So you're taking prenatal multivitamins. But do you know that the timing and manner you take them can affect their efficacy?

To make the most of your iron supplements or iron-containing multivitamins, for example, it is best to take them with a some citrus juice (vitamin C or ascorbic acid is said to improve iron absorption. Some formulations available in the market already do come with some vitamin C, so if you you might want to choose such a brand. In addition, it is best not to take it immediately after breakfast as there are compounds in coffee and milk which interfere with iron absorption.

There are certain foods that will inhibit iron absorption so you should avoid taking the supplement with any of them, even though it usually takes large amounts of the offending food to interfere. Some of the basic foods that will do this are: oxalic acid found in spinach and phosphates found primarily in milk, dairy products and egg whites. Also many sodas, phytates in beans and tannins in tea and coffee can interfere with iron absorption.

I've now taken the habit of taking my iron-containing multivitamins in the mornings before breakfast, and my calcium supplement in the evenings.