Should i take prenatal vitamins in the morning or night

For both trying to conceive (TTC) and pregnancy, it seems like timing is absolutely everything. From when you should take an ovulation test, to when you should have intercourse, to when you should take a pregnancy test, there's always some sort of schedule to follow for the best results. But what about the vitamin aspect of fertility and TTC? When is the best time of day to take prenatal vitamins?

According to Dr. Sherry Ross, OB-GYN and Women’s Health Expert at Providence Saint John’s Health Center in Santa Monica, California, there’s not really a “perfect time” to take your prenatal vitamins, as long as you’re taking them. “Prenatal vitamins can be taken in a three times per day, or more, serving size,” she says in an email interview with Romper.

And it’s best to start popping those vitamins when you’re TTC. “It’s best for women to start taking folic acid three months before conception," Ross explains. "Making sure your prenatal or multivitamin contains at least 400 milligrams to 1 milligram of folic acid is key. Folic acid has been shown to reduce the incidence of spinal defects or neural tube defects, and it may reduce the incidence of autism."

Additionally, Ross says taking omega 3 fish oil will promote healthy development of the fetal brain and visual system. “Other helpful vitamins to take [in addition to folic acid] during pregnancy include vitamin D, vitamin C, vitamin A, vitamin E, calcium, iron, zinc, copper, and choline. A reputable prenatal vitamin will ensure you are getting adequate amounts of all the important vitamins to take during pregnancy,” she says.

As far as the best brand, they should pretty much all be the same (except for texture and taste), as long as you’re getting them from a reputable name or company. However, Ross says if you’re noticing stomach issues while taking your prenatal vitamin of choice, it may be time to try another brand.

One thing to keep in mind when choosing the right time to take your vitamin? Nausea. According to Ross, the high amounts of vitamins and minerals in a prenatal vitamin makes it “notorious for causing nausea during pregnancy.” How can you prevent this? "Take them after eating or right before going to sleep at night," Ross suggests. "Also cutting them in half and taking half in the morning and the other half at night can be helpful. If the nausea persists, I have my patients take a One A Day multivitamin, instead of a prenatal vitamin, until they have a stronger stomach."

Unlike everything else with TTC, it looks like the timing of when you take your prenatal vitamins doesn't matter as much — as long as you take them. If you're feeling nauseous when you take them, definitely try other brands that don't necessarily taste like dirt (I'm looking at you, Nature Made). At least you can take them right before you go to bed, right?

• The best time to take fat-soluble vitamins like vitamin D, A, and K is with a meal containing fats. 
• You should take water-soluble vitamins like vitamin C, B12, and B6 in the morning on an empty stomach. 
• Take multivitamins or prenatal vitamins with a meal or snack containing fat and a glass of water. 

If you take multiple vitamins and supplements, it can be challenging to know how to time each dosage. Here's the best time to take them and why it matters. 

Why timing matters

You might want to take vitamins and supplements at certain times of the day based on their effects, says Dimitar Marinov, MD, an assistant professor at the Medical University of Varna, Bulgaria.

For example:

• Magnesium helps with relaxation and sleep so it is best taken at dinner, Marinov says.
• Melatonin also induces sleep so you should take it one to two hours before bedtime. 
• Vitamin C can cause indigestion, so some prefer to take it with food to alleviate nausea or constipation. 

Best vitamins to take on an empty stomach 

You should take water-soluble vitamins and minerals on an empty stomach as your body will more easily absorb and metabolize them, says Alana Kessler, a registered dietitian and nutrition consultant based in New York City. 

 Water-soluble vitamins dissolve in water and include vitamin C and all B vitamins. You should also take these vitamins with a full glass of water to help break them down for absorption, Stephenson says.

Because these vitamins are most effective when taken on an empty stomach, it is best to take them in the morning, Kessler says. 

B vitamins, in particular, have been shown to boost energy and mood in people who are deficient in them. A 2020 review found that deficiencies in B and C vitamins, iron, and magnesium can cause fatigue, and supplementation can help. 

Other vitamins best taken on an empty stomach include:

• Iron. This is because certain foods, especially dairy, can block the absorption of iron. Vitamin C helps your body absorb iron, so if you are taking an iron supplement, it's best to combine that with Vitamin C.
• Probiotics. Some types of probiotics, like ones containing Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, have been shown to be most effective when taken up to 30 minutes before a meal.

Best vitamins to take with a meal 

You should take fat-soluble vitamins with meals or snacks that contain fat, such as avocado, egg yolks, or olive oil, for proper absorption. 

Taking these vitamins with food ensures the optimal release of bile and pancreatic enzymes in the stomach that are required for the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins, Marinov says. 

Fat-soluble vitamins include:

• Vitamin D
• Vitamin E
• Vitamin A
• Vitamin K

For some people, it makes the most sense to take these vitamins with a meal, like lunch or dinner, but you don't necessarily have to, Stephenson says. Any food with some fat, like hummus or a handful of nuts, can help break down these vitamins. 

Other supplements that should be taken with food include:

• Calcium carbonate. This is because the stomach acid produced when you eat helps your body absorb this type of calcium. Calcium citrate on the other hand can be taken with or without food, so be sure to check the label to see the kind of calcium your supplement contains. 
• Multivitamins. These contain both water-soluble and fat-soluble vitamins, so take with food to ensure the fat-soluble vitamins are absorbed. 
• Magnesium. Taking magnesium on an empty stomach has a laxative effect and may cause diarrhea. 

When to take prenatal vitamins

Prenatal vitamins typically include both water-soluble and fat-soluble vitamins in one tablet. The best time to take prenatal vitamins could vary depending on your individual health factors, so discuss with your doctor. They also could upset your stomach, so it may help to take them with food.

"Because stomach upset is more likely in pregnancy, I recommend taking prenatal vitamins with food, a small snack with some fat in it is enough," Stephenson says. "This may be the best way to keep the vitamin down, optimally absorb the fat-soluble vitamins, and only minimally impact absorption of the water-soluble vitamins."

Insider's takeaway 

The time of day you take supplements is less important than whether or not you take them with food. Take water-soluble vitamins, like vitamin C and folate on an empty stomach, and fat-soluble vitamins, like vitamins A, E, D, and K with food containing fat to ensure proper absorption. You should also take multivitamins or prenatal vitamins with a snack or meal.

Erin Heger is a freelance journalist located in the Kansas City area. She primarily covers stories related to healthcare policy, maternal mental health, parenting, and personal finance. Her work been featured in The Atlantic, Rewire.News, Refinery29, HuffPost, and more. 

Read more Read less

Should I take prenatal vitamins in the morning or at night?

What time of day should prenatal vitamins be taken?

Are prenatal vitamins OK to take at night?

Why should I take prenatal vitamins at night?