Most of our diets are full of different types of vitamins. Not just that, a lot of people also take additional supplements in the form of vitamin capsules, etc. since these supplements are meant for your deficiencies, they must be taken consistently. Although there is no scientific evidence to suggest that taking vitamins at any particular time can increase/decrease their effectiveness, it is possible that taking them at a specific time might reduce the risk of some adverse effects.

In this article, we will talk in detail about the best time to take vitamins and how they can be beneficial for your body.

How important is the timing for the intake of vitamins?

As we have already told you, science does not confirm any particular time to take vitamins. Limited research is available to recommend a time for preventing any side effects. 

In this regard, not every type of vitamin works the same way. Since all of them have different properties and are used for different purposes, the best time of their intake also differs from vitamin to vitamin. Some of them work best when taken after a meal, while others are taken best on an empty stomach. 

If you take vitamin supplements regularly, it is best to take them at the same time interval every day, for the best results. Every vitamin breaks down in our body in a different way, and this is where taking them at a particular time becomes essential and beneficial.

In general, the best way to take vitamins is to arrange your diet in a way that contains all-important vitamins and nutrients and to avoid additional vitamin supplements. However, sometimes they become necessary when you’re going through a severe deficiency due to some illness, etc. and they’re prescribed to you by the doctors. In that case, they must fit well into your daily schedule.

Since we have already told you that different vitamins work in the body differently, it is expedient to discuss them in separate sections. Keep reading ahead to know about the best time to take different types of vitamins.

When is The Best Time to Take Vitamins?

1. Water-soluble vitamins

Water-soluble vitamins are not naturally produced or stored in the human body, and hence they are consumed externally from plants, animals, and other supplemental sources. The category of water-soluble vitamins includes most variants of Vitamin B and Vitamin C. 

Vitamin C supplements can generally be consumed at any time of the day. Various natural supplements are good sources of Vitamin C, like plant products, including lemons, oranges, grapefruit, etc. also, it is important to note that Vitamin C is not stored in the body, and hence, it is the best if you consume it regularly in small, recommended amounts. 

2. Vitamin B

There are 8 different types of B vitamins, which include:

• Thiamin
• Riboflavin
• Niacin
• Biotin
• Vitamin B-6
• Vitamin B-12
• Folic acid
• Pantothenic acid

The best time to take these vitamins is right when you wake up in the morning. Since these vitamins work to give you an energy boost and reduce stress, morning is the best time for their intake. Some vitamins, like Vitamin B-6, also tend to interfere with sleep and induce vivid dreams, and therefore, you might be willing to avoid taking them at night. 

In all, it is generally safe to consume Vitamin B supplements, and even better if you intake the beneficial vitamin through natural sources.

3. Fat-soluble vitamins

Fat-soluble vitamins must be taken in small, recommended amounts since large doses might prove to be harmful or toxic. Some examples of fat-soluble vitamins include Vitamins A, D, E, K. 

Since fat-soluble vitamins dissolve in oil, they should be taken alongside meals to enhance their absorption. Generally, a deficiency of fat-soluble vitamins does not occur, however, it is safe to go for supplements in case it does.

4. Multivitamins

Taking multivitamins for various purposes is quite common and a lot of people take them regularly. About the time of their consumption, there is no correct or incorrect time to take a multivitamin. However, multivitamins are generally recommended to be taken with a meal, and this is because this can help reduce the chances of causing any kind of discomfort in the stomach or nausea. 

They also contain fat-soluble vitamins, and hence, can be taken with a meal that contains fats or oils. The evening meal can be one of the best times to take your multivitamins since that is generally the highest meal on the fat scale for most people. If you’re taking multivitamin for energy purposes, taking them with the evening meal could interfere with your sleep. Taking those with your breakfast can be a good alternative instead.

Things to keep in mind when taking vitamin supplements

While vitamin supplements and their intake generally seem to be safe, some of them tend to cause certain side effects in people, and a greater than the recommended level dose of certain vitamins can even cause an overdose. 

Also, it is very important to consult your doctor about the medications you’re already taking for other purposes. There can be possible interactions between vitamin supplements and your prescription drugs. Additionally, when you’re on supplements, be careful of the food you’re eating as a part of your diet to avoid any kind of overdose of any particular vitamin. 

And, the most important thing, always to go for supplements from reliable sources, because the FDA does not monitor vitamin supplements for quality and purity as it does for other drugs.  

This is all about different types of vitamins and the best time to take these supplements. If you’re on any vitamin supplements, you can refer to this article to understand the best time for their consumption. And, if you’re not, we would recommend you including all-important vitamins in your daily balanced diet so that all your vitamin levels remain good and you do not have to take them through additional supplements.

We hope this article helps. Take care:)

Also Read: Best Vitamins Supplements for Men