When To Take Your Vitamins & Supplements
If you take daily supplements, vitamins or herbs, the following guidelines can help to lessen or prevent any side effects – and help to promote the full benefits supplements can provide:
- Take your supplements during or right after a meal, unless directed otherwise, and drink plenty of fluids as well. The increased acid and enzymes that are a part of digestion can aid in their absorption and minimize any upset. Iron would be an exception; it’s generally best taken spaced out from meals by at least an hour and can be absorbed better paired with vitamin C.
- Take consistently to achieve maximum health benefits. It usually takes two to three months before you feel the full positive effects of adding nutritional supplements. Use a pillbox or set reminders to create regular and consistent habits.
- Take as indicated. Your supplements may be recommended or packaged for morning, noon or evening dosages, based on your individual health needs. For maximum benefit, take your supplements at the time of day indicated on the package. If your provider has not declared dosing at specific times of the day, know that taking them regularly is most important so find a consistent routine.
- Prioritize your list. If you feel your supplement list is growing and keeps getting longer, consider working with one of our integrative medicine trained providers to determine which ones are most important and worth focusing on, for your health and your budget. Be engaged in your treatment plan and ask how long you should anticipate taking each one.
Pay attention to the timing routine and any possible connections to digestive upset or sleep disturbance, as that can be a sign of needing adjustments. In addition, keep your physician informed about your supplement routine and usage.
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