This article is professionally consulted by Specialist Level II Hồ Viết Lệ Diễm, General Internal Medicine Doctor, Department of Outpatient and Internal Medicine, Vinmec Central Park International General Hospital.
Calcium is an extremely important element that influences the formation of bones, teeth, and the skull; it also plays a role in blood clotting and muscle cell contraction. Everyone should supplement calcium through daily food intake or by taking calcium in pill or liquid form. So, when is the best time to take calcium?
1. Should calcium be taken on an empty stomach?
Taking calcium on an empty stomach not only reduces its absorption but also harms the stomach, kidneys, and urinary tract, especially if taken in the evening before bed. The unexcreted calcium will remain in the stomach overnight, hindering the absorption of calcium.
Nutrition experts recommend taking calcium with meals that include plenty of leafy greens, using the fiber as a "vehicle" to transport calcium to the small intestine, thereby increasing calcium absorption.
2. When is the best time to take calcium?
Vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium effectively, so it is best to take calcium in the morning. This is when the body has the opportunity to be exposed to sunlight, which contains vitamin D. The perfect time for the body to easily absorb calcium is from 7 AM to 8 AM.
Note that you should not take calcium on an empty stomach; instead, take it before breakfast to avoid affecting the stomach. While having breakfast, sit in the sunlight on the porch and take calcium about an hour after breakfast. This helps the body maximize calcium absorption.
When supplementing calcium, it should not be done hastily; the body should absorb calcium gradually for better effectiveness. Therefore, you can split the required calcium intake into two doses per day, taking it after breakfast and after lunch.
Particularly, the best time to take calcium for pregnant women also needs to be considered. Pregnant women often need to supplement with both calcium and DHA. Although taking these two supplements together does not affect their absorption efficiency, DHA should be taken right before or after meals, while calcium should be taken 30 minutes before or after meals.
3. Precautions when taking calcium
- Do not take calcium in the evening, especially after 9 PM.
- If you are taking antibiotics, take them about 2 hours apart from calcium.
- Do not take calcium with very salty foods, as this can cause calcium loss through urine.
- Do not take calcium after a meal high in protein, as digesting fats can reduce calcium absorption.
- Do not take calcium with milk, fruit juice, or coffee.
- Do not take high doses of calcium; only take the necessary amount because the body cannot absorb all the calcium you ingest. Excess calcium can increase the risk of kidney stones and negatively affect your health.
- Do not take calcium with green tea, as tannins in green tea can interfere with calcium absorption.
- Pregnant women with anemia should not take calcium supplements together with iron supplements. Do not take iron with calcium-rich fresh milk, as this can hinder the absorption of both elements.
- Some calcium supplements today contain small amounts of lead, which can adversely affect fetal development. Pregnant women should choose carefully and consult their doctor when taking calcium.
Calcium is particularly important for the development of pregnancy, so pregnant women need to be very careful when supplementing this nutrient. To ensure a safe and smooth pregnancy that promotes the health of both mother and baby, pregnant women should plan regular prenatal check-ups at reputable hospitals.
The Maternity Care Combo at Vinmec International General Hospital is a wise choice for pregnant women. By participating in this package, pregnant women will receive comprehensive, periodic prenatal care. Based on the examination results, doctors will detect any abnormalities in the fetus and advise pregnant women on intervention measures to ensure the health of both mother and baby.
To arrange an appointment, please call HOTLINE or make your reservation directly HERE. You may also download the MyVinmec app to schedule appointments faster and manage your reservations more conveniently.
