When a vitamin/supplement says to take with a meal, should I take it before, during or after the meal?

I have always understood that if it says to take "with a meal" that means they want some food in your stomach before the pill gets there.

So, I'm not medical doctor, but I would take it after the meal, or at least after some food is injested.

I also think it would depend on the supplement. Some are better absorbed w/o food, some with.
Try this...

http://www.supplementwatch.com/

you may find the answer there..
hth,
Brenda

Hi Misty,

I think I can answer this one for you (I'm an RN if that helps).
"With meals" usually means just after. As Jeannie says, there needs to be some food there. When we dish out pills at work, "with meals" stuff is routinely given after food.
You can have it during if you like, but I take my "with meals" tablets immediately after. The only time I take tablets actually with food, is if the tablets themselves taste nasty. Anyone who's ever taken Prednisone will know what I'm talking about!

Cheers, matey.

Rosebud

Here is another one. "Take on an empty stomach". Does this mean a certain amount of time before you eat? If so, how long? (Ie. L-Carnitine)

"On an empty stomach" means ½ hour before food or 2-3 hours after, depending on how much you've eaten I guess!

Cheers.

Rosebud