Doctor reveals the ideal time to take supplements for maximum absorption

In the last couple of years, the demand for supplements that help the body's health has risen exponentially. From magnesium to prebiotics, users rely on various dietary supplements to provide the body with nutrition that food is not able to provide in necessary amounts.

The Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN) revealed findings from its 2024 Consumer Survey revealed that 75% Americans continue to use dietary supplements with 91% affirming that they are essential to maintaining their health.

While taking supplements might be the first step in the right direction, how and when you take them plays a vital role in their effectiveness. Now, a doctor has revealed the ideal time to take specific vitamins for maximum absorption by the body.


Robert W.B. Love, a neuroscientist specialising in preventing Alzheimer's as per his Instagram bio, enjoys a following of 1.9M on the social media app. The doctor recently shared a video on "How to Take Supplements for Maximum Absorption" in response to a comment asking him to make a list of the supplements and the time they should be taken.


"So generally speaking, you want to take minerals on an empty stomach. Minerals include selenium, magnesium and zinc for example." He explained the reason is that it increases absorption and bioavailability.

"Copper competes with zinc for absorption and calcium competes with magnesium for absorption. So I don't take my copper with minerals."

"You can also take magnesium at night on an empty stomach. It can help with sleep depending on what type of magnesium it is." Magnesium threonate, magnesium chelate or kelaid help with sleep.

The doctor prefers taking the other supplements with food for fat. "I like coconut oil or MCT oil or smoothie." He suggested not taking the supplements with too much fibre as that can slow down the absorption.

The doctor's video has received 300 likes with various people thanking him for his recommendations in the comments.