Taking vitamins and supplements is an important part of maintaining a healthy lifestyle, but when it comes to taking these supplements, timing is everything. Knowing when to take vitamins and supplements on an empty stomach can help you get the most out of them and ensure that your body is getting the nutrients it needs.Water-soluble vitamins, such as vitamin C, B12, and B6, are best taken in the morning on an empty stomach. This is because the body takes what it needs from these vitamins and excretes the rest through the urine, meaning that it doesn't need food to be absorbed. Multivitamins or prenatal vitamins should be taken with a fat-containing meal or snack and a glass of water, such as calcium carbonate.Iron is another important supplement that is better absorbed when taken on an empty stomach, one to two hours before a meal.
Some doctors suggest taking iron with orange or apple juice to aid absorption. However, if taking any of your supplements on an empty stomach causes any type of irritation, try eating a very light snack (e.g., a piece of toast) to reduce stress on your stomach.It's also important to note that taking any type of supplement (not just fat-soluble ones) on an empty stomach can cause gastrointestinal discomfort in some people, such as nausea or vomiting. Be sure to eat something before consuming fish oil or iron supplements, especially when consumed in higher amounts.It is beneficial to take supplements at the same time every day, to develop a healthy habit and ensure that the body receives the necessary nutrients on a daily basis. However, if you're getting enough nutrients through your diet, you might not even need a supplement.
Taking zinc supplements on an empty stomach has been shown to have the side effect of an upset stomach.When it comes to taking vitamins and supplements, timing is key. Knowing when to take them on an empty stomach can help you get the most out of them and ensure that your body is getting the nutrients it needs.
