Have you been wondering when and how to take your supplements?

Depending on the supplement, some may be taken together, and others do better if taken on their own.

For example, a good morning routine includes a multi, fish oil, and vitamin C. These can be taken together with breakfast.

In the evening you may want to include magnesium (helps promote muscle relaxation¹), vitamin D, calcium and a probiotic.

Calcium can be taken at any time of day. However, according to Health Canada, it should be taken a few hours before or after taking other medications² This is because calcium may hinder absorption of certain medications. Calcium can also decrease iron absorption from most supplements as well as vegetable food sources. Therefore, it is best to take iron supplements two hours apart from calcium to maximize iron absorption.³ Many people find taking calcium with magnesium and vitamin D in the evening easiest to remember.

References:

1. de Baaij JH, Hoenderop JG, Bindels RJ. Magnesium in man: implications for health and disease. Physiol Rev. 2015;95(1):1-46. doi:10.1152/physrev.00012.2014
2. Health Canada. Calcium Monograph. Accessed Feb 4, 2019 at: http://webprod.hc-sc.gc.ca/nhpid-bdipsn/monoReq.do?id=57&lang=eng
3. Linus Pauling Institute Micronutrient Information Centre. Calcium. Accessed Feb 4, 2019 at: https://lpi.oregonstate.edu/mic/minerals/calcium
4. Health Link BC. Vitamins: Their Functions and Sources. Accessed Feb 5, 2019 at: https://www.healthlinkbc.ca/health-topics/ta3868