Chrono-nutrition: the best time of day to take your vitamins

Find out about chrono-nutrition and how starting a vitamin routine can boost your health and wellness. 

CHRONO-NUTRITION FOR VITAMIN USE 

In the world of healthy eating, chrono-nutrition has a long-standing history, and shines a spotlight on the time of day you eat being just as important as what you eat. Chrono-nutrition for vitamin use can take nutrition to the next level. 

WHAT IS CHRONO-NUTRITION?  

A biological clock is an instinctive mechanism that controls the body's activities, including waking, sleeping and doing other activities on a regular cycle. For example, "jet lag" occurs when your internal clock, or circadian rhythms, become out of sync with the current location's time. The same is true for food and vitamin supplements. The goal is to align nutrition patterns with each person's internal clock.  

WHICH VITAMINS AND WHEN TO TAKE THEM 

According to Dr. Michael Roizen, chief wellness officer of the Cleveland Clinic, chairman of the medical advisory board for Persona (a Nestlé Health Science company) and author of the new What to Eat When book, "most people focus on the food part of chrono-nutrition and do not consider their vitamin routine. Following a chrono-nutrition program for meals and dietary supplement intake will align nutrition patterns with internal clocks, preparing the body to meet health goals." 

Most people take their vitamin supplements at different times of the day – varying their schedule from one day to the next. But a good supplement program provides specific nutrients at specific times of the day. A personalized vitamin program, like Persona, guides its subscribers on which supplements to take – and when – by providing easily marked individual packs. 

Out of more than half a million people who took Persona's online nutritional assessment, nearly 70 percent reported sleep concerns while 20 percent said they experienced reduced energy levels. There are key times of the day to consider when taking nutritional supplements to help support sleep patterns and energy levels. 

For example: 

• Magnesium taken at night can help activate neurotransmitters responsible for relaxing the body and mind, encouraging a more restful sleep. 

• Supplements with energetic properties like cordyceps and fermented ginseng are best taken in the morning to help the body remain focused throughout the day. 

• A multi-vitamin can be split down the middle with half taken in the morning and the remaining amount before bed to better distribute the nutrients the body receives. 

• Iron and calcium should be taken separately because they compete for absorption in the body. Taking iron with vitamin C also enhances absorption. 

DON'T FORGET SLEEP AND EXERCISE 

Overall wellness programs include healthy sleep routines and exercise programs. Synchronize food, dietary supplement, sleep and exercise programs for holistic wellness that will keep your body ticking to the right rhythm - in the new year and beyond. 

If you’re looking for individualized vitamin & mineral recommendation, visit www.personanutrition.com and take their on-line questionnaire.