6 supplements you should not take at night! (2024)

6 supplements you should not take at night! (1)

6 supplements you should not take at night! (2)

Written: 11/12/2020, by Rita Gkatzouli , Φαρμακοποιός

6 supplements you should not take at night! (3)

Last update on:

02/02/2024,

by Panagiotis Nevras , Φαρμακοποιός

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There are several reasons why you should not take certain supplements at night. For example, a supplement could contain sugar or caffeine, which could cause sleep problems. Another reason is that some vitamins are fat-soluble (A, D, E and K) and for better absorption should be taken with meals, but it is not recommended to eat large meals in the evening. The following six dietary supplements are good to take in the morning or at noon.

Table of Contents

1. Vitamins B

Vitamins B are best taken in the morning because they can give you energy during the day. All B vitamins play a role in converting food into energy and best known for this is vitamin B12. Vitamin B12 deficiency can cause exhaustion and feelings of sadness or anxiety. As our metabolism is boosted by B vitamins, this can have a stimulating effect and cause sleep problems if taken late at night. Fortunately, because B vitamins are water soluble, they can be taken without food at any time of the day.

2. Multivitamins and energy herbs

Multivitamins should be taken early in the day because in addition to containing B vitamins, they may also contain other energy-giving molecules such as caffeine, green tea extract and coenzyme Q10. These ingredients can affect the quality of your sleep. Also, herbal supplements that give energy to the body should not be taken at night, e.g. asparagus, guarana, ginseng etc.

3. Vitamin D

Vitamin D is fat-soluble, which means that it is better absorbed when combined with fatty foods. In a study of 50 seniors, eating vitamin D with a fatty meal increased its concentration in the blood by 32% after 12 hours compared to a fat-free meal. As it is recommended to take it with full meals should be avoided in the evening.

Also, a study showed that when taken in large quantities, vitamin D can reduce the production of melatonin, the sleep hormone. Maybe because the body interprets vitamin D as a sign that there is sunlight – the vitamin is produced due to sun exposure – and therefore reduces the production of melatonin. Taking vitamin D supplements at night, when melatonin levels normally need to rise, can affect the quality of your sleep. Note, however, that this study recorded a reduction in high-dose melatonin to 4,370 IU of vitamin D3.

4. Calcium

Taking calcium at night does not affect your sleep but can reduce the effectiveness of another supplement, magnesium, which promotes relaxation and is often recommended to be taken at night. It is a good idea to take magnesium before bed because it can help you sleep. Because calcium and magnesium compete for absorption, they should not be consumed at the same time. Another reason that it is not good to take calcium at night is because vitamin D should be combined with complete meals. Vitamin D enhances the absorption of calcium and therefore these two should be taken at about the same time. Note that the dose of calcium should be taken “broken” in two with 500-600 mg at a time. On the other hand, a study has shown that an overdose of vitamin D and calcium can increase the risk of stroke.

5. Vitamin C

Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is water soluble and easy to digest without the presence of meals but you can also take it with meals. The evening is not the best time because vitamin C is acidic and can cause problems when consumed on an empty stomach, especially in people with gastroesophageal reflux disease – of course the dosage matters. Calcium ascorbic acid is a form of nutritional supplement – the non-acidic form of vitamin C – that has been developed to alleviate gastric ascorbic acid irritation in people with sensitive stomachs, ulcers and intestinal problems. The combination with calcium neutralizes the acidic effects of ascorbic acid.

6. Zinc

Zinc is often part of multivitamins but is also taken alone or in combination with vitamin C. Its absorption is most effective on an empty stomach, but it can cause stomach upsets. In this case it should be taken with a meal and therefore not late at night. Zinc competes with iron and calcium for absorption, which is why the recommendation is taken in meals that do not contain dairy products.

References

  1. Mitochondrial function and toxicity: Role of the B vitamin
    family on mitochondrial energy metabolism.
  2. The influence of vitamin D supplementation on melatonin status in patients with multiple sclerosis.
  3. Alleviation of ascorbic acid-induced gastric high acidity by calcium ascorbate in vitro and in vivo.

# energy vitamin c vitamin D zinc

6 supplements you should not take at night! (8)

Rita Gkatzouli

Bsc, Pharmacist graduate of School of Pharmacy, AUTH. Specialized in Alternative Therapies, Homeopathy, Homeotoxicology, Bach’s Flower Remedies, Herbal Therary, Gemmotherapy. Blog Chief Editor at Vita4you.gr.

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The content of this blogspot is not and can not be considered as medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. All information is provided to readers solely for informational purposes. There is no intention to substitute this content for personalized medical advice, diagnosis, prognosis or treatment.

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Leave a comment

  1. 6 supplements you should not take at night! (15)Jona StJames says:

    26 September 2022 at 06:15

    There is so much to know and understand. There is also a lot of contradiction. That coupled with the fact that everyones body is different it’s hard to know what to take and not take especially if you are on meds.

    Reply

    • 6 supplements you should not take at night! (16)Πελαγία Δαμιανού says:

      26 September 2022 at 14:20

      Hello Mrs Jona StJames,
      it’s true that when someone is on meds, it’s difficult to know how to combine them with supplements, as there might be side effects. So, in that case it is wise to cosnsult your doctor, pharmacist or dietician or even ask the product company about.

      Reply

  2. 6 supplements you should not take at night! (17)Ann-Marie says:

    1 October 2022 at 09:10

    Educative

    Reply

    • 6 supplements you should not take at night! (18)Πελαγία Δαμιανού says:

      3 October 2022 at 18:27

      Dear Ann-Marie,
      thank you very much for your comment. We hope you’ll find many interesting articles in our blog.

      Reply

  3. 6 supplements you should not take at night! (19)Barb says:

    1 November 2022 at 14:05

    My husband and I started zinc during covid. My husband had been complaining in the morning of his stomach feeling sick and at times has even thrown up his medications. Due to a recent illness and being on an antibiotic that warns no magnesium or other herbs, I stopped the zinc and magnesium. He told me today he has not felt sick in the mornings. My research bought me to your article. TY.

    Reply

    • 6 supplements you should not take at night! (20)Πελαγία Δαμιανού says:

      1 November 2022 at 15:16

      Thank you so much. We hope you ‘ll find more helpful articles in our blog.

      Reply

  4. 6 supplements you should not take at night! (21)Rozemine Hosanoo says:

    5 January 2023 at 08:00

    Thank you

    Reply

    • 6 supplements you should not take at night! (22)vitablog says:

      9 January 2023 at 11:56

      You are welcome!
      We hope you will find more interesting articles in our blog.

      Reply

  5. 6 supplements you should not take at night! (23)Steve says:

    12 April 2023 at 17:54

    This is very useful information, not easy to find. Thankyou!

    Reply

    • 6 supplements you should not take at night! (24)Γιώργος Μητσούδης says:

      13 April 2023 at 11:09

      Dear Steve,
      thank you so much for your nice comment! Hope you ‘ll find many usefull articles in our Blog.

      Reply

  6. 6 supplements you should not take at night! (25)Florence says:

    26 June 2023 at 21:30

    A very useful information.
    Thanks for sharing

    Reply

    • 6 supplements you should not take at night! (26)Vita4you team says:

      27 June 2023 at 19:13

      Thank you so much for your comment!
      We hope you ‘ll find many interesting topics in our Blog.

      Reply

  7. 6 supplements you should not take at night! (27)Belinda says:

    4 January 2024 at 20:15

    Yes! SO much contradiction.
    And btw..I found taking zinc at night really helped me sleep. Everybody’s body is unique and different. 🧐

    Reply

  8. 6 supplements you should not take at night! (28)thomas james says:

    24 April 2024 at 07:12

    Magnesium/Zinc before bed (one hour) is a sleep aid for us. Your muscles and immune system need these 2 to repair, rest and heal while you sleep. Try using a supplement called ‘ZMA’……made by various companies. I’m not a ‘magic pill’ type person……..but using this before bed on days when I train hard at the gym……has been a happy revelation and I have passed this info on to others, who have had the same results.

    Reply

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6 supplements you should not take at night! (2024)

FAQs

6 supplements you should not take at night!? ›

On the other hand, some supplements, especially energy drinks, weight loss supplements, and cocoa products, as well as red yeast rice, garlic, policosanol, DHEA, chromium and high doses of vitamin D, vitamin b-12, potassium and coenzyme Q10 might interfere with sleep.

What supplements should not be taken before bed? ›

On the other hand, some supplements, especially energy drinks, weight loss supplements, and cocoa products, as well as red yeast rice, garlic, policosanol, DHEA, chromium and high doses of vitamin D, vitamin b-12, potassium and coenzyme Q10 might interfere with sleep.

What is the best vitamin to take at bedtime? ›

The Best Sleep Vitamins. Research suggests that vitamins C and D, and B vitamins may be essential for maintaining healthy sleep patterns. Vitamins E, A, and K may play a smaller, but still important, role.

Can I take vitamin D in the morning and magnesium at night? ›

Yes. Vitamins and minerals all work in combination and rely on each other to be fully effective. Taking magnesium helps your body to absorb and use minerals such as calcium, phosphorus and potassium, and vitamins like vitamin D.

What is the best vitamin for stress and anxiety? ›

B vitamins are integral in synthesizing neurotransmitters essential for mood regulation like serotonin, dopamine and GABA,” says Dr. Mill. Deficiencies in B vitamins like niacin (B3), folate (B9), B6 and B12 are linked to increased risk of stress disorders, anxiety and depression, she says.

Can vitamin D keep you up at night? ›

However, increasing vitamin D levels with supplements may suppress melatonin generation, leading to sleep disturbances. For this reason, people should take vitamin D supplements in the morning to replicate how the body synthesizes them from sunlight rather than taking them at night.

Is it bad to take all your vitamins before bed? ›

However, taking your supplements at night isn't a good practice because your digestion and metabolism slow down when you're asleep. This means that when you take vitamins at night, they are not absorbed as efficiently as during the day. The best time to take vitamins really depends on the type of vitamin you're taking.

Why magnesium before bed? ›

Magnesium is a mineral involved in hundreds of processes in our bodies. One of the things that it does is to help relax our muscles, so magnesium can be effective in promoting relaxation before sleep.

What is the best vitamin to take first thing in the morning? ›

Vitamin B

What foods deplete magnesium? ›

Good advice includes reducing alcohol, coffee, sugar, dairy, and processed foods in your diet. You should also try to increase your consumption of fruits and vegetables, and consider taking a magnesium supplement.

What vitamins should you not take with magnesium? ›

Don't use calcium, zinc, or magnesium supplements at the same time. Also, these three minerals are easier on your tummy when you take them with food, so if your doctor recommends them, have them at different meals or snacks.

Why can't you take magnesium and vitamin D3 together? ›

Without magnesium, your body can't use vitamin D. And if you take vitamin D supplements, this can make a magnesium deficiency worse.

What is the 3-3-3 rule for anxiety? ›

Look around you and name three things you see. Then, name three sounds you hear. Finally, move three parts of your body — your ankle, fingers, or arm. Whenever you feel your brain going 100 miles per hour, this mental trick can help center your mind, bringing you back to the present moment, Chansky says.

Which vitamin is best for nerve repair? ›

B vitamins like B12, B6, B3, B1 are essential for nerve health. These vitamins can help with the healing of nerve damage and relieve nerve damage symptoms like numbness and tingling—this is why they are called 'neurotropic' vitamins.

What is the best vitamin for weight loss? ›

Among the different vitamins, B12 has probably received the most attention as a weight loss tool. One study found that vitamin B12 could play a role in fat metabolism. Other studies have linked low vitamin B12 levels to obesity, diabetes and high cholesterol in animals.

What vitamin supplements affect your sleep? ›

In particular, vitamins B6, B12, C, D, and E can improve or lower your sleep quality and duration. Vitamin C deficiency and both lack and an excess of vitamin B6 in the body might affect your sleep or cause insomnia.

What are the best vitamins to take before a night out? ›

Taking a high strength magnesium supplement before an evening where you know you will be drinking alcohol may also be helpful. Vitamin C – Alcohol depletes vitamin C – an ubiquitous antioxidant, which can help to reduce oxidative stress in the liver. Vitamin C may also help to bolster your immune system too.

What supplements should I take in the morning or at night? ›

When to Take Vitamins Chart
Type of VitaminBest Time of Day to Take
Vitamin BMorning
Vitamin DMorning or Night with whole-fat milk, avocado, or flax
Vitamin CAll-day with water
Folic AcidAll-day with water
7 more rows

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