Do I need to take my vitamins or mineral pills with a meal?

It depends on the vitamin or mineral, but generally it’s best to take them with food because taking them solo could upset your stomach. Linking your vitamin regimen to a specific meal can also help you remember to take the supplements. One exception is iron, which requires acid in the stomach to be absorbed and should be taken either 2 hours after a meal, when digestive acids are still churning, or with an acidic drink like orange juice. Vitamin B12 and folic acid might be absorbed slightly better on an empty stomach, but the effect is probably minor. Talk with your doctor before taking any supplements, especially if you take prescription medication, because some supplements can interact with drugs.