When is the Best Time to Take Vitamins?

Vitamins come in many forms: tablets, capsules, powders, softgels, tasty gummies, and have many benefits. For example, multivitamins can help you bridge possible nutrient gaps in your diet by providing a source of essential nutrients in a convenient serving. Nature Made^® presents science-backed supplements to help you care for your everyday health. But one question that's often asked about vitamins is this: when is the best time to take vitamins?

The best time to take vitamins can differ for different lifestyles, so finding the best time for you may not be the same for everyone else.Nature Made^® suggests you start taking your supplement routine as part of your heartiest daily meal, whether that's breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Read on to learn why and for more tips on why vitamins pair well with meals, and how to pick the best time to take vitamins.

Vitamins That Pair Well with Meals

What vitamins should I take with my meals? Is there any difference between how different vitamins are absorbed? There are two distinct classifications of vitamins; water-soluble and fat-soluble vitamins, and the difference comes down to how the body dissolves and stores the nutrients.

Water-soluble vitamins (which includes Vitamin C, Vitamin B1, Vitamin B3, Vitamin B6, and all other B Vitamins) are dissolved in water to be absorbed, so it's essential to take vitamins with a glass of water. Excess intakes of water-soluble vitamins continue through the body and are excreted in our urine.[1]

Fat-soluble vitamins (Vitamin A, Vitamin D, Vitamin E and Vitamin K) require some dietary fat in order to be dissolved and absorbed; dietary fats include foods such as olive oil, animal fats, nuts and seeds, avocados and more. Fat-soluble vitamins can be stored in our bodies’ fatty tissues, meaning they aren't excreted as quickly as water-soluble vitamins.[1] Can you take too many vitamins? The answer is yes, especially the fat-soluble vitamins because excess is not excreted immediately.[1]

Many multivitamin supplements also include essential minerals, which are important to our daily wellness. What do minerals do for the body? A whole lot, it turns out! Calcium supplements like our Calcium with Vitamin D3 Softgels can help support healthy bones. High Absorption Magnesium Glycinate Capsules support muscle relaxation, heart health, nerve health and bone health. Don’t miss out on mineral supplement support when putting together your daily wellness routine.^†

Most supplement routines, and most multivitamins, include both water-soluble vitamins and fat-soluble vitamins, so in order to help support proper vitamin absorption, taking your supplements with water and a meal containing dietary fats is recommended. Here are some sources of healthy fats that you might find in your daily meals:

• Avocado
• Fatty Fish
• Yogurt
• Cheese

Is It Better to Take Vitamins in the Morning or at Night?

Do vitamins work differently depending on the time of day you take them? Your body absorbs the nutrients the same regardless of time of day taken. Is it better to take vitamins in the morning or at night? The answer to that question is largely up to personal preference. The common wisdom that breakfast is the most important meal of the day is especially true for those who want to kickstart their days with a hearty, nutritious breakfast; if that describes you, matching up your supplement routine with your breakfast may suit you.

However, not all of us are morning people! Some of us prefer to start the day with a light breakfast; dinner is our heartiest and most nutritious meal. If this sounds like you, then the evenings are a better time to take your supplements. The most important part is to take your supplements with food and water to help your body absorb water- and fat-soluble nutrients.

Morning, noon, or night, working vitamins into your routine is a great way to provide your body with daily nutritional support. Everyone's needs and daily schedules differ, so consider your personal needs when determining your supplement routine. If you want to start your day with a bit of nutritional support, try taking supplements with breakfast.^†

If your lunch break gives you time to relax and take care of your nutritional needs, or if you want to end your day with a wellness routine so you can go to bed feeling cared for, find the best supplement timing for you. The most important aspect is consistency.

The Importance of Consistency

Our bodies use essential vitamins and minerals every day, which means our bodies need to have a supply of these nutrients available daily. Our bodies store some nutrients so that they can be used when needed. However, there are some water-soluble vitamins that our bodies do not keep stores of, so these nutrients must be consumed daily. One of the benefits of taking vitamins every day is providing a consistent intake of these nutrients, so your body always has them when it needs them.

As recommended above, attaching your supplement routine to a regular meal helps support consistency by giving you a regular time to remind you to take your supplements. Rather than relying on your memory, you can ensure you take your supplements consistently with water and a meal by taking them every breakfast, lunch, or dinner. It's best to choose the heartiest meal of the day.

How to Create a Vitamin Routine

Several ways exist to help create a vitamin routine that works with your needs, schedule, and memory. As mentioned above, the first step is attaching your supplement routine to a regular meal to help you remember to take your supplements with the day's largest meal. You can also help support a consistent supplement routine by setting reminders on your phone or keeping a note next to your morning coffee pot to remind you.

For more tips on how to build a consistent supplement routine, and for personalized advice on the best vitamins and supplements for your specific needs, always consult with your primary care provider before starting or changing your supplement routine.

Additional Tips on What to Avoid

While this article provided some general guidelines, not all vitamins and supplements are the same, so always read the suggested use for each supplement before adding it to your routine. For some people, vitamins may cause stomach upset if taken on an empty stomach. On the other hand, certain supplements should be taken separately from your routine on an empty stomach. Because of this variance it’s essential to read the suggested use on the label before using any new supplement. As always, your primary care provider can give you specific guidance for which vitamins to take and how to add them to your daily routine.

How long do vitamins take to work? That depends on a number of factors, including the type of vitamin, current vitamin levels, diet, age and consistency. What happens to your body when you start taking vitamins? Each vitamin serves a different role in the body. For example, Nature Made^® Vitamin D3 Softgels support bone, teeth, muscle and immune health. Our Vitamin B12 Tablets support brain cell function and help convert the food you eat into cellular energy. Explore Nature Made^®’s vitamins to learn more about what each of these essential nutrients does in the body.^†

Craft Your Nature Made^® Vitamin Routine

So, after all that, is it better to take vitamins in the morning or night? Like with most things in our world, the answer depends on you! Whether you are a morning vitamin person or an evening supplementer, the important thing is that you take your supplements consistently with water and a meal that includes dietary fats.

Experiment with different timing to find the best routine for you, and Nature Made^® is here to help you support your lifestyle and wellness goals along the way. Nature Made^® is the #1 Pharmacist Recommended Vitamin and Supplement Brand.*

*Based on a survey of pharmacists who recommend branded vitamins and supplements.

† 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.

References

1. Sugandhi VV, Pangeni R, Vora LK, et al. Pharmacokinetics of vitamin dosage forms: A complete overview. Food Sci Nutr. 2023;12(1):48-83. Published 2023 Nov 9. doi:10.1002/fsn3.3787