Timing Is Everything

If your stomach is on the sensitive side, couple them with food so that you’re not on empty (which can cause some nausea). As for those that are fat-soluble (such as vitamin D, E, A, and K), pair with some food that is fatty as well (i.e. olive oil, avocado etc.), as this allows the body to better absorb the nutrients. If you aren’t taking individual pills but instead a multi that has fat-soluble vitamins, then yes, take that with food, too. And as mentioned earlier, sometimes taking the max dose at once isn’t going to cut it (as in the case of calcium), so instead split it up and take pills twice daily instead of all at once — ask your physician or health adviser (even a pharmacist) when this applies. And if you’re an on-again, off-again vitamin taker, don’t bother. “You need to be consistent in order for them to work,” says Gans. “Taking here and there isn’t going to keep levels up and have any long-term benefits.”