomnia.
Try to avoid taking your vitamins with coffee or tea
So, wait an hour after your morning brew to take supplements. Caffeine-free herbal tea, on the other hand, contains fewer tannins than regular tea. This beverage may actually increase the absorption of certain minerals such as iron.
“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.
While you do not need to take multivitamins on an empty stomach, taking a multivitamin on an empty stomach is actually fine if you wind up doing so. The caveat here, however, is that if you have a tendency to experience discomfort after any medication, you might wish to eat something first.
Constipation, diarrhea, or upset stomach may occur. These effects are usually temporary and may disappear as your body adjusts to this medication. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
Generally speaking, the more severely deficient you are in a vitamin or nutrient, the faster you'll see a difference when taking supplements. However, in most cases, it takes around three to six weeks to see noticeable changes.
Combining multiple supplements or taking higher-than-recommended doses can increase the risk that they can cause harm, said Kitchin. "You really can't get toxic doses of nutrients through food, but you can absolutely get toxic doses through supplements," Kitchin said.
Citrus, like orange juice, actually increase the effectiveness and uptake of your vitamins and minerals. Minerals, in general, are absorbed in the highest rates when paired with citrus or acidic foods.
For most of your supplements—including your daily multivitamin—you should take them with your largest meal of the day, such as lunch or dinner. Ideally, the meal should contain some fat (think fatty fish, avocado, eggs, or nuts) to allow optimal absorption of the fat-soluble vitamins.
If you take a multivitamin, it's probably because you want to do everything you can to protect your health. But there is still limited evidence that a daily cocktail of essential vitamins and minerals actually delivers what you expect. Most studies find no benefit from multivitamins in protecting the brain or heart.
Caffeine has a mild diuretic effect, which leads to an increase in urination. As a result, water-soluble vitamins, such as B-vitamins and vitamin C can be depleted due to fluid loss. Research also demonstrated that the higher the level of caffeine, the more it interfered with vitamin D absorption.
Water-soluble vitamins are best taken on an empty stomach. They'll be best absorbed if consumed first thing in the morning, Healthline reported. You can also take them 30 minutes before eating or two hours after breakfast, lunch or dinner. Water-soluble vitamins include vitamin C, B vitamins, and folic acid.
Umeda recommends taking the supplement about 30 minutes before bedtime. And don't take more than the recommended amount. More won't help you sleep better, but it may cause stomach upset. While magnesium might improve your slumber, it's no substitute for a good sleep routine, Dr.
Don't use calcium, zinc, or magnesium supplements at the same time. Also, these three minerals are easier on your tummy when you take them with food, so if your doctor recommends them, have them at different meals or snacks.