Whether you were told numerous times to ‘take your vitamins’ as a child or have only just started to explore the world of health supplements as an adult, it can seem like pretty simple instructions – just take your vitamins.
Whatever supplement routine you’ve started, it is important to ensure you are taking your vitamins and supplements correctly in order to maximise and enjoy their benefits.
Knowing what time is best to take your vitamins will depend on many factors, including your personal health, medications, and diet. With our basic guidelines, learn about when to take vitamins and how to take them, so you can ensure your body is absorbing and utilising the nutrients efficiently and effectively.
Vitamin D
It is best to take vitamin D supplements with food for maximum absorption. As a fat-soluble vitamin, vitamin D is best absorbed by the body while eating food rich in healthy fats, such as salmon, avocado, or nut butters. Other fat-soluble supplements like vitamin A and vitamin K should also be taken with a meal.
Vitamin B-12
All B-complex vitamins are water-soluble, meaning that they can’t be stored in the body for too long. Older adults, vegetarians, and vegans are the most common groups who may be deficient in vitamin B-12.* This is because vitamin B-12 is found in animal products and is a nutrient that becomes harder to absorb as we age.
Playing a key role in energy metabolism and supporting heart health*, vitamin B-12 supplements are best to take during the morning or early afternoon with a meal.
Microbiomes
Microbiome supplements work to balance the bad bacteria with good bacteria in our gut and promote the healthy functioning of the intestinal system, but when should they be taken?*
When the stomach is empty, the acid in our gut may destroy the beneficial bacteria we get from these supplements, so it is recommended to take microbiomes thirty minutes before a meal or while sitting down to eat for the best results.
Calcium
Despite being an essential mineral for the maintenance of healthy bones and teeth, calcium is one of the most difficult minerals for the body to absorb.*
It is best to take calcium supplements in smaller doses, by splitting it out into one dose in the morning and one dose at lunch. You should take calcium supplements at a different time to your other mineral supplements. This will help to maximise the chances of calcium absorption.
Lutein
Lutein is naturally found in healthy eyes. It is a carotenoid that nutritionally supports the health of your eyes.*
The best time to take lutein supplements is with a meal. Whether that’s with breakfast, lunch, or dinner, take one softgel per day to help support healthy vision.*
Magnesium
Magnesium is another trace element needed in our diet to help support muscle and psychological function, as well as helping to reduce tiredness and fatigue.*
It is best to take magnesium at night before bed as this nutrient supports a calm, relaxed mood and can help you get a better night’s sleep. Magnesium citrate can also help with occasional anxiety relief and helps to reduce stress.*
Multivitamins
If you’re looking for a quick win, you may want to consider taking an all-in-one multivitamin. With a wide variety of nutrients packed into one convenient supplement, it is best to take your multivitamins with a meal to avoid feeling nauseous.
We have a wide range of multivitamins available to suit you and your health needs. With multivitamins specially designed for seniors, men, women, and children, plus gummy multivitamins, you’ll be sure to find a multivitamin for you.
Always discuss taking any kind of supplements with your doctor, especially if you are taking any medication.
Is it Best to Take Vitamins in the Morning or at Night?
Take your vitamins with your breakfast in the morning for the best results, giving your supplements plenty of time to absorb. If you prefer to take your vitamins at night, you can – so long as you read the label and determine whether you need to take your supplements with food. The most important thing is that supplements are part of your routine.
* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
