When is the best time of the day or night to take vitamins or supplements? Well, the most efficient answer is “whenever you remember to take them”, but this could be broken down into more specific times. You want to give your body the best shot at dissolving the tablets or capsules and absorbing the tablets, so food and water accompaniments come in to play.
Vitamins are either water soluble or fat soluble. Fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K) are best taken with some food to dissolve the nutrients. B vitamins boost energy, so best to take them in the day time. Multi-vitamins are usually pretty big and should be taken with a lot of water to break them down. In the past, I have crushed them in my mortar and pestle and added water and drunk them down. Trouble here is that they don’t taste very good. Also; don’t take them with fiber powder, or they may not have a chance to dissolve and be absorbed. Liquid versions of multi-vitamins and minerals are also available and might offer a better chance at absorption. You can add those to smoothies as well. Taking supplements with food is the best bet bet due to absorbability and some multis will cause stomach upset if taken on an empty stomach. If you have to take more than one of the same vitamin (say 3 tablets of vitamin C, then if you can remember to spread them out over the days, that will allow you the best absorption. Your body won’t store it and simply eliminates the excess through the kidneys. Talk about pissing your money away!
Bottom line: if you are taking supplements, the best time to take them is 1) whenever it’s recommended by your medical professional 2) spread out over the day and with food, and then 3) whenever is best for you***. Create a ritual and stick to it even if you are traveling. I take psyllium and lemon juice plus a vitamin C in the morning, then the rest of the vitamins with lunch, and ground flax with more lemon at night. (advice from Dr. Weil)