Most Indians take dietary supplements without any prescription leading to harmful results or even ineffectiveness
According to doctors, most people in India – especially youngsters – take dietary supplements without any prescription or guidance, leading to harmful results or even ineffectiveness. A few common mistakes most people make include self-diagnosing deficiencies, exceeding recommended dosages, and ignoring potential interactions with other medications.
And so, it is important to always start any supplement – which is crucial for your long-term health – only by consulting with a healthcare professional to ensure safety and effectiveness.
Doctors say the best time to take supplements totally depends on the specific type of supplement you are prescribed, but generally, taking them with meals, especially those containing fat, can enhance absorption. Also, consistency is key, so choose a time that fits your routine and allows you to remember to take it regularly.
What is the best time to take vitamins?
Vitamins are mostly water-soluble, which means they easily dissolve in water. As such, you don’t need to take them with food for them to be absorbed. There are around nine water-soluble vitamins, which include vitamin C plus the eight B vitamins – B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B7, B9, and B12. You need to regularly consume water-soluble vitamins because, unlike fat-soluble vitamins, they are not readily stored in your body’s tissues but are excreted through your urine.
Most vitamins can be taken at any time of day, with or without food, although taking ascorbic acid with foods can help lower the side effects of any gastric issues.
The best time to take Iron
According to experts, you can safely take iron supplements on an empty stomach but may upset the stomach in a few people. However, if that happens, always take it with a small meal but calcium-containing foods like dairy products because it will interfere with iron absorption.
When should you take magnesium supplements?
Magnesium is usually consumed at night due to its relaxing effect on the muscles and nervous system. Others even report that magnesium enhances the quality of sleep.
However, make sure not to take magnesium along with calcium or zinc at the same time. Also, these three minerals are easier on your tummy when you take them with food, so if your doctor recommends them, have them at different meals or snacks.
What is the best time for Ashwagandha?
Ashwagandha is a popular adaptogen, with many health benefits that most people have been using for centuries. It is mostly consumed as a capsule or powder that can be taken at any time of day.
However, you may also wish to incorporate it into your nightly routine to promote good sleep habits. Alternatively, taking it in the morning may suit your routine better.
Always keep a supplement diary
According to experts, if you are taking too many supplements in a day, it may be very confusing to keep a tab. And so, the best way to figure that out is to keep track of how much you take every day with the help of a record.
Writing the name of the supplement along with its time can help you decipher when to take it and not get mixed up.
