Question:
When do you take all of these vitamins?

I was just wondering about the schedule of taking vitamins. my doc has her recommendations of multi-vits twice a day, iron twice a day, calcuim twice a day (i know not to take them together) and sub-lingual B12. I was just reading the box that my iron prescription came in and i says that it also contains 60 mg of vit c, 1 mg of folic acid and 25 mcg of B12 as well as 150 mg of elemental iron. What i am looking for is a schedule of taking vits and what is ok to take together. I also take synthroid and zoloft (usually in the morning). ANY help would be great!! Lap RNY 12-29-03 252/220    — Keri P. (posted on February 2, 2004)

February 1, 2004
I only take iron once a day so, it makes it a bit easier but, you should be able to work it in being that you only take calcium twice a day. My schedule is: iron and C first thing when I wake up. Two hours later 1 multi vite. Two hours later 500mg of calcium...then, again, 2-3 hours later....again, 2-3 hours later...again, 2-3 hours later (for a total of 2000mg). Then, I take my last multi-vite right before bed. I also take a sublingual B12 every other day...when ever I happen to grab it. Keep trying until you find something that works for you...sooner or later it will be just another routine part of your day.
   — eaamc

February 2, 2004
I just take 1 multivitamin, 1 iron, and 2 calcium perday. I take the multi with breakfast, the calcium with lunch and the iron with dinner that way I don't take them together and I don't forget. I also take 1 B12 once a week.
   — tazfan

February 2, 2004
I literally made myself a check-off list which includes the vitamins, calcium, water, protein, etc. I need every day. I was losing track of what I had/hadn't taken, so this really helps me.
   — saltybichon

February 2, 2004
Hi. This could be wrong but this is what I do. I take 1 multivitamin and 1 calcium in the morning, have a protein shake then take b-12 sublingual. Lunch time take another calcium. Dinner take another calcium. Bedtime take iron with vitamin C....I know you cannot take the calcium all at once and you can't take the iron and calcium together. Also vitamin C helps absorb iron. If I were you I would take the Multivitamins and iron in the morning and at night and just space the others out during the day. But again I'm not an expert on this :)
   — AmyWollet

February 2, 2004
Hi Keri, NOTE: You're taking thyroid (synthroid): this also must be kept separate from your calcium!! (groan...yet another wrinkle in this "regimen"! lol) Take your synthroid either 30 mins before your calcium or 2 hrs after. I also try to keep my calcium separate from my protein -- and with our protein priorities, this can REALLY add to the challenge! But I do this because I've learned that calcium & protein "compete" for the same receptors in our G-I system; so, except for foods like dairy that have both protein & calcium, I keep the 2 substances apart. (Those "receptors," btw, are more limited with WLS: in "normal" people, calcium is primarily absorbed in the first part of the small intestine, which we don't get to use anymore. This is a big part of why calcium supplmentation is so critical, and, imho, why taking the most absorbable FORM of calcium is imperative (that's why calcium citrate is recommended over calcium carbonate, which is what is in Tums, Viactiv, etc. -- you gotta read those labels, folks!) My routine is: When I wake up real early to pee, I take my thyroid. Then when I get up a little later and start my water (and herbal tea, in this winter weather), I take my morning dose of 500 mg calcium citrate (chewable). I wait awhile more (at least an hour) before my breakfast. Often that 1st meal (still, even being one year out: but my pouch seems to prefer that I "ease in" to foods each day and don't start with something very solid) is a protein shake with Isopure meal replacement protein powder; one scoop (25 gm protein) also has 25% RDA of various vits/mins. So I take my multi-vitamin (which includes iron) later with a "regular food" meal, either lunch or dinner. I take my 2nd 500-mg of calcium right before bed, so it's quite awhile after my last protein of the day. I know that it's suggested that you take calcium w/ meals; but with the calcium/protein "competition," I'm doing it this way instead. Also, I've read several places that bedtime calcium is extra good for its absorption. My trainer at the gym also just told me it helps you get to sleep -- but with my insomnia, I can't attest to that, lol! I take B-12 only once a week, pretty much whenever I think of it that day.... Hope this helps, and good luck to you! Linda H.
   — Ososian

February 2, 2004
You have to separate synthroid from iron, too. You'd have to ask the pharmacist about separating it from your zoloft. If you get up at night to use the bathroom, many will take their synthroid at that time. Isolates it completely and doesn't mess with your schedule. I would take the iron one time, then the multi + calc and again later, multi + calc. Of course, you need way more calcium citrate than that, but I'm addressing what you mentioned. B12 sublinguals get along with the other vites ok, don't know about your prescriptions. The pharmacist knows those details.
   — vitalady