Have you ever wondered how long it takes to feel the effects of a vitamin or supplement you swallow? It turns out, the length of time it will take for you to feel the effects of a supplement depends on a lot of factors.
The 3 Most Common Nutrient Deficiencies
The three most common nutrients deficient in the U.S. diet are vitamin B-6, vitamin D and iron, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Vitamin D is important for bone health, while both vitamin B-6 and iron help create red blood cells.
If you are Vitamin B-6 and Iron deficient , chances are after a month’s time you’ll notice improvements from taking Vitamin B-6 and Iron in the form of increased energy and concentration.
Different Kinds of Vitamins: Fat vs. Water Soluble
The type of supplement you’re taking can determine how long it takes to feel an effect. For example If you’re taking a vitamin supplement, it will depend on whether the vitamin is fat soluble or water soluble.
Fat Soluble Vitamins
The fat soluble vitamins are A, D, E, and K. These vitamins dissolve in fat and are stored within the tissues of the body. Because they are stored in the body, levels can continue to increase as you take in more of the vitamin, but this also means that it will take more time for you to feel their effect.
For example, many of us are deficient in vitamin D, especially during the winter months when we don’t make as much of it by being exposed to sunlight. Those of us who are deficient and start on a vitamin D supplement usually take five to six weeks to reach the recommended level of vitamin D.
Water Soluble Vitamins
The B vitamins and vitamin C are all water soluble. This means that they dissolve in water and are not stored in the body, so it’s important to take these vitamins daily to replenish them. Water soluble vitamins are absorbed more rapidly, so you’ll feel an effect from them more quickly than fat-soluble supplements.
An example is the B vitamins. Being deficient in a B vitamin can result in tiredness and lethargy. After you start taking a vitamin B complex supplement, you may notice heightened energy in just a few weeks.
Your mineral or vitamin levels to start with
Your level of the vitamin or mineral before you start taking a supplement as mentioned before is also important. If you’re really deficient in a certain vitamin, and you start taking a supplement, you may feel an effect more quickly.
If your intake was not as low to start out but not quite where it should be, chances are it will take longer to notice the effects of the supplement. Your symptoms should gradually improve, but you won’t feel a big difference right away.
Supplements interacting with each other
Vitamins and minerals have complex roles in our bodies, and there are countless interactions that determine how they function.
For example, vitamin D and calcium work together to build strong teeth and bones. If you start taking a calcium supplement, it’ll be more effective if you also have adequate vitamin D levels – either through your diet or through supplements.
