Actively establishing yourself a habit of taking vitamins at the same time each day will form a healthy habit and help make the most of your vitamin supplements.
Take vitamins properly: When Is The Best Time To Take Vitamins
The best time to take a vitamin depends on the type of vitamin you are taking. Some vitamins are recommended that the darkest time to take it is after a meal, while others should be taken on an empty stomach (on an empty stomach) for best results.
Vitamin is not a medicine, it acts as a functional food to help replenish the missing substances in the body. Plus, not the vitamins are best absorbed by the body at the same time. Therefore, you should know when to take vitamins at what time of day to get the most benefits.
Best time for pregnant women to take vitamins during pregnancy
Because prenatal vitamins are a multivitamin, pregnant women should take them before lunch is the optimal time to absorb all the necessary nutrients in it. According to the American Association of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), vitamins that are good and safe for pregnant women include calcium, iron and folic acid. Iron is best absorbed on an empty stomach and can be absorbed properly if you have just drank milk or taken it with beverages containing vitamin C, such as orange juice.
Some pregnant women who start adding vitamins to their daily diet may experience symptoms such as nausea or constipation. Most pregnancy vitamins are recommended to be taken on an empty stomach or with a glass of water.
In the case of pregnant women taking vitamins in the morning, when the stomach is empty and uncomfortable, it is best to take it before going to bed. When using vitamins, its effects will slowly accumulate in the body, so it is necessary to take them regularly every day to achieve the best effect.
Many vitamins are not readily available in the body, you need to supplement with foods or supplements every day to ensure your body has all the essential nutrients. For example, folic acid – has an important role in pregnancy during pregnancy. Taking folic acid during pregnancy helps prevent spina bifida and neural tube defects. If possible, it is best to supplement the body with folic acid one year before pregnancy.
The best time to take fat-soluble vitamins
Fat-soluble vitamins include vitamins A, K, E, D. Optimal times for fat-soluble vitamins are meals. After taking, these vitamins enter the bloodstream and perform their essential functions.
When the body replenishes these vitamins, they are stored in the liver. To be able to absorb vitamins more easily, we should eat foods that contain saturated fats or oils.
The best time to take water soluble vitamins
Water-soluble vitamins include vitamin C, group B and folic acid. These vitamins are better absorbed on an empty stomach. The best time to take this vitamin is in the morning, 30 minutes before breakfast or two hours after a meal.
Our body only needs a sufficient amount of necessary vitamins, the excess will be eliminated from the body through urine. For some vitamins that are not readily available to your body, you can get them through your daily diet or as a supplement.
Things to keep in mind when using vitamins
Vitamin supplements can be beneficial for overall health, but overdose of certain vitamins can cause undesirable side effects. Should consult a doctor about dosage as well as how to use it properly so as not to adversely affect health. Besides, also need to pay attention when taking vitamins along with prescription drugs. For example, a vitamin K supplement should not be combined with blood thinning Warfarin (Coumadin).
- If you are pregnant, absolutely do not double the vitamin dosage. When taken twice the amount needed, the body is at risk of excess vitamin A (retinol), which can cause negative effects on the fetus.
- Pay attention to other foods you are eating on a daily basis to make sure you don’t get too many vitamins in your body. This can cause the body to lose balance.
- Always choose supplements from a trusted source like the FDA and don’t use vitamins or supplements as a substitute for medications.
