Question:
Does it matter when you take your vitamins?

I am wondering if it matters when you take your vitamins. For example, is it better to take a vitamin in the morning & then one at night than to take them both at the same time? Also, is it a bad idea to take out your day's vitamins & let them sit out during the day til you finish them? I have been setting my day's vitamins out on my stove til I take them & have wondered if sitting out around heat might decrease their potency. I also try to spread my vitamins out, but sometimes end up taking them all at the same time at night. All info is appreciated. Thanks.    — Kathy W. (posted on January 9, 2001)

January 8, 2001
My surgeon said that it didn't matter at all when I took my vitamins as long as I took them :-) I did find that taking them on a totally empty stomach, first thing in the morning, made me feel slightly nauseous, so I have taken them at bedtime ever since and have felt fine. I probably wouldn't leave them out of the bottle during the day...I would think that might effect the potency somewhat, but only the pharmaceutical company could tell you for sure.
   — Diana T.

January 9, 2001
It does matter when you take certain vitamins. Especially calcium and iron. If you take the two together, neither one will absorb well. It is best to take the iron on an empty stomach with vitamin C, and take the calcium at another time without iron. As for leaving your vites out all day, I wish I could do that, since I have a terrible memory and forget to take them if they are not in front of my face! But, I Have two toddlers in the house and am afraid they might try to eat the vites, so I can't do that. The only thing I would say is keep them away from heat and moisture. One day laying out on the counter shouldn't harm them otherwise.
   — Lynn K.

January 9, 2001
Kathy, My surgeon said that yes it does matter when you take your vitiams. I take multi-vitiam and B-12 in the morning. Calcium in the afternoon and Vitiam C and iron at night. For me, Zinc in optional and i'm not sure exactly when I am supposed to be taking it. I have that on my list of questions to ask surgeon at next appointment. Good Luck!
   — Angela E.