Vitamins are micronutrients, meaning that we don’t need them in large amounts to sustain a healthy living. However, lacking their small quantities can leave us vulnerable to many diseases. For example, scurvy and rickets. Our body doesn’t produce vitamins on its own, neither is it designed to store them. All the vitamins we need mostly come from our food. However, in modern times like this, it is no longer a secret that our soil is witnessing its downside in nutritional value.
Therefore, our fruits and vegetables no longer contain the same amount of nutrition they used to have before. Only relying upon a healthy diet is not enough to maintain the essential intake of nutrients. Vitamins are organic compounds that play a vital role in cell growth. So it is needed in times like these, that we take vitamin supplements.
It is always an advantage to know how to properly take vitamins instead of taking them at random. Taking vitamins at the right time of the day will boost their effect. The best time to take a vitamin depends on what type of vitamin you have in your hand.
Types Of Vitamin
To know what time is best to take vitamins, we must understand the types of vitamins beforehand. Below we will discuss some main types of vitamins. And what is the best time to take these vitamins accordingly?
1. Water-soluble vitamins
The name says it all. These vitamins work best with water because they are absorbed by your body through water. It’s best to take these vitamins on an empty stomach 30 minutes before breakfast, or two hours after any meal. Your body absorbs the required amount and rest is flushed out through urine.
Biotin, Vitamin C, Folic acid, and all types of Vitamin B fall into the category of water-soluble vitamins.
Did you know B Vitamins can boost your mood and make you feel better? The most favorable time to take B Vitamins is in the morning.
2. Fat-soluble vitamins
Fat-soluble vitamins play a significant role in the formation of bones. They are great protection against fractures. Fat-soluble vitamins break down into fats before they enter our bloodstream. It’s best to take them with meals that contain fat and oil in them to rapid their metabolism. The most favorable time to take fat-soluble vitamins is with evening meals.
Vitamin K, Vitamin A, Vitamin E, and Vitamin D are fat-soluble vitamins.
3. Prenatal Vitamins
Prenatal vitamins are advised to women before they plan to conceive and even during pregnancy. They are made to aid women in a healthy pregnancy. They are multivitamins, meaning a combination of different vitamins and even minerals. Doctors prescribe them to ensure that your body doesn’t lack essential nutrients.
What vitamins are included in prenatal vitamins?
They include every important vitamin and mineral that your body needs. It ranges from Folic acid, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Vitamin D, and other types of Vitamin B to minerals your body requires. Every vitamin has its amount in it.
In some cases, your doctor might advise you on foods to eat regularly containing certain Vitamins that your body lacks. Your doctor can even prescribe you a certain Vitamin supplement along with your usual prenatal vitamins in case of deficiency.
Since FDA(Food and drug administration) doesn’t approve dietary supplements, it is suggested that you don’t use any prenatal vitamins on your own. They are many prenatal vitamins available on the market that might not be good for you and your child’s health. Always use prenatal vitamins prescribed by your doctor.
Side Effects Of Overdosing Vitamins
Overdosing on anything can cause harm. It’s the same with vitamins. Your body only needs a small amount of them to continue important tasks in your body. If you overdose on vitamins, it can lead to disadvantages. For instance, overdosing on prenatal vitamins can be dangerous.
However, you don’t have to worry if you are taking a healthy diet enriched with vitamins. But you should if you are using supplements without a prescription. They have a larger amount of vitamins that your body doesn’t need. To avoid this for your wellbeing, always keep a track of the dosage. And even better, consult a doctor for advice.
Minerals Are As Important As Vitamins
Minerals help your body function better just like vitamins. Iron, calcium are minerals that play an important role in the growth and development of your body. You must have seen children’s cereal ads that mention minerals. Most cereals contain a considerable amount of minerals to help children in the formation of strong bones.
But, even as an adult, they are very beneficial. They aid your body in building strong bones and transmitting nerve impulses. There is no healthy diet that doesn’t include minerals in it.
The main sources of minerals are dairy products and meat. You can add them to your diet to keep up with the level of minerals in your body.
