- 1). Consult your doctor or a pharmacist before taking any vitamins. Some vitamins can have serious side effects if taken when certain health conditions exist or if taken with other medications. It is important to inform your physician about the vitamins you are taking to avoid adverse effects.
- 2). Carefully follow the directions and warnings on the package of the vitamins to avoid taking more than required. It is advisable to take the smallest effective dose required to avoid taking an overdose, however, in case of an overdose, contact a medical or poison control center immediately. If you have an adverse or allergic reaction to any vitamins, discontinue use immediately and contact your doctor.
- 3). Eat properly while taking vitamins because most vitamins need food to be effective. Vitamins do not replace healthy food, but supplement for some nutrients lacking in certain foods. Consult your doctor before taking vitamins because few vitamins are best absorbed when taken on an empty stomach. Also, some vitamins cannot be combined together. Iron should not be combined with other vitamins or with calcium. Do not take iron with milk or cheese based foods which contain calcium but iron can be taken with a glass of orange juice, which contains vitamin C that helps in absorption of iron.
- 4). Be consistent when taking vitamins. It is advisable to have specific time or periods for taking the vitamins and avoid skipping days. If you are normally very busy, you can set a reminder for specific times to take the vitamins so that you won't forget to take it. If you are not consistent, the vitamins won't be properly absorbed by the body and won't be effective.
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