{"id":219629,"date":"2025-06-27T21:37:11","date_gmt":"2025-06-27T21:37:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/219629\/"},"modified":"2025-06-27T21:37:11","modified_gmt":"2025-06-27T21:37:11","slug":"the-best-time-to-take-vitamins-according-to-dietitians","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/219629\/","title":{"rendered":"The Best Time to Take Vitamins, According to Dietitians"},"content":{"rendered":"

You\u2019ve thought about the best time to take probiotics<\/a>, so the natural next question is: When is the best time to take vitamins? To a more complicated question, there\u2019s a more complicated answer, but an answer nonetheless. <\/p>\n

Meet the Experts: Lauren Manaker, R.D.<\/a>, dietitian at MegaFood; and Tamar Samuels, R.D.<\/a>, founder and head of clinical partnerships at Culina Health. <\/p>\n

Below, we break down the main types of vitamins you might take in supplement form, and the ideal times to take them, depending on their qualities and how they support your health. After all, there are 13 main vitamins<\/a> that your body needs to work, and they all act a bit differently.<\/p>\n

The best time to take vitamins<\/p>\n

\u201cThe best time to take vitamins really depends on the type of vitamin you\u2019re taking,\u201d says Lauren Manaker, R.D.<\/a>, dietitian at MegaFood. Different nutrients are absorbed better at specific times of day. \u201cFor example, water-soluble vitamins like vitamin C and B vitamins can be taken any time of the day, as long as it works for you, but they\u2019re often best absorbed on an empty stomach,\u201d she continues. \u201cOn the other hand, fat-soluble vitamins like vitamins A, D, E, and K are better taken with a meal that contains healthy fats to help with absorption.\u201d<\/p>\n

Some vitamins have immediate effects that make them better suited for morning or night. For example, vitamin B12 (often an ingredient in energy drinks) is usually better taken in the morning, \u201cbecause it plays a key role in energy production and may help reduce feelings of fatigue,\u201d says Manaker. \u201cOn the other hand, magnesium is commonly taken in the evening as it has a calming effect on the body, helping to relax muscles and support a good night\u2019s sleep.\u201d<\/p>\n

Most importantly, the best time to take your vitamins is whenever you can remember to take them consistently, adds Tamar Samuels, R.D.<\/a>, founder and head of clinical partnerships at Culina Health.<\/p>\n

Types of vitamins and when to take them<\/p>\n

The timing and how you take vitamins can vary depending on whether they are water-soluble or fat-soluble. <\/p>\n

Fat-soluble vitamins<\/p>\n

Fat-soluble vitamins, including vitamins A, D, E, and K<\/strong>, rely on fat to absorb properly, \u201cwhich is why pairing them with a meal containing healthy fats, like avocado, nuts, or olive oil, can be beneficial,\u201d says Manaker. These vitamins are also stored in your body after absorption, which allows you to use them gradually over time.<\/p>\n

According to both Manaker and Samuels, vitamin A<\/a> plays important roles in vision, skin, and immune health; vitamin D<\/a> contributes to bone, immune, and hormone health; vitamin E is an antioxidant that promotes anti-inflammation and skin repair; and vitamin K works against blood clotting and also promotes bone health. <\/p>\n

Water-soluble vitamins<\/p>\n

Water-soluble vitamins like B vitamins<\/a> and vitamin C <\/strong>dissolve in water and are absorbed quickly, explains Manaker. \u201cYour body doesn\u2019t store them in large amounts, and you excrete what you don\u2019t need through urine,\u201d she says. \u201cThis means you need to replenish water-soluble vitamins regularly in your diet.\u201d It\u2019s a good idea to take water-soluble vitamins with food or a glass of water in the mornings, she concludes.<\/p>\n

Vitamins C<\/a>, B6, B12, folate, and biotin are are crucial for energy production, immune function, nerve health, metabolism, and maintaining healthy skin and cells, say Manaker and Samuels. <\/p>\n

Multi-vitamins<\/p>\n

Multi-vitamins are daily supplements formulated to contain all the vitamins your body needs in one daily capsule or gummy. \u201cThe best time to take a multi-vitamin really depends on your routine, but consistency is key,\u201d says Manaker. \u201cSome people prefer taking them in the morning with breakfast to establish a habit. Others might take them in the evening if it\u2019s easier to remember.\u201d<\/p>\n

Again, if yours contains energizing vitamins like B12, mornings might be a better choice, Manaker adds. Many people take theirs with a meal to avoid an upset stomach. \u201cIf you take iron or magnesium in your multivitamin, avoid pairing it with calcium-rich foods (like milk or cheese), which can compete for absorption,\u201d recommends Samuels.<\/p>\n

Should you take vitamins with food? <\/p>\n

Fat-soluble vitamins (like A, D, E, and K) are absorbed better when taken with a meal that includes healthy fats. However, water-soluble vitamins (like B and C) don\u2019t require fat for absorption and can sometimes be taken on an empty stomach. \u201cThat said, taking vitamins with food generally helps reduce the chance of any stomach discomfort,\u201d says Manaker.<\/p>\n

Should you take vitamins, period? <\/p>\n

Always consult your doctor before changing your routine. As with any supplement, you should only be taking vitamins if you\u2019ve been diagnosed with a deficiency. Otherwise, you can make sure you\u2019re getting the right balance of them through a well-rounded diet of fruits, vegetables, healthy fats, and lean proteins (see: the Mediterranean diet<\/a>). <\/p>\n

\u201cGetting nutrients from food is best because whole foods provide fiber, phytonutrients, and other compounds that supplements can\u2019t replicate,\u201d says Manaker. \u201cHowever, vitamins can be a smart option for people with specific nutrient deficiencies, dietary restrictions, or increased nutrient needs (like during pregnancy). Lab work, guidance from a dietitian, or monitoring your overall wellness can help identify if supplements could support your health goals.\u201d<\/p>\n

Both Manaker and Samuels recommend looking for supplements that are third-party tested for purity and potency, and avoiding falling for social media trends that may encourage you to stray from your prescribed regimen. <\/p>\n

Dietary supplements are products intended to supplement the diet. They are not medicines and are not intended to treat, diagnose, mitigate, prevent, or cure diseases. Be cautious about taking dietary supplements if you are pregnant or nursing. Also, be careful about giving supplements to a child, unless recommended by their healthcare provider.<\/p>\n

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