How Long Does It Take For Supplements To Work?

In an ideal world, a multivitamin would instantly cure our health concerns as soon as we swallow it. However, for supplements to have full effect, we must take them consistently over a more extended period. 

Level of deficiency

Having a severe vitamin or mineral deficiency can cause several noticeable symptoms. Those deficient in Vitamin D, for example, may experience symptoms of fatigue. 

Read more: Surprising Clues That You May Have A Vitamin Deficiency 

Building up stores of these nutrients will take a long time if they are already very low, meaning the benefits of a supplement may be slower to appear. 

A health professional may advise a higher dosage if you are severely deficient, although it is best to check with your doctor before taking a higher than the recommended dose.

Nutrient form

Did you know a single vitamin or mineral can come in many different chemical forms? Not all are equal – some have higher bioavailability and are absorbed easier into your body. 

For example, Vitamin D supplements are available as Vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol) and Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol). Vitamin D3 is much more effective at increasing levels of Vitamin D in the bloodstream. 

Furthermore, research suggests that D3 supplements, like Bone Health Goals, are often of higher quality than D2 supplements. 

Lifestyle

Of course, supplements are most effective when complementing a healthy and active lifestyle. So if you’re thinking of trying a new supplement, it may be an excellent opportunity to assess your lifestyle habits. 

Drinking too much alcohol can lead to deficiencies in all vitamins, while people who sleep less than 7 hours per night are more likely to have low essential vitamins and minerals. Consuming caffeine may also affect the absorption of nutrients, particularly Vitamin D and calcium – so it’s best to take your supplements more than 30 minutes before or after drinking coffee or tea.

By addressing unhealthy lifestyle habits like these, you can ensure that your supplements have the best chance of getting to work in your body quickly.

Health problems

Although there are some lifestyle factors we can control, others are inescapable. For example, some illnesses can affect the body’s absorption of nutrients. Therefore, it may be more challenging to feel the benefits of supplements.

It’s imperative to consult your doctor if you have digestive and inflammatory diseases such as Crohn’s and celiac disease. These conditions make it harder for the small intestines to absorb nutrients. 

Inflammatory digestive conditions such as Crohn’s disease and celiac disease will make it harder for the nutrients to be absorbed through the intestinal walls. But even if you don’t have a digestive condition, it’s essential to work on gut health to get the most out of your food and supplements.

Read more: 7 Tasty Foods That Can Boost Your Gut Health

Water vs fat-soluble 

Water-soluble vitamins include the B Vitamins, and Vitamin C. Fat-soluble vitamins include Vitamins A, D, E and K. Both are integral for health, but whether a vitamin is water-soluble or fat-soluble affects how easily the body absorbs them.

Water-soluble vitamins are absorbed effectively into tissues since they are dissolved in water. However, they are excreted by the body more quickly, so they must be replenished daily. This is why it’s essential to take your supplements consistently to see optimal results.

On the other hand, fat-soluble vitamins are absorbed more slowly. However, the body can store them for longer. So if you’re taking fat-soluble vitamins, it may be advisable to take them with a meal to ensure maximum efficacy.

Nutrient combinations

Although we may separate vitamins and minerals by name, they work together in the body to keep us healthy. Therefore, it’s essential to have correct nutrient combinations in your supplement to see positive effects quickly.

Vitamin D and calcium are classic examples of nutrients that work well together. Vitamin D is needed for calcium to be absorbed into the bones. Being deficient in Vitamin D can risk bone diseases such as osteoporosis as the body will derive calcium from the bone if your diet lacks calcium. 

Our newest product, Bone and Joint Health Goals, has been specially formulated with Vitamins D3 and K2 and calcium to help maintain normal bones and joints.

Read more: What Every Woman Needs To Know About Bone Health

The takeaway

As we’ve explored, it isn’t easy to know how quickly supplements will work. With so many factors at play, the answer will vary depending on the person and the supplement.

Suppose you’re not feeling the positive effects of your supplements after a couple of months. In that case, it may be a good idea to consider switching products or adapting your lifestyle to ensure your body can absorb nutrients effectively.

At Authentic Biotics, we believe everyone deserves optimum nutrition. But, unfortunately, there is no magic pill that you can take to counteract an unhealthy diet or lack of exercise. Even so, supplements have the potential to help fill the gaps in nutrition depending on individual needs.

Medical disclaimer

You must not rely on the information on this blog as an alternative to medical advice from your doctor or therapist. If you have any specific concerns about your mental or physical health, you should consult your doctor and you should not delay seeking medical advice, or treatment for your mental health, because of the information on this blog.