Question:
When should I take my vitamins?

I'm curious, when is the best time during the day to take our vitamins? Is it ok to take all of them together or spread them throughout the day. Will taking them at one time fill my stomach pouch and compromise my food intake for the day?    — [Anonymous] (posted on July 22, 2000)

July 22, 2000
Hi there, I am now 2 years out of surgery, and I have always taken my vitamins in the morning and with my food, or when I was on liquids, I took the chewables, and then when I went on soft food I took them with my food. It never restricted my food intake. Linda
   — Linda H.

July 22, 2000
Yes, it makes a difference how you take your vitamins. Iron and Vit C should be taken together, but with nothing else. They do best on an empty stomach, but if you don't tolerate them, then you can put them in after breakfast. Ferrous sulfate is not absorbed well by us, so one of the other irons should be used. Iron should not be taken with: milk; antacids of any kind (tums, Mylanta, etc ) OR Prilosec or Zantac--any ulcer meds; antibiotics; caffeine; or any other minerals. WHEW! Iron is a fussy little element so we need to follow its rules or we don't get as much absorption, if any, and can often end up with a sore tummy or constipation. And ferrous sulfate also blocks the absorption of Vit E, which is one we run short in ANYWAY. Calcium should always be taken with Vit D and is best absorbed at night. You can't really absorb more than 500mg (elemental) at one time, so it might be wise to just space them over the evening. The other minerals can be taken with calcicum. So, yes, split your vites into at least 2 groups.
   — vitalady