Some everyday foods, notably coffee and tea, can hinder how well vitamin complexes are absorbed. That absorption may also be influenced by digestive tract health. These insights come from Konstantin Chaikin, a general practitioner with INVITRO, a Russian medical company, speaking with socialbites.ca.
Chaikin notes that many vitamins are best taken in the first part of the day, during or right after meals. Certain foods interact with vitamins in ways that reduce their effectiveness, so timing matters. There are indeed products that are better not combined with vitamin supplements.
“Be aware that beverages like coffee, as well as black and green teas, can interfere with vitamin uptake, so it is wise to plan to consume them at different times from the vitamins,” the therapist explains. He adds that vitamin absorption can also be slower when the gastrointestinal tract is affected by illness or disease.
To maximize the impact of a vitamin regimen, a clinician should select a suitable vitamin complex and provide dosage recommendations. The doctor will help determine when to begin a course, review the patient’s medical history, conduct a physical examination, and order tests if needed. The most informative test to assess the body’s vitamin status is a blood test.
Chaikin cautions that taking vitamins without medical guidance can do more harm than good. The body can absorb only a certain amount of vitamins per day, and the buildup of some vitamins—A, E, D, and K, in particular—can lead to adverse effects. To prevent this, it is essential to follow medical instructions, read the product labels carefully, and adhere to the specified dosages of the chosen complexes.
In practice, an informed approach to supplementation considers both dietary intake and individual health conditions. Regular evaluation by a healthcare professional helps tailor supplementation plans, ensuring that vitamin intake supports overall wellness without exceeding safe thresholds. This is especially important for individuals with chronic conditions, those taking multiple medications, or anyone planning long-term use of high-dose vitamins.