When should you take your vitamins & minerals?

I bet you didn’t know there was an optimal time to take your vitamins and minerals….

Want to know something interesting that I just found out?

I thought you just might! 

Recently I learned that it matters when you take your vitamins and minerals to best suit absorption and benefit your body the most. Who knew? I always assumed that they are vitamins so taking them whenever is fine, and sure taking them vs not taking them when you really are needing to supplement is better than nothing. But if are choosing to spend your money on supplements don't you want to get the best value from them?

Certain vitamins are water soluble- which means they best absorbed on an empty stomach with a glass of water. Other vitamins are fat soluble- which means they need to have fat in your body to work. 

Vitamin C & B12 are water soluble vitamins. They work best taken first thing in the morning on an empty stomach with a glass of water.

Vitamins A, D, E, & K are fat soluble vitamins. They work best when there is fat or food in the stomach. These are best taken after eating something.

Magnesium is best taken at nighttime. Fun fact- Magnesium glycinate and magnesium citrate help with sleep.

Calcium is a bit trickier- depending on the type of calcium it may differ when you should take them. Calcium carbonate usually requires stomach acid to work properly so should be taken with food. Calcium citrate can be taken with or without food.

Zinc is best to take in the morning. Taking it early offers immune system boost, supports cognitive function and kick starts your metabolism.

Thanks for learning with me!

Jenilee Brooks- RN