With food or without? Answers to your questions about taking supplements.

With food or without? Answers to your questions about taking supplements.

When it comes to supplements, timing plays a critical role in maximising their effectiveness. Taking the right supplements at the right time ensures better absorption and helps your body utilise the nutrients more efficiently. Whether it’s vitamins, minerals, or herbal supplements, knowing when to take them can enhance their benefits.

Morning Supplements

Vitamins B and D3

Why?

These are your powerhouse vitamins for energy and mood. B vitamins help convert food into fuel and support brain function, while vitamin D3 is crucial for immunity and mood regulation. Taking them in the morning aligns with your body’s natural rhythm, giving you a productive start to the day.
Plus, vitamin D3 might disrupt your evening routine, so if you are feeling a bit edgy when taking it in the second half of the day, it's recommended to switch to taking it in the morning.

Multivitamins

Why?

For comprehensive daily nutrition, a multivitamin in the morning ensures your body is replenished after fasting overnight. The morning is a prime time to take these because many of the vitamins, like B-complex, are water-soluble and work better when your metabolism is revving up.

Omega-3s

Why?

These are best taken with your first meal to support brain function, heart health, and reduce inflammation. Since omega-3s are fats, pairing them with breakfast aids in their absorption.

Midday/Mid-afternoon Supplements

Probiotics

Why?

For gut health, timing can be tricky. Most probiotics are best taken on an empty stomach to ensure the live cultures survive the acidic environment of your stomach. However, some strains might benefit from being taken with meals, so it’s important to follow product-specific guidelines.

Digestive Enzymes

Why?

These are typically taken just before or during meals. They help break down food, making nutrients easier to absorb and aiding in digestion. If you're aiming to improve digestive health or reduce bloating, midday timing works perfectly with lunch or dinner.

Antioxidants (e.g., Vitamin C)

Why?

Taking vitamin C or other antioxidants around midday combats oxidative stress from environmental exposure like UV rays and pollution, making it an ideal supplement to boost your body’s defenses.

Evening Supplements

Magnesium

Why?

Known for its calming effects, magnesium helps relax muscles, reduce stress, and prepare your body for sleep. It also supports nerve function, which is essential for overall relaxation and recovery at the end of the day.

Melatonin

Why?

If you’re struggling with sleep, taking melatonin about 30-60 minutes before bed can help regulate your sleep-wake cycle. Melatonin signals your body that it’s time to wind down, making it ideal for those who need help falling asleep.

Amino Acids and Protein

Why?

Supplements like branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) or protein shakes are often taken in the evening, especially if you’ve had a workout. They assist in muscle recovery and repair during sleep, when your body does most of its regeneration work.

Why timing and food actually matter

Fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, and K)

These vitamins are better absorbed when taken with a meal containing healthy fats. If you’re taking a vitamin D supplement, for example, pair it with lunch or dinner for optimal absorption.

Water-soluble vitamins (B, C)

These vitamins dissolve in water and don’t need fat for absorption, so they can be taken on an empty stomach. However, taking them with food can help prevent nausea in some people.

Iron Supplements

Iron is best absorbed on an empty stomach, but it can be hard on your digestive system. Pair it with vitamin C to enhance absorption, but avoid dairy or calcium supplements close to your iron intake as they can inhibit absorption.
Each supplement serves a different purpose in your health routine. Understanding when to take them helps you unlock their full potential. Your body’s circadian rhythm, meal timing, and your health goals all play a role in optimizing supplement effectiveness. Whether you're taking energy boosters, digestive aids, or sleep enhancers, the right timing maximises the benefits and ensures you’re getting the most out of every dose.
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