Is it Better to Take Vitamins at Night or Morning?
When Your Metabolism Is at Its Best
You should take vitamins when your metabolism is most efficient. For most people, this is not in the morning. When you awaken from a long night's sleep, having gone without food since your previous night's dinner, your metabolism is relatively slow. The food you eat at breakfast gives you a metabolic boost, which prepares you for digestion later in the day but is not typically sufficient to reach your peak metabolic level.
Taking Vitamins With Food
The labels on many daily vitamin supplements suggest that you take them with meals. You should not take vitamins and minerals in the morning on an empty stomach due to poor absorption and the frequent nausea that accompanies them.
Some meals, such as a typical breakfast, may not be enough for you to absorb the greatest possible amount of nutrients, so take your vitamin supplements with a larger meal (for many people, dinner is larger than breakfast or lunch, so plan to take your vitamins with food in the evening).
Taking these nutrients at certain times of day or night can make them more effective for overall health.
Taking individual vitamins instead of a multi-vitamin
Step 1
Take B vitamins in the morning or early afternoon. B-complex vitamins and individual B vitamins such as B-3, B-5, B-6 and B-12 are important for metabolism, red blood cell production, oxygen transport and energy production in the body. Take a B complex vitamin or any of the individual B vitamins earlier in the day as they increase energy and reduce tiredness and fatigue. Do not take them in the evening or at night, as they may interfere with restful sleep.
Step 2
Consume fat-soluble essential vitamins D, E, A and K with your supper or dinner at night. This meal commonly contains both fats and proteins, which are necessary for the absorption of these nutrients. These vitamins can be safely taken in the evening or at night, as they will not deter sleep.
Step 3
Take vitamin C supplements in the morning. This antioxidant nutrient helps to absorb iron for increased red blood cell production. Eat an iron-rich breakfast containing eggs or fortified cereal along with this vitamin for more effective nutrient absorption. Vitamin C also increases blood and oxygen circulation and energy levels for a good start to the day.
Tips and Warnings
- It is best to take individual vitamins instead of a multi-vitamin in order to take specific nutrients at certain times of the day and with certain foods if necessary.
- Use a weekly supplement organizer that contains three chambers per day to separate vitamins to be taken in the morning, afternoon and evening (they have a good one at The Container Store)
- Excesses of some vitamins can be toxic to your health; do not take more than the recommended dosages and consult your doctor before beginning a supplement regimen.
- Supplements cannot replace a balanced lifestyle; take vitamins in conjunction with a balanced diet and regular exercise for the best nutrient absorption and overall health.
Stay Fit. Stay Classy. Stay True
Jenna
*Special thanks to my client Christina for inspiring this article*
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