Science

When Is the Best Time to Take Vitamins: Morning or Night?

2 min read
Bottle of women's multivitamin next to a glass of water.
Bottle of women's multivitamin next to a glass of water.

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Is timing really everything? When it comes to finding the best time of day to take multivitamins, the answer is a little more complicated than "yes" or "no." Turns out there is a little more going on behind the scenes when we pop our multivitamins everyday. You might know, for example, that our bodies process different nutrients in different ways. Water-soluble vitamins like vitamin C and B vitamins (like vitamin B12 and folate) generally like to get to work right away before we eliminate the excess, while fat-soluble vitamins (like vitamin D, vitamin E, and vitamin K) tend to stick around in our tissues until later.

The food we consume (and when we consume it) may influence the way our bodies absorb these vitamins. When we're taking these nutrients as individual vitamins, factors like timing, the contents of our stomach, and the way different nutrients interact with each other can all impact how the body utilizes them. But what happens when you stick them all in the same multivitamin?*

The “Science” Behind the Best Time of Day to Take Vitamins

Here's the good news: Our multivitamins have a unique design and can be taken at any time, day or night, with or without food. It's the delivery method that makes all the difference: Our beadlet-in-oil technology allows for different nutrients to coexist in the same capsule, no matter if they’re water-soluble or fat-soluble. And our delayed-release capsules are designed to dissolve later in the small intestine, an ideal place to absorb nutrients.** That means that you have the freedom to take them whenever you want— the only “science” is figuring out what makes sense with your personal schedule and preferences.*

If anything, you might consider taking them at any point of the day on a relatively empty stomach—food can delay the absorption of a multivitamin, which might mean that the capsule starts to break down a little earlier. This may lead to pesky annoyances like vitamin burps, so it’s best to take vitamins before a snack or meal rather than after. (Taking them with lots of water or orange juice can also help.)*

Should You Take Vitamins at the Same Time Every Day?

In the end, the better answer might be that the best time of day to take vitamins is whatever time will help you make it a habit. And since science tells us that consistent timing is a big part of habit-building, we recommend picking one time of day and sticking to it. If it’s easy for you to remember to take vitamins by storing them on your nightstand or as you make your morning coffee, for example, then go for it. If you hate potential vitamin burps, then maybe you prefer to take vitamins right before bed.*

The bottom line is that the best time of day to take vitamins really comes down to what makes sense for you and your schedule—and that’s good news, right?

Meet Our Expert

WhoWeAre-Mastaneh

Dr. Mastaneh Sharafi, PhD, RD, SVP of Scientific Affairs at Ritual

Dr. Mastaneh Sharafi has a PhD in Nutritional Sciences and is a Registered Dietitian. She received her training from Penn State University and University of Connecticut where she researched dietary patterns, chemosensory perception and community nutrition. Her dietetic work is focused on promoting healthy eating habits by translating the science of nutrition into practical information for the public.

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WhoWeAre-Mastaneh

Dr. Mastaneh Sharafi, PhD, RD, SVP of Scientific Affairs at Ritual

Dr. Mastaneh Sharafi has a PhD in Nutritional Sciences and is a Registered Dietitian. She received her training from Penn State University and University of Connecticut where she researched dietary patterns, chemosensory perception and community nutrition. Her dietetic work is focused on promoting healthy eating habits by translating the science of nutrition into practical information for the public.

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Meet the Author

vhoff

Victoria Hoff, Writer

Victoria Hoff is an accomplished writer, journalist, and former wellness editor who has covered a wide variety of health, nutrition, and wellness topics during her tenure. She graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Arts from New York University, and after writing for Vogue, Elle, Byrdie, The/Thirty, and more, channeled her editorial skills into a marketing career.

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vhoff

Victoria Hoff, Writer

Victoria Hoff is an accomplished writer, journalist, and former wellness editor who has covered a wide variety of health, nutrition, and wellness topics during her tenure. She graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Arts from New York University, and after writing for Vogue, Elle, Byrdie, The/Thirty, and more, channeled her editorial skills into a marketing career.

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