Question:
when should I be taking my vitamins?

Hi! Right now I take 2 protonix a day (had a bleeding ulcer at 7 weeks post op), 1 multivitamin and 2 zinc caplets. I take 1 protonix before breakfast and the other after dinner at night. I wait 1/2 hour in between meals and taking the pills. I am supposed to take the vitamins with meals. Should I take them with a small sip of water directly after I eat or wait the 30 minutes before drinking something to take the pills. I have been waiting the 30 minutes before taking my vitamins. Wouldn't the food eaten be out of my new pouch by that point so I am essentially taking the vitamins on an empty stomach? Also do you think that Crystal Light Pink Lemonade would do anything to the ulcers that I had. I have not had any pain since I have been drinking the stuff. Thanks - Tracy    — tracyr (posted on July 20, 2002)

July 20, 2002
My doctor has me on prescription pre-natal vitamins and iron pills. One per day. I typically take them about 8 pm. I don't take them with food and the last meal I've had is at about 5 pm. I've found I don't get the nausea that I used to get when I took them in the morning. As a matter of fact, since taking them at night, I don't have any problems with them at all.
   — Patty H.

July 20, 2002
My doctor also has me on pre-natal multi-vitamins, chewables, which I take at night, after supper. I take 1 Vitamin E and biotin (for my hair), in the morning. I also take a number of other prescriptions, so I just take them at the same time. I would say that if you are not having pain after drinking the Crystal Light, you'll be fine. My body tells me when something's not right, I would suspect yours would tell you, too.... Keep smilin', Margie B
   — Marjorie B.

July 20, 2002
I've been taking 2 of my calcium pills when I first get up in the morning. I take my a.m. packet of Vista Vitamins around 10:30 when I eat my banana or yogurt. I take my p.m. packet of Vista Vitamins following dinner. And then I take 2 more of my calcium pills before I go to bed. I generally wait about 20 minutes after I eat to start taking my pills (4 to a pack) and I take them with a sip or two of water. So it's not like I'm drinking a whole glass of water right after I've eaten. I space my pills out about 5 minutes apart. Hope this helps.
   — Jennifer A.

July 20, 2002
I take a small sip of water, just enough to swallow the pills, right after I eat. The pills will have more time to absorb because they will be in the stomach longer with the food. And where is your calcium? I take 500mg. 4x day. You can only absorb 500mg at one time and make sure that it is cacium citrate (not carbonate).
   — Cheri M.