When Is the Best Time to Take a Multivitamin? A complete guide

Micaela Chiribao
April 01, 2025

Taking a multivitamin is a simple way to support overall health, but timing plays a key role in optimal nutrient absorption. So, when is the best time to take one? Let’s break it down.

Multivitamins: What’s in Them?

Before determining the best time to take a multivitamin, it helps to understand what’s inside. Multivitamins contain a variety of nutrients, each with different absorption requirements.

Water-Soluble Vitamins: These include Vitamin C and B-complex vitamins. These aren’t stored in the body and need regular intake.
Fat-Soluble Vitamins: These include Vitamins A, D, E, and K. These are stored in the body and need fat for proper absorption.

Since absorption varies, the formulation of a multivitamin plays a crucial role in how effectively your body can utilize these nutrients.

Ingredient Transparency: Why It Matters

Choosing the right multivitamin starts with understanding exactly what’s in it and how those ingredients support your health. Transparency in ingredient sourcing and dosages ensures you’re getting high-quality nutrients in the right amounts for optimal absorption. It’s not just about what’s included—it’s about how those nutrients work together to nourish your body effectively.

Daily Values on Supplement Labels

When reviewing a multivitamin, checking the Daily Value (DV%) for each nutrient is important. Some multivitamins may have an appealing price, but they often contain lower-than-optimal levels of key vitamins and minerals, often to cut costs. In contrast, well-formulated multivitamins provide 100% (or more) of the DV%, especially for nutrients that are harder to absorb. Since your body doesn’t absorb all nutrients equally, higher doses of certain vitamins help ensure you receive the full benefits3.

For example, Vitamin B12 is often poorly absorbed, so higher doses help support energy and brain health. Vitamin D absorption depends on sun exposure, so higher amounts can better support bone and immune health.

Our Whole Food Multivitamin is designed for comprehensive multi-system support and maximum absorption. It contains:

Vitamin B12 (Methylcobalamin) at 583% DV to meet optimal energy and brain health needs.
Vitamin D3 (Plant-Based) at 2,000 IU (250% DV) to support bone and immune health.
Biotin at 500% DV to support hair, skin, and nails.

By carefully reviewing the supplement facts and daily values, you can choose multivitamins that better meet your body’s needs and support your overall health.

A well-formulated multivitamin often includes more than just essential vitamins and minerals. For example, our Vegan Whole-Food multivitamin contains bonus ingredients like CoQ10, Omega-3, and digestive enzymes for added digestion support, cardiovascular support, and overall effectiveness.

Can I Take Multivitamins on an Empty Stomach?

Water-soluble vitamins can be taken on an empty stomach without issues. However, fat-soluble vitamins may cause stomach discomfort if taken without food.

Since multivitamins usually contain both types of vitamins, it’s best to take them with food and a full glass of water. You don’t need a large meal, just something with a bit of fat, like low-fat or whole milk, yogurt, or food cooked with a healthy oil.

Is it Better to Take Vitamins in the Morning or At Night?

The best time to take your multivitamins depends on your lifestyle and how your body responds.

Morning: If you need an energy boost, morning is ideal—especially for B vitamins that support energy production. Taking your multivitamins with breakfast also helps establish a consistent routine and promotes better absorption.
Mid-day: If your mornings are rushed or you have a sensitive stomach, taking your multivitamin with lunch can be gentler on digestion. Pairing it with a balanced meal that includes healthy fats helps improve the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins.

Avoid taking your multivitamin right before bed as the B-complex vitamins may provide an energy boost that could interfere with sleep. Ultimately, listening to your body and finding a routine that works for you is key!

Tips for Maximum Multivitamin Benefits

Pair with Healthy Fats: Include foods like avocados or olive oil to aid fat-soluble vitamin absorption.
Stay Hydrated: Drink a full glass of water to aid digestion.
Space Out Medications: Allow at least 2 hours between your multivitamin and any prescribed medications.
Listen to Your Body: Adjust timing based on how you feel—everyone’s different.

Consistency Is Key

The best time to take a multivitamin depends on your routine and how your body responds. Whether you choose morning or later in the day, the most important thing is to take them daily to maximize their benefits.

To stay consistent, try making your multivitamin part of your morning or lunchtime routine. By building this habit, you’ll ensure you never miss a dose and can fully support your overall wellness.

Final Thoughts

Taking your multivitamin at the right time plays a key role in how well your body absorbs and utilizes essential nutrients. Whether you take it in the morning for an energy boost or later in the day, consistency is the most important factor. Pairing it with food—especially one containing healthy fats—can further enhance absorption and minimize any digestive discomfort.

Choosing the Right Multivitamin

Beyond timing, selecting a high-quality multivitamin is crucial for maximizing benefits. Here are three key factors to consider:

Methylated B Vitamins for Better Absorption – Look for a multivitamin that contains the methylated forms of B12 (methylcobalamin) and folate (methylfolate). These are the most bioavailable forms, meaning they are more easily absorbed and utilized by the body compared to synthetic alternatives like cyanocobalamin.
Whole-Food Enrichment for Extra Nutrients – A multivitamin enriched with whole foods provides additional nutrients, phytonutrients, and antioxidants that support better absorption and overall health.
Free from Unnecessary Fillers – Many conventional multivitamins contain artificial fillers, binders, and synthetic additives that may not benefit your body. Choosing a formula without unnecessary ingredients ensures you get pure and effective nutrition.

Understanding these factors will help you make an informed decision when selecting a multivitamin. For a deeper dive into choosing the best multivitamin, check out our guide where we discuss how to choose a multivitamin.

Disclaimer: It’s always recommended to consult a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement routine.