Generally, our lifestyles will dictate when it is most convenient to take dietary supplements or nutraceuticals. Whether you are a busy mom, an early riser, working out, on the road every day, or working from home, knowing when is the best time to take vitamin C and collagen, can affect how nutrients are absorbed and help maximize results. In this article, we look at the best possible times to take these nutrients individually and also as a combo.
When is the best time to take vitamin C?
The best way to get your daily dose of vitamin C is through a balanced diet, consisting of a variety of fresh fruit and veggies. The natural enzymes in food and the bioflavonoids in fruit help the body to extract and absorb vitamin C. Eating or snacking on whole foods loaded with vitamin C is good at any time of the day, which may not be the case for people taking ascorbic acid as a dietary supplement. For most people generally, supplementing with vitamin C happens without a hitch, but others may experience some side effects such as diarrhea or nausea. Sometimes it is simply a case of lowering the dosage of vitamin C or knowing when is the best time to take vitamin C in supplement form.
4 more factors to consider:
People who experience minor side effects may choose not to take ascorbic acid on an empty stomach, but rather with a meal during the day.
Taking vitamin C later in the day, when those lazy afternoon slumps set in, can give you that much-needed boost of energy at the end of the day.
Those who work out and are serious about building muscle should space exercise and vitamin C intake. Research has shown that taking an antioxidant just after a workout may reduce the effect you want from training. Vitamin C in higher dosages of about 1000 mg can negate the impact of exercise-related inflammation that stimulates muscles to grow. A 6-hour wait after exercise is recommended before you can take vitamin C.
If you struggle to fall asleep or have insomnia, taking vitamin C before bed may also not be such a good idea. Vitamin C may increase your energy levels which will not be very helpful for a good night’s rest.
When is the best time to take collagen?
Adding this anti-aging supermolecule to your daily routine will have you reap its many benefits of good health and skin in no time. According to this study, women who take collagen peptides for about 8 weeks can look forward to a not too shabby 20% reduction in wrinkles.
Collagen is an easy supplement to take. It dissolves fast and into anything really and is tasteless. Super convenient, 1 or 2 scoops can be taken any time of the day in either hot or cold drinks. You can take it in plain water, in your favorite smoothie, juice, coffee, or teas. Adding collagen to baked goods, such as pancakes, muffins, and raw treats is a great way to boost extra protein content.
Take collagen during the day in whichever way is most convenient for you. Taking it with your coffee or tea first thing in the morning will help create and set a routine that you can easily stick to. Taking collagen at night before bed will help you wind down easier and sleep better. Just one collagen serving before bed can improve your quality of sleep.
Research has shown that taking collagen about 30 to 60 minutes before a workout is much more beneficial than taking it before. In fact, the body’s ability to absorb and synthesize collagen increases. This is also one of the best times to take vitamin C and collagen together as you will see in the next section.
When is the best time to take a vitamin C and collagen together?
Since collagen cannot be produced in the body without vitamin C being present, it is vital that the body’s reserves of vitamin C are replenished daily, primarily and ideally from healthy whole foods.
Because vitamin C is water-soluble the body will only store the amount it needs. If there are adequate amounts of vitamin C stored, collagen can be produced.
Top tip: Take your collagen peptides alongside vitamin C rich fruits and veggies!
It is not necessary for vitamin C and collagen to be taken together, but there are certain times in the day when taking them together is not only convenient but beneficial. Taking the combo in the morning can help kickstart the day with a boost of energy and a post-lunch dose can help with afternoon slumps.
Most notably, research has found that taking vitamin C and collagen together, before intermittent exercise, in fact, amplifies collagen synthesis. Taking between 10 to 15 grams of collagen alongside 50 mg of vitamin C, which is roughly the amount you would find in an orange, doubled the collagen amounts in joints.
The only time where vitamin C and collagen become the odd couple is if you had to take them in tandem before bed. Considering that vitamin C is known to perk up energy levels and collagen help enhance sleep, this might not be such a good idea.
Verdict
Deciding on the best time to take vitamin C and collagen together would depend on your lifestyle and goals. You would have to ask yourself which area of your health you want to focus on. If your goal is to get all the benefits that vitamin C can give you primarily, then making sure you get your daily dose of this specific nutrient is most important, regardless of whether you take collagen or not.
If your goal is to up your collagen production in the body primarily, then taking both nutrients in tandem can be very beneficial.
People with high blood pressure may have an oversupply of collagen in the body and should consult a doctor before taking collagen or vitamin C supplements. If in doubt speak to a medical practitioner who will help guide you according to your individual health needs.
Taking dietary supplements should always be done alongside the guidance of a medical practitioner. This article was not written or overseen by a medical professional and should not be viewed as advice or diagnostic information.
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Cautionary note: Not any of these statements have been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The content of the articles and the products recommended are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or health issue. The intention is also not to imply that vitamins or any dietary supplements are substitutes for a balanced diet or are in any way more beneficial or superior to dietary nutrients. It is also not intended to imply that general or normal health may be affected by not taking dietary supplements or receiving intravenous vitamin C infusions.
Image credits: Curology (cover), SLM (bottom image)
