You have already consulted your doctor and received recommendations for what supplements you’ll need. So, you’ve already bought the supplements you need from high-quality brands like Designs for Health in Supplement First. Congratulations!
But the next question is: You know you have to take these supplements daily, but is there a specific time of day you need to take them? Will the time affect the nutrient absorption or your energy and mood levels?
Read on to find out when to take your supplements!
The Best Time to Take Supplements
When you purchase supplements from pharmacies, supermarkets, or online shops like Supplement First, the label would usually only say to take it daily. There’s no one best way to take supplements, really, as it depends on the nutrient, you’re getting. We break it down for you below.
Vitamin C and B12
Vitamins C and B12 are water-soluble vitamins. That means you’ll need water to absorb these vitamins properly. Doctors recommend taking these kinds of vitamins with a glass of water and on an empty stomach.
Because these vitamins may be energizing, it’s best to take these in the morning to go about your day and not suffer from poor sleep.
Vitamin D and Fat-Soluble Vitamins
Fat-soluble vitamins need fat for the body to absorb them well. Such fat-soluble vitamins include vitamins A, D, E, and K.
To maximize your body’s absorption of these nutrients, experts recommend taking them after eating foods containing healthy fat. Don’t worry; you don’t need a lot of fat to take this vitamin. Even a small amount of low or whole-fat yogurt or milk does the trick. You may also eat food cooked with an appropriate amount of oil.
Multivitamins
The time to take multivitamins is a bit tricky as they contain fat- and water-soluble vitamins. That said, the best time to take multivitamins is with food, so the fat helps with absorption. You may also drink water-based beverages to wash the nutrients down. The drawback here is that the body may not absorb water-soluble vitamins as properly as fat-soluble vitamins.
Alternatively, you can take multivitamins with a glass of water on an empty stomach, but that means the body may not absorb fat-soluble vitamins as well as water-soluble ones. You might even end up with a stomachache. That’s why it’s best to take these vitamins separately for best absorption.
Prenatal Vitamins
It’s best to take these vitamins before getting pregnant, which is when you’re trying to conceive. Besides that, take 400 mcg of folic acid daily, starting three months before planning to get pregnant.
It’s best to take folic acid on an empty stomach with water. As for prenatal vitamins, it’s recommended to take them after a meal and with water, typically after breakfast or lunch. Doing so lessens the risk of acid reflux or an upset stomach.
Wrapping It Up
Now that you know when to take your supplement, schedule it according to your schedule and stay consistent!
Infographic provided by Antares Health Products, a TPGS manufacturer
