Is My Multivitamin Supplement Working? Here’s How to Know

Do you feel your best every day?

If you answer no to that question, don’t be alarmed; most people would probably say the same. Whether it’s a headache or feeling tired, we all feel a little off now and then! But if you’re finding yourself feeling aches, pains, or fatigue most days, you might need to supplement your diet with a multivitamin. 

Many people taking a multivitamin want instant results, but that isn’t always going to happen. How long does it take for multivitamins to work, and when will you start feeling that boost?

Find out more in our complete guide. 

How Long Does it Take for Multivitamins to Work?

The first thing to note when it comes to vitamin absorption time is that your body will feel the benefits differ depending on how deficient you are. It could be hours, or it could be weeks! It also depends on what your deficiency is and what you’re trying to solve.

For example, if you’re severely dehydrated, an electrolyte should work quickly to put your body back in balance, taking only minutes to get going. On the other hand, if you need to take calcium for bone density issues, it will take around six weeks to start working properly. Calcium will also need other things in your body to be properly absorbed, affecting the time it takes to work. 

A multivitamin is full of different vitamins that your body needs, and each will start taking effect at different rates. So, if you don’t notice an instant energy boost within the first day of taking a women’s vegan multivitamin, don’t panic! Keep taking it, and you should start to notice a difference. 

What’s the Best Way to Absorb Vitamins? 

A healthy, balanced diet full of fruits and vegetables is the best way to get a vitamin kick straight to your system. But this doesn’t always seem to cut it. Even if you’re eating a diet that a doctor would be proud of, you can still find your body is deficient in certain vitamins or minerals. 

In this case, you need a multivitamin supplement. If you’re looking for the best way to absorb these, opt for liquid multivitamins. These are much easier for your body to take up and easy on your digestion, helping them get to work without a hitch.

You can also take multivitamin gummies or powders, but these might take a little longer to be absorbed into your system. 

You also need to remember that some minerals – like calcium mentioned above – need other substances to make sure they’re properly absorbed. Even a multivitamin might need some extras to help it get going! This is when a good, balanced diet will help you and will provide a great foundation for that multivitamin to work with. 

When is the Best Time to Take Multivitamins?

There isn’t a right or wrong when it comes to what time you should be taking a multivitamin, even if you’ve heard otherwise. As long as you’re getting it into your system, you should start to feel the benefits no matter when you swallow it. But, having said that, there are a few different things to consider when taking yours.

Taking a multivitamin with a meal is usually the best way to help it work its best. Your body will absorb it more easily, and you should have other nutrients in your system to help the uptake of certain vitamins and minerals. For example, you need to make sure a meal has fat or oil in it to help with the absorption of vitamin D, A, K, and E. 

Some people can suffer from an upset stomach after taking a multivitamin. This could affect your body’s ability to absorb it and make you less happy to take one every day. But, taking your multivitamin can help this problem and make adding a multivitamin supplement to your diet a breeze. 

Most people prefer taking their multivitamin with breakfast. It’s a convenient time and can help set you up for the day ahead! Taking a multivitamin supplement before bed can also disrupt your sleep by setting your metabolism in motion, so morning is usually a better option.

Remember, though, that no time of day is going to cause any real problem. Just make sure you take yours daily, and you’ll be fine.  

Substances to Avoid and Pair with Vitamins

If you want to get the full dose of multivitamin benefits, there are some substances you should avoid and substances you should have more of. These can inhibit or promote the vitamin or mineral uptake by your body, lessening or increasing its effect.

For example, caffeine can stop your body from absorbing the amount of iron you need. So, if you’re drinking a morning coffee with your multivitamin, you might want to stop! On the other hand, vitamin C can improve iron absorption, so add an orange to your breakfast plate. 

If you’re taking a multivitamin, make sure you know which substances you should and shouldn’t have with it. If you’re unsure, it could be a good idea to speak to your doctor, and they can advise you on how to improve its absorption. 

Make the Most of Your Multivitamin

So, how long does it take for multivitamins to work? That all depends on your body, your diet, and how you take them. Make sure you stay healthy and watch what you eat, and you should see quicker results from your supplements.

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Featured Image by Ri Butov from Pixabay