When is the Best Time to Take Multivitamins for Them to Actually Work 0 11

Many people take multivitamins daily but do not see results. The reason may not be the quality of the supplement, but a common mistake that hinders the absorption of beneficial nutrients. The website Verywell Health explains when is the best time to take multivitamins.

What You Should Know

Morning may be the most effective time to take multivitamins, as the morning combination with food promotes better absorption.

According to the journal Nutrients, when you take multivitamins during breakfast, fat-soluble vitamins such as A, D, E, and K have a better chance of being properly absorbed. Dietary fat is needed to dissolve these nutrients and effectively get them into the bloodstream.

Many multivitamins contain B vitamins, which play a specific role in energy production and brain function. Taking them in the morning aligns with typical wakefulness patterns. This helps avoid hyperactivity or anxiety that can make it difficult to fall asleep if taken shortly before bedtime.

Avoid Taking on an Empty Stomach and in the Evening

Digestive discomfort is a common reason why people stop taking multivitamins.

According to the journal Molecules, vitamin supplements containing minerals such as zinc or iron are more likely to cause gastrointestinal side effects if taken late in the day on an empty stomach.

Even a small meal or snack can help relieve stress on the stomach and activate digestive processes that assist the body in absorbing the nutrients from multivitamins.

Additionally, it is advisable to avoid taking such vitamins in the evening, as digestion naturally slows down, and supplements may increase the risk of heartburn. Moreover, many multivitamins contain B vitamins that support alertness and energy metabolism.

Factors to Consider

Some types of multivitamins contain only essential vitamins and minerals, while others include herbs, probiotics, or omega-3 fatty acids (often derived from fish oil).

The optimal time for taking them often depends on what is included in the specific supplement. Some types include:

• high in iron — taking during breakfast or lunch often improves tolerability;

• gummy vitamins — multivitamins in gummy form usually do not contain iron, which may make them less harmful to the stomach;

• for energy enhancement — supplements marketed for energy or metabolism often contain higher doses of B vitamins, caffeine, or adaptogens like ginseng. These formulas are best taken in the morning to avoid disrupting the sleep cycle.