When To Take Vitamins?

Nutrition
21

What I currently take

iron
D3
calcium
low dose aspirin
selenium (I eat a lot of tuna)
magnesium
B12
zinc
Flameout
alpha-lipoic acid
milk thistle
Z12

after reading some of the responses I am thinking I will move some of them to evenings
iron
magnesium
selenium
zinc

and take the rest during the day with meals.

I had been taking this (except the magnesium and Z12) in the mornings before work.

22

[quote]OctoberGirl wrote:
monkey_space wrote:
I take fish oil with most meals so that makes it easier for me to remember. I take vitamins and Superfood in the morning with a shake. I take more several meals later. Then I take ZMA about an hour before bed.

First meal
Multi, C, D, E, Calcium, Glucosamine/MSM, Superfood, fish oil

Second meal
Fish oil

Third meal
Fish oil

Fourth meal
Multi, fish oil

Fifth meal
Fish oil, magnesium

ZMA about an hour before.

Sixth meal

Christopher

I am going to steal some of your pill supp scheduling. I will shift the iron to the evenings.
[/quote]

You can steal anything from me you want! :wink:

23

[quote]ParagonA wrote:
Taking many vitamins and minerals can be a bit tricky. IMO it’s always better to have as many whole food vitamin/mineral sources (greens, reds, fruits) as possible than swallwing vitamin/mineral pills.
Personally, I eat more than 2 pounds of vegetables and fruits every day…

BUT: supplementation of some minerals and/or vitamins does make sense for, e.g., athletes or is even indicated by acute deficiencies. Most athlets (most people in general) can profit from vitamin D, zinc, vitamin C and very often magnesium supplementation.
You have to take calcium and iron, as you wrote.

I wouldn’t take all minerals/vitamins at once, since some of them compete for absorption and some even “help each other” with absorption.

I don’t want to make it more complicated than it is. But if you decide to take a lot of supps, I’d recommend to at least consider these “basics”:

  • Don’t take Iron and Calcium at the same time.
  • Iron can be taken with vitamin C for better absorption. E.g., 30 minutes prior to a meal. Before breakfast in your case.
  • Magnesium should be taken with vitamin D as well as sume purifies lactose (if you are not intolerant!), since both increase absorption. Don’t take it with alcohol, protein, phosphates and fats. These substances hinder magnesium absoption. Don’t take it with your calcium.
  • Magnesium can be taken in the evening or at night for its relaxing properties.
  • Potassium/calcium with meals. In your case with lunch or any snacks throughout the day.
  • Vitamin C seems to disrupt sleep patterns in some people. Id take it pre- and post-workout as well as with your iron in the morning.

Para[/quote]

Para,

I completely agree with your stance that [quote] it’s always better to have as many whole food vitamin/mineral sources[/quote] and I also understand your point that [quote]“Most athlets (most people in general) can profit from vitamin D, zinc, …and very often magnesium supplementation,”[/quote] but I have never seen a conclusive source of science showing that antioxidants like vitmin C are helpful. They usually prove to worsen results for athletes. Care to fill me in on your rationale? Thanks.

BT

24

Thanks to all the great suggestions, especially the one about calcium and iron.

I’ve switched things up and the nausea is gone and I am getting in all my stuff.

Thanks again!