The presence of multiple nutrients in most multivitamins makes it difficult to determine the best time to consume the multivitamin. Most of the multivitamins are being labeled to consume along with the food. This is true to help improve your absorption and digestion. Also, many nutrients like vitamin c or zinc.
Why take Multivitamins?
We need to ask this question before we think of looking at the brand or source of nutrients. If you are confident of consuming a balanced diet, you need not worry about taking a multivitamin.
But, if there is even a slight doubt of not being able to meet the recommended nutrients intake of any one nutrient, it is advisable to focus on multivitamins. The reason is, every vitamin and mineral is connected with each other to perform their functions in our body.
A multivitamin is a supplement that combines a variety of vitamins, minerals, and other ingredients for the purpose of filling any nutritional gaps that may exist in a person’s diet.
"Multivitamin" does not mean vitamins linked together. Vitamins are single structures that do not link together to form longer chains, unlike amino acids and glucose. A multivitamin is a supplement, which can include several different vitamins, minerals, herbs, and other beneficial ingredients!
Why Should You Take Your Multivitamins with Food
Helps reduce nausea or stomach upset
Certain nutrients especially taken in larger doses like iron, vitamin c or zinc on an empty stomach can make you feel dizzy. Basically, these nutrients can irritate your lining of your stomach leading to nausea and stomach upset. Thus, it is suggested to consume them along with the food.
Improves absorption
The major reason to consume multivitamins along with food is to help improve your body’s ability to absorb nutrients.
Improves Digestion
Multivitamins taken along with the food can help increase the number of stomach acids which is required for proper digestion. These acids help to break down some of the compounds containing vitamins and minerals, thus isolating the nutrients and making them easier for your body to use.
Especially fat-soluble vitamins like vitamin a, D, E & K should be taken with food for better absorption. As bile acids help in their digestion and bile acids won’t be triggered with the presence of even little fat in the food.
Many single vitamins may also be absorbed on an empty stomach, but when it comes to multivitamins – best would be with food. Now, it depends on the individual completely to decide whether morning time suits or the afternoon lunchtime. What matters is to consume the multivitamin daily and hence best time would be the time you remember to take them the most.
If you are confused as to when to consume the multivitamin, consult your doctor and he will guide with the best timing and multivitamin suitable to your health.
