Is It Safe to Take a Multivitamin at Night?

You should be able to take a multivitamin before bed with little to no side effects.
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No pill can take the place of a healthy, varied diet, regular exercise and proper hydration — but sometimes you just need a little extra help. While multivitamins are fading in popularity now that people are learning to choose only vitamins they may be lacking, taking one every day can help fill in the gaps your meal plan may be missing.

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You can take a multivitamin at night, as long as you take it with a small bit of food to coat your stomach and to help your body absorb the fat-soluble vitamins.

Understanding Multivitamins

Multivitamins are exactly what their name implies — vitamin pills that contain more than one type of vitamin. The most common multivitamin mixes contain vitamin A, B vitamins, and vitamins C, D, E and K. They usually also contain minerals such as copper, iron, selenium and zinc.

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Some of these vitamins are water-soluble, and some must be taken with a source of fat for your body to absorb them. It's important to know exactly what your multivitamin contains so you know how to take it and so you can make sure you are getting the proper nutritional balance.

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Read more: Multivitamins vs. Single Vitamins

Best Time to Take Vitamins

There is no one-size-fits-all answer as to the best time to take vitamins, according to Medical News Today. For example, B vitamins work best when taken on an empty stomach, so it's good to take them in the morning. Your body does not store vitamin C, so that should be taken in small doses throughout the day.

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Fat-soluble vitamins such as A, D, E and K are found in such high quantities in foods that most people do not need to supplement them. Fat-soluble vitamins can be dangerous if you take too high a dosage, so consider your usual diet before you decide whether or not you need a multivitamin that contains them.

Read more: When Is the Best Time to Take Multivitamins?

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Taking a Multivitamin Before Bed

Taking vitamins before bed may cause heartburn or general upset stomach. Stress Tab vitamins contain iron, so if you are going to take them before bed, make sure you store them out of the reach of children during the day.

According to the health experts at Kaiser Permanente, iron overdoses are a leading cause of death for children under the age of 6. The best time to take Stress Tabs really depends on your schedule and your preference, as long as you do not exceed the recommended dosage.

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Take your multivitamin with a small snack to help ensure that the fat-soluble vitamins are absorbed and to help coat your stomach. Calcium aids in the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins, so have a small carton of low-fat yogurt, an ounce or two of cheese, a glass of milk or even a small scoop of ice cream to help coat your stomach and make sure you can absorb any fat-soluble vitamins in your multivitamin.

Read more: Can I Take Vitamins Before I Go to Bed?

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