It is common to think that medications and supplements should be taken with food; that is certainly the case with many. For example, “It is recommended to take vitamin D with a fatty meal for better absorption”, Nancy Salman, tells us Walgreens Pharmacist with 15 years of experience. Also, “it’s best to take magnesium supplements with a meal to reduce stomach upset and diarrhea,” explains Dr. Salman. However, there are some medications that you should take on an empty stomach, according to experts. As always, consult your doctor or pharmacist for medical advice. Read on and to ensure your health and the health of others, don’t miss these Sure signs you’ve already had COVID.
According to the national health service“Some medicines need to be taken ‘before meals’ or ‘on an empty stomach’. This is because food and some drinks can affect the way these medicines work. For example, taking some medicines at the same time you eat can prevent your stomach and intestines from absorbing the medicine, making it less effective Alternatively, some foods may interact with your medicine, either increasing or decreasing the amount of medicine in your blood to potentially dangerous levels, or levels that are too low to be effective.”
HaVy Ngo-HamiltonPharm.D, BuzzRx Clinical Consultant says, “Eating calcium-rich foods, such as dairy products, can prevent the body from absorbing some antibiotics.”
According to the Mayo Clinic“Iron is best absorbed when taken on an empty stomach, with water or fruit juice (adults: full glass or 8 ounces; children: ½ glass or 4 ounces), approximately 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals. However, to lessen the chance of stomach upset, iron can be taken with food or immediately after meals.”
Dr. Ngo-Hamilton states: “Specific foods can cause problems by allowing more of the drug to enter your bloodstream and putting you at risk for dangerously high levels of the drug. An example is grapefruit juice, which can lead to increased absorption of medications such as certain statins used to lower cholesterol (Zocor, Lipitor), some medications used to treat high blood pressure (Procardia, Adalat CC), and abnormal heart rhythms (Pacerone, Cordarone) “.
According to Dr. Ngo-Hamilton, “Drugs such as levothyroxine (Synthroid) and drugs used to treat osteoporosis, such as alendronate (Fosamax) and ibandronate (Boniva), should be taken without food. Food can reduce absorption of some medications, making it difficult to make the medication less effective.
heather newgen
Heather Newgen has two decades of experience reporting and writing on health, fitness, entertainment and travel. Heather currently works as a freelancer for various publications. Read more about Heather
