Girl in exercise clothes with measuring tape wrapped around her waist

Can You Take Supplements While Fasting?

What are some of the supplements you can take while fasting?

  1. Turmeric Curcumin
  2. Vitamin C
  3. L-Tyrosine
Can you take supplements while fasting? The answer to the question depends on the vitamins you want to take as well as how your body responds to it. This means that there is no black or white answer to the question. Fasting, also referred to as intermittent fasting, is done differently depending on a person’s capability as well as the needs of their body. The most well-known type of intermittent fasting is the 16/8 method. This gives you an 8 to 10 hour “eating window” and a 14 to 16 hour fasting period. Regardless of the intermittent fasting method you choose, according to some dieticians, supplements are generally safe to take. Here are some of them that they say can either be taken with an empty stomach or during a meal.

Turmeric Curcumin

Capsules of turmeric with ground turmeric powder on a table Curcumin is a compound derived from turmeric. These supplements are frequently sold as capsules that can be opened and prepared as tea. It is made to prevent chronic inflammation as well as support the heart and blood vessels. Curcumin, together with krill oil, is greatly absorbed by the body when consumed during the eating window hours. In most cases, turmeric curcumin delivers evidence-based benefits for the body whether you are fasting or not. Turmeric contains bioactive compounds with potent medicinal properties in the form of curcumin. It is a substance that contains antioxidants and also anti-inflammatory properties. Intermittent fasting requires a person to consume meals at a certain period of time within the day. Because of this, there may be a chance that the lining of your stomach reduces in size. This is true for people with gastritis wherein the stomach linings experience inflammation. Curcumin can prevent the occurrence of such inflammatory episodes.

Vitamin C

Vitamin c tablets forming the letter c on a wooden table The best vitamin C to take is the ones with bioflavonoids. Bioflavonoids are responsible for enhancing vitamin C’s effect on the body. Since vitamin C supplements are highly acidic, they may also cause nausea when consumed on an empty stomach. While others argue that vitamin C can be taken on an empty stomach, it is better to pair it with a meal to stave off nausea. Since you are intermittently fasting, your body is not receiving the specified amount of ascorbic acid found in food. This translates to decreased formation of collagen, reduced absorption of iron, a more fragile immune system, and slower wound healing. The recommended daily dose of vitamin C is around approximately 65 to 90 mg a day with an upper limit of 2,000 mg per day. To be safe, obtain a more moderate amount to prevent overdosing and so that the body receives sufficient vitamin C.

L-Tyrosine

Close-up of a woman holding up a single white pill on one hand and a glass of water on the other hand When you undergo intermittent fasting, you may not be receiving the recommended amount of protein per day. With this, you may need supplements that contain L-tyrosine. L-tyrosine is an amino acid that serves as a building block of protein. For people who may be going through some stress, L-tyrosine can help improve mood, increase mental alertness, and improve focus. Moreover, once the L-tyrosine is consumed, it turns into three major neurotransmitters: dopamine, norepinephrine, and adrenaline. All three work together so that the brain becomes stable, less stressed, and more focused. L-tyrosine also ensures that your metabolism is running smoothly. This can support the body in its goal to lose weight and increase muscle buildup. The L-tyrosine supplement can be taken with an empty stomach. Many suggest that it must be consumed at least 30 minutes before meals and divided into three daily doses. The consumption process is done to dodge side effects such as nausea, headaches, fatigue, and heartburn.

Key Takeaway

More and more people are trying intermittent fasting in an effort to lose weight. A lot of them are wondering if they are still receiving the recommended amount of body nutrients. When practicing any type of intermittent fasting, you are consuming fewer calories, which means that there are fewer vitamins and nutrients in your system. Supplements provide you with the nutrients your body lacks. The longer you fast, the more likely you are going to need supplementation. Some supplements you can take from Puritan’s Pride are L-Tyrosine Free Form and Vitamin C with Bioflavonoids and Rose Hips. The longer you fast, the more likely you are going to need supplementation.