Why you must never take vitamin B12 supplement at night

Vitamin B12 plays an important role in maintaining the health of your nervous system and red blood cells, said Dr Aniket Mule, consultant internal medicine, Wockhardt Hospitals, Mira Road

By: Lifestyle Desk

New Delhi | November 25, 2024 09:00 PM IST

3 min read

When is a good time to take a supplement? (Source: Getty Images/Thinkstock)

Often, we fail to follow the dos and don’ts when it comes to foods and medicines — simply because there is so much to remember. But that’s just us. You must always stick to having vitamin D capsules after breakfast or lunch because it is fat soluble, and vitamin b12 supplements during the day and not at night. Why, you ask? According to nutritionist Amita Gadre, taking vitamin B12 supplements at night can mess with your sleep cycle. “Since B12 boosts energy, it’s best to take it earlier in the day. Timing is everything when it comes to supplements,” said Gadre.

Vitamin B12 deficiency, following which the supplements are advised, usually presents symptoms like anaemia, feeling tired or weak, trouble while walking, weight loss, irritability, poor appetite, and diarrhea. According to the Cleveland Clinic, it is usually seen in people who do not get enough vitamin B12 from their diet or when their digestive tract does not absorb enough.

Vitamin B12 plays a vital role in maintaining the health of the nervous system and red blood cells, said Dr Aniket Mule, consultant internal medicine, Wockhardt Hospitals, Mira Road. “Vitamin B12 is best taken in the morning due to its role in energy production. It helps form red blood cells, supports nerve function, and contributes to DNA synthesis. As a result, it boosts energy levels and can increase alertness,” said Dr Ramesh A, consultant, internal medicine, Gleneagles Aware Hospital, L.B. Nagar, Hyderabad.

For good sleep, don’t take vitamin b12 supplements at night (Source: Pexels)

Agreed Dr Aniket Mule, consultant internal medicine, Wockhardt Hospitals, Mira Road, Mumbai, and said that vitamin B12 supplement plays a crucial role in energy metabolism and nervous system function and, hence, should be taken during the day. “This is so because the B12 can increase alertness and reduce feelings of fatigue, which could lead to difficulty falling asleep,” said Dr Mule.

Dr Mule added that one may also feel energetic and fail to sleep well at night. “It is also believed that B12 at night may not only impact the body’s absorption process but also interfere with other nighttime bodily functions that take place to repair and recover processes essential for overall wellness,” he told indianexpress.com.

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Dr Ramesh recommended taking Vitamin B12 supplements earlier for optimal absorption and to avoid sleep disturbances.

This supplement is most often recommended to patients during the day. However, if your doctor has particularly advised you to take vitamin B12 at night, it is best to follow their instructions,” said Dr Mule.

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If you have specific medical conditions or dietary restrictions, consult your healthcare provider for personalised advice on timing and dosage.

DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.

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