Vitamins
Multivitamin/mineral — timing, dose & interactions
Combines vitamins and minerals in one product. Formulas differ a lot, so the label decides what it adds to the rest of your stack — common overlaps are vitamin D, B vitamins, zinc, iron, calcium and vitamin K.
Also known as: Multivitamin, MVM, Multi, Centrum, One A Day
Timing
When to take it
Take with a meal; contents vary widely, so check the label.
Interactions
Multivitamin/mineral with other supplements
No documented supplement interactions in our dataset.
Safety
Medications & health conditions
Multivitamins may contain vitamin K. NIH advises people on warfarin to talk with their health care provider before taking any multivitamin that contains vitamin K, because vitamin K lowers warfarin's effect. Keep your intake consistent and check the label.
Multivitamins with calcium or iron can reduce levothyroxine absorption. If your multivitamin contains calcium, iron or magnesium, keep it at least 4 hours from your thyroid medication, as for those minerals on their own.
Minerals in multivitamins can block these antibiotics. Calcium, iron, magnesium and zinc in multivitamins bind tetracycline and quinolone antibiotics. Space them as the antibiotic's label advises.
Multivitamins with calcium or iron block HIV integrase inhibitors. The dolutegravir label names multivitamins containing calcium or iron: take them together with a meal, or take the HIV medicine 2 hours before or 6 hours after.
Biotin in multivitamins can affect lab tests. Many multivitamins contain biotin, which can distort some blood tests such as thyroid tests. Tell whoever orders your test.
Buying guide
What to look for on the label
Quality seals: supplements don't need FDA approval before sale. Seals from USP, NSF or ConsumerLab show a product was tested for what's on the label and for contaminants — they don't guarantee it's safe or effective. NIH ODS: Dietary Supplements — What You Need to Know
Multivitamin/mineral
- Check the label for vitamin K, iron, calcium, biotin and zinc amounts
- Third-party tested (USP, NSF or ConsumerLab)
FAQ
Common questions
When is the best time to take Multivitamin/mineral?
Breakfast. Take with a meal; contents vary widely, so check the label.
Should Multivitamin/mineral be taken with food?
Yes. Taking it with a meal reduces stomach upset.
Sources