How long do supplements take to work? Everyone wants to know, and if you're new to taking supplements, it'll be the most important question in your mind. Our Founder and Head of Formulation, Angelina Palmer, writes about how long it will take for you to not only see, but feel a difference when starting Glow's supplements.
Table of contents:
- How does our body use nutrients?
- How long does it take supplements to work?
- Does increasing the dose improve the effectiveness of supplements?
- How do I get maximum benefits from my supplements?
How does our body use nutrients?
Our body relies on nutrients to function properly, maintain health, and support growth and repair.
- Carbohydrates are the body's primary energy source, fueling everything from daily activities to complex bodily functions.
- Proteins are crucial for building and repairing tissues, producing enzymes, and supporting a robust immune system.
- Healthy fats are essential for energy storage, cell structure, and hormone production.
- Vitamins and minerals, though needed in smaller quantities, are vital for regulating metabolism, maintaining bone health, and ensuring proper nerve and muscle function.
- Water, often underestimated, is critical for hydration, temperature regulation, and facilitating biochemical reactions.
By consuming a balanced diet rich in these nutrients, we empower our bodies to thrive and sustain overall well-being.
How long does it take supplements to work?
The time it takes for supplements to show results can vary depending on the type and individual needs. Vitamins and minerals may take a up to 6 weeks before you start to see a noticable change, however it can only take a few days to feel a change. For example, improvements in energy levels from vitamin B12 or iron supplements, if you're deficient, might be seen after a few weeks of consistent use.
Botanical ingredients, like ashwagandha or turmeric, often require several weeks of regular intake to observe their full effects. Patience and consistency are key when taking supplements, so set realistic expectations and give your body time to adjust and benefit from the added nutrients.
Does increasing the dose improve the effectiveness of supplements?
Sometimes yes, and sometimes no. An interesting research composure has been put together by the Expert Group on Vitamins and Minerals which has collated a bunch of research on nutrients and has come together to set out what their recommendations are on the normal, lower and upper level of nutrients that people should be taking.
I often find that when people start out taking supplements, they get attracted to the ones that boast about having the highest and the greatest nutrient content. That may be great in some cases, but often what our body doesn't need, it rejects. I find it best to choose a supplement that sticks around the 100% NRV (Nutrient Recommended Value) mark, which you can find in the tables on our label.
Saying that, some people do need a higher dose of things for various reasons and in that case a trip to your local GP or a discussion with a nutritionist is normally the best place to start.
How do I get maximum benefits from my supplements?
Supplements to Take with Meals
Fat-soluble vitamins like A, D, E, and K require fat for absorption, so it's best to take them with a fatty breakfast (like yoghurt and fruit, avocado on toast, eggs, or protein shake bowls). For example, Glow’s The Original and Clear Skin, rich in essential vitamins, should be taken with meals to maximise absorption.
Supplements to Take Without Food
On the other hand, some supplements are more effective when taken on an empty stomach. Glow’s Gut Biotic, designed to support digestive health, is best taken before meals to help ensure the probiotics reach the gut alive and aren't destroyed by stomach acid. The absorption of each supplement can vary, so it’s important to consider the best way to take each one to get the most benefit from your Glow products.
