If you are concerned your body isn't getting all the nutrition it needs, taking multivitamins can be an excellent way to insure it does. Multivitamins help boost immunity, keep your bones strong and prevent deficiencies that can cause problems like beriberi or scurvy. There are also reports that multivitamins boost memory and energy levels as well as assist response to stress. These supplements are not to replace food groups, however. If you are considering taking them, you may also wonder if taking multivitamins before bed is a good idea.

Can You Take Multivitamins Before Bed?

Technically, you can take your vitamins anytime during the day. There are some who like to take theirs with breakfast while others prefer before bed. But they are recommended to be taken with food. Whichever time you take yours, you should stay consistent.

However, Take It in the Day If You Have Sleep Problems

If you decide to take multivitamins before sleep, note that some ingredients in multivitamins can interfere with your sleep. If you’re having sleeping trouble, instead of taking multivitamins before bed, you should try taking them in the morning because,

• Taking a B6 vitamin before you go to bed can make you have vivid dreams. It will cause less effect on your sleep if you take it during the day. 
• Melatonin levels can be affected by vitamin B12, making you more awake.
• In addition, there are some studies that suggest vitamin D can negatively impact your sleep, so it is better to be taken in the day.

Actually, many people like taking their multivitamins with breakfast. This is a convenient time to remember them. Additionally, the B vitamins will help you metabolize food, giving you an extra energy boost in the morning.

Avoid Taking Calcium with Multivitamins

There is an exception to the rule, however. If you take calcium with your multivitamins which contain iron, you should separate the two. Calcium can interfere with the absorption of iron. If you are taking a multivitamin with iron in the morning, take your calcium later in the day. Vitamin C can help with absorption, so take your multivitamin with some orange juice.

More Things to Know About Taking Multivitamins

1.   Who Needs to Take Multivitamins?

The following conditions may indicate you may need multivitamins:

• Your meals are unbalanced.
• You aren’t getting enough sleep.
• You are pregnant or trying to be.
• You are nursing.
• You have medical problems or are ill.
• You are stressed.
• You are lactose intolerant.
• You have been consuming tobacco or alcohol.
• You are a vegetarian.
• You suffer from depression.

2.   How to Choose Multivitamins

After discussing taking multivitamins before bed, here comes to how to choose appropriate multivitamins.

• Make sure to read your label carefully to identify what you are getting in each serving.
• Make sure it meets your basic mineral and vitamin needs. These should include: iron, beta-carotene, molybdenum, manganese, calcium, zinc, magnesium, borate, selenium, iodine, potassium, vitamins K, D2 or D3, E, A, C and H, vitamins B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B9 and B12.
• Look at percentages. The supplement should have 100% daily value for most of the above nutrients. Usually you will only see magnesium and calcium lower than 100% because they would make the pill too big.
• Check for extras. These days there are a lot of things your vitamins can do for you. Some will have additional nutrients like antioxidants, while others are for specific conditions, such as prenatal vitamins.
• Get age-appropriate or gender-specific multivitamins. Get the right vitamin for your age and sex so the nutrients are aimed at your needs.

3.   What Is the Dosage of Multivitamins?

When taking your multivitamins, you want to use them as the label or your doctor recommends. Don’t take smaller or larger amounts. If you suspect you have taken too many, seek medical help immediately. An overdose of vitamins A, D, E or K can cause serious or life-threatening side effects. Some minerals found in vitamins can also be toxic if taken in too high doses.

Symptoms of overdose can include constipation, diarrhea, stomach aches, loss of appetite, diarrhea, hair loss and tingling sensations in the mouth. You may also notice weight loss, menstrual cycle changes, severe headaches, back pain, muscle and joint pain, blood in urine, easy bruising or bleeding and pale skin.

You shouldn’t take more than one kind of multivitamin product unless you have been directed by your physician to do so. Taking several multivitamins together can cause serious side effects or overdosing.

4.   What Are the Side Effects of Multivitamins?

If you think you are having an allergic reaction such as swelling in the throat, face, lips or tongue, hives or trouble breathing, seek medical help immediately. When taken correctly, you shouldn’t notice many side effects. Some common ones are:

• Headaches
• Upset stomach
• Unusual taste in the mouth

If you are concerned, you should call the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or speak to your doctor.

5.   Precautions for Taking Multivitamins

• Be sure to tell your doctor about any medical ailments or allergies before starting to take multivitamins. In some cases, you will need to adjust what you take.
• For the most benefits, take your multivitamins regularly.
• Avoid taking your vitamins with dairy, calcium supplements and calcium-containing antacids. It can be harder for your body to absorb calcium, and therefore can be a problem.
• If your multivitamin has potassium, avoid salt substitutes. If you are restricting salt, it’s important to talk to your doctor about the right supplements.
• As mentioned previously, if you have trouble in sleeping, instead of taking multivitamins before bed, taking them during the day with food.
• Don’t take multivitamins without speaking with your physician if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant. Some minerals and vitamins can be bad for babies in high doses.
• Multivitamins can be passed through breast milk. Consult your doctor before taking them if you are nursing.