Learn how long it takes for your body to take on board your new vits on the block…
Regularly taking vitamins and supplements is a great way to get the nutrients that you may feel are lacking from your diet. From multivitamins to specific vitamins, there are so many out there to choose from – but what’s best practice for taking vitamins?
Why is it important to take vitamins?
Your body needs nutrients to function properly. You can get all of these through a healthy, varied balanced diet. However, the only exception from this is vitamin D, which comes from the sun. This is because the sun’s rays aren’t strong enough in the autumn and winter for our bodies to make enough vitamin D.
The government recommends that everyone over the age of four should consider taking a daily 10mcg vitamin D supplement during the autumn and winter months. Some groups of people whose skin does not have much exposure to the sun during the spring and summer, such as those who cover up or spend a lot of time indoors, are recommended to consider taking a Vitamin D 10mcg supplement all year round.
What’s the difference between vitamins & supplements?
Vitamins are nutrients your body needs in small amounts to help you stay healthy. Supplements are vitamins, minerals or both that can help ‘supplement’ the nutrients you’re missing from your diet.
What are water-soluble & fat-soluble vitamins?
There are two types of vitamins: water-soluble and fat-soluble. But what does this mean?
Fat-soluble vitamins
These are vitamins that are absorbed into your body’s fat tissue and liver. They tend to stay longer in your body than water-soluble vitamins, too.
Some examples include:
- Vitamin A
- Vitamin D
- Vitamin E
- Vitamin K
Water-soluble vitamins
Water-soluble vitamins enter your bloodstream, and any that you don’t need will leave your body through your pee. They can be absorbed by the body quickly after taking them. Some examples include:
- Vitamin C
- B vitamins – including B1, B7 (biotin) and B12
How long does it take for vitamins to kick in?
There isn’t one set answer for this – it can take one to three months if you’re consistently taking them, but this can change from person to person. Factors like your diet and overall health can affect how long it takes for your vitamins to take effect.
Our top tips for staying consistent
We can all be guilty of forgetting our tablets sometimes. But there are some ways you can help jog your memory to ensure you take them consistently.
Here are our tips:
- Put your daily vitamins next to something you use every day. For example, you can leave them next to your kettle, so you remember to take them every morning as you’re making a cup of tea
- If you take a packed lunch to work or school, pack your vitamins in a sealable bag or pill box, so you can take them with your food
- Set a daily alarm to remind you to take your vitamins
- Try to take your vitamins at the same time every day; this way, your brain will start to get used to the routine, and you may naturally remember to take them
- Leave a reminder note somewhere you’ll see every day, for example, your fridge or bathroom mirror
- Leave a pack in your everyday bag so if you forget to take your tablets before leaving the house, you’ve always got some on hand
Want to learn more about your vits? Discover our guide to multivitamins or, learn all about taking vitamin D during the wintertime.
