Supplements

Are there any nutritionally minded folks here who could help me with the the best time to take supplements such as glucosamine, collagen, multi-vitamins and omega 3,6&9.

I would like to know what time of day is best to take such supplements and which should be taken with or after food.

I don't want to start a debate as to whether any of them work, just the most appropriate time to take them.

Mandy x

Mandy,
This is from timesonline:

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/newspapers/sunday_times/style/article655148.ece

Q What is the best time of day to take vitamins and supplements? At the moment, I take a multivitamin, a multimineral, omega 3, evening primrose oil, and glucosamine and magnesium for carpal tunnel syndrome.

Fiona Wilson, Edinburgh

A There are optimum times to take different supplements. Some are best taken before food, some with a meal and some immediately after or between meals (which tends to be the case for herbs). There are differing views on this matter, so I will simply give my personal opinion of what works for me and my patients.

I take essential fats before breakfast and in the evening, although I also use Udo’s Choice Ultimate Oil Blend (£8.95 for 250ml, from Savant Health; 0845 060 6070), which is organic and contains evening primrose and flax oil, in salad dressings. Multivitamins, particularly as they contain B-complex, are better utilised during the day. Take one with breakfast and one with lunch, so that the vitamins combine with the natural nutrients in your meals.

It is better to take mineral supplements, especially those containing calcium and magnesium, later in the day and with supper, as they have a calming and relaxing action.

In Chinese medicine, too, these minerals are known to settle and soothe the shen, or spirit, which aids restful and deep sleep. Glucosamine should be taken with meals and spaced throughout the day.