UK pharmacy has curated this guide to let you know the best time to pop your vitamin pills:
What is The Best Time to Consume Multivitamins?
Multivitamins are a combination of several vitamins and minerals; people prefer them as they are convenient and less expensive compared to single-nutrient supplements. Adults, vegans and pregnant women can benefit from their consumption as they help bridge the nutrient gap. Multivitamin supplements contain both fat-soluble and water-soluble vitamins. It is best to consume them with meals.
When consumed with meals, the absorption of certain nutrients is enhanced while the risk of a gastrointestinal upset reduces. For any stomach and digestive care related issues, don’t hesitate to contact online chemists UK.
We have several medications to help solve your digestion issues. If heartburn is troubling you, read our complete guide to know the cause, symptoms and remedies.
For those consuming more than one multivitamin pill daily, it is advisable to split the dosage for effective absorption of the nutrients. For instance, take one pill with breakfast and the other one with dinner.
What is The Best Time to Take Prenatal Vitamins?
Pregnant and breastfeeding women need extra nutrition; thus, consuming multivitamins throughout pregnancy helps to meet their nutritional needs. A good prenatal vitamin must include calcium, iron, and folic acid. In fact, many experts suggest that it is best to start taking prenatal vitamins containing folic acid at least a year before becoming pregnant.
The absorption of iron is optimal on an empty stomach and minimal if consumed after eating dairy. It is advisable to take iron supplements with a beverage such as orange juice that is high in Vitamin C as it enhances the absorption of iron. Similarly, folic acid being a water-soluble vitamin is best when consumed on an empty stomach with water.
Some prenatal vitamin brands suggest taking their vitamins on an empty stomach or with a glass of water. Depending on the multivitamin brand, your medical practitioner might advise you on the appropriate time of consumption.
However, many pregnant women suffer from nausea and constipation after adding these vitamins to their diet. In that case, opt to take these meds with food, which will reduce the chance of an upset stomach and acid reflux. If this does not work, then taking a pill right before going to bed can also suffice as the benefits of prenatal vitamins are cumulative. But you cannot skip your daily dose.
What is the Best Time to Consume Water-soluble Vitamins?
As the name suggests, these vitamins dissolve in water and excess of these vitamins are excreted through urine. Unlike fat-soluble vitamins, they are not readily stored in the body tissues. It is pivotal to consume these regularly, but there is no need to take them with food.
The 9 water-soluble vitamins are Vitamin C, Vitamin B1 (thiamine), Vitamin B2 (riboflavin), Vitamin B3 (niacin), Vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid), Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine), Vitamin B7 (biotin), Vitamin B9 (folate), and Vitamin B12 (cobalamin).
Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant and boosts the immune system. It also plays a crucial role in collagen and neurotransmitter synthesis. For more details on Vitamin C benefits for your body. These supplements can be consumed with or without food, any time of the day. Vitamin C supplements containing ascorbic acid are high in acidic content. Thus, they must be consumed with foods to decrease the potential gastrointestinal side effects.
The nutrients in Vitamin C supplements are sensitive to heat and light, making it imperative to store them in a cool and dark place. Pharmacy online UK is just a call away if you need any of our A to Z multivitamins.
The B Vitamin family has energy-boosting and stress-busting abilities. They play a crucial role in nutrient metabolism and energy production. Many associate these vitamins with mood improvisation. So, taking these supplements the first thing in the morning after waking up can give a good start to your day.
Another reason to take B vitamins earlier in the day is to avoid it interfering with sleep. Vitamin B6 and B12 may induce vivid dreams, affecting your sleep pattern. To nullify these adverse effects and for maximum absorption, it is best to consume them on an empty stomach in the morning.
What is The Best Time to Consume Fat-soluble Vitamins?
Unlike water-soluble vitamins, our body dissolves the fat-soluble vitamins using fats. It is thus essential to consume these supplements with food that is rich in oils or saturated fats. Once dissolved, they are carried into our bloodstream and aid in performing several functions. If taken in excess, the surplus fat-soluble vitamins get stored in the liver, which can be harmful to a person’s body.
The 4 fat-soluble vitamins are: vitamin A, vitamin K, vitamin E, and vitamin D. Fat-soluble vitamins are essential in small doses. However, people who intake a balanced range of nutrients will derive their fat-soluble vitamins from their regular diet.
What is The Best Time to Consume Other Supplements?
Besides vitamins, the human body needs certain minerals to function well. These too can be obtained from foods, but to overcome their deficiency mineral supplements are recommended for health.
Some important minerals are: iron, calcium, magnesium and zinc. People should always exercise caution while taking these supplements as overdose can be injurious to health. These supplements should never be consumed without food as they can lead to an upset stomach.
Additional tips:
- If you are on thyroid medication or any other antibiotics, confirm the appropriate time to take these supplements from your doctor or pharmacist to avoid any interaction.
- If you’re consuming both a multivitamin and individual supplements, like calcium, leave a gap of a few hours to help your body fully absorb the nutrients.
- Do not combine your vitamin K supplements with the blood thinner warfarin (Coumadin).
- Pregnant women should never double up their prenatal vitamins. If you double up your dose, excess of Vitamin A can cause congenital irregularities.
- When taking vitamin supplements, if you are eating too much of a particular food, it can throw your body off balance. It is important to check the foods you consume so that your body is not getting excess of any one vitamin.
- Vitamin E and beta-carotene, when taken in large doses may be fatal.
Conclusion
A nutritious and balanced diet is the key to good health. However, a person who experiences deficiency of any of these vital nutrients must consume them in advised proportions to help complete the diet. Life pharmacy is here to support you to overcome any health-related issues with their 24/ 7 service. Your health is our victory!