Are you taking your vitamins the wrong way? According to Dr. Jen Caudle, a family physician and health expert with a growing following on Instagram (@drjencaudle), many people may not be getting the full benefit of their daily supplements simply because of how they take them.
In a recent post, Dr. Caudle highlighted three of the most common vitamin slip-ups:
1. Iron
Iron should be taken on an empty stomach for best absorption. Some doctors recommend pairing it with vitamin C or orange juice to boost effectiveness. However, Dr. Caudle advises patients to check with their physician first, since absorption can vary by individual.
2. Vitamins D, E, A, and K
These are fat-soluble vitamins, meaning they need a source of fat to be absorbed properly.
“Don’t take them on an empty stomach,” Dr. Caudle explained. Instead, they should be taken with food to maximize their benefits.
3. Calcium
Not all calcium supplements are the same. Calcium carbonate absorbs best when taken with food, while calcium citrate can be taken with or without food. Dr. Caudle also cautioned that calcium can interfere with the body’s absorption of other minerals such as iron, zinc, and magnesium.
Her video has sparked a wave of interest, with followers encouraged to head to the comments and request the full breakdown on how to properly take popular vitamins and supplements.
As health supplements continue to rise in popularity, Dr. Caudle’s reminders underscore an important truth: timing and food pairing can make all the difference in whether vitamins work.
