Is it better to take folic acid in the morning or afternoon?

December 27, 2025 •

4 min read

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) note that folic acid can help prevent up to 70% of neural tube defects when taken daily. However, many people still question, is it better to take folic acid in the morning or afternoon, and the answer often depends more on personal routine than on strict timing.

Quick Summary

Deciding when to take your folic acid depends on factors like absorption efficiency, potential side effects, and building a consistent routine. Most experts agree that daily, consistent intake is far more critical than the exact time you take it.

Key Points

Consistency is Key: The most important factor for folic acid efficacy is taking it daily at a time you will not forget.
Morning for Absorption: Taking folic acid on an empty stomach in the morning may offer slightly better absorption for some individuals.
Afternoon for Sensitivity: An afternoon dose with a meal can help reduce stomach upset for those who experience it.
Consider Other Supplements: If taking a multivitamin, an afternoon dose with a meal can help with the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins included.
Listen to Your Body: Pay attention to how your body reacts. If a morning dose gives you energy that affects sleep, switch to the afternoon.
Consult a Doctor: For high doses, pregnancy, or if on other medications, always seek professional medical advice on timing.

Consistency Trumps Timing for Effectiveness

For most individuals, the single most important factor for maximizing the benefits of folic acid is taking it consistently every day. Because folic acid is a water-soluble vitamin, your body uses what it needs and excretes the rest. A daily dose ensures your body's folate levels remain stable over time, which is particularly vital during the crucial early weeks of pregnancy when the neural tube is developing. Missing doses, regardless of the time of day you take it, is more detrimental than choosing an 'inefficient' time.

Morning vs. Afternoon: Exploring the Factors

While consistent daily intake is paramount, there are some minor factors that might influence your decision to choose a specific time of day for your supplement.

The Case for Morning Intake

Empty Stomach Absorption: Some sources suggest that taking folic acid on an empty stomach can lead to more efficient absorption. For many, this means taking it first thing in the morning before breakfast.
Energy Boost: As a B vitamin, folic acid plays a role in metabolism. Some people report feeling a slight energy boost from B vitamins, so taking it in the morning aligns with your body's natural waking cycle. Taking it too late might potentially interfere with sleep for a small percentage of people.
Easier Routine: Linking a supplement with a morning habit, like breakfast, can make it easier to remember to take it daily.

The Case for Afternoon or Evening Intake

Reduced Stomach Upset: For those who experience mild nausea or stomach upset from supplements, taking folic acid with a meal can help mitigate these effects. Taking it with lunch or dinner can be a good strategy.
Evening Reminder: If your daily routine makes a morning dose easy to forget, anchoring the supplement to an evening activity, such as brushing your teeth or after dinner, might work better for you.

A Quick Comparison: Morning vs. Afternoon Folic Acid


Aspect	Morning Intake	Afternoon/Evening Intake
Absorption	Potentially more efficient on an empty stomach.	Taking with food can improve absorption and is common with multivitamins.
Routine	Easy to link with breakfast or a regular morning activity.	Effective for those who might forget morning supplements.
Side Effects	Best if B-vitamins cause energy boosts that could disrupt sleep.	May help if the supplement causes minor stomach upset by taking it with food.
Convenience	Can be done with other morning medications or vitamins.	Can be done with evening medication routines.

Folic Acid and Food: An Important Consideration

The decision to take folic acid with or without food is another factor to weigh. As a water-soluble vitamin, it can be absorbed efficiently on an empty stomach with a glass of water. However, taking it with food is perfectly acceptable and can be beneficial if you experience stomach sensitivity. For those taking a multivitamin that contains folic acid, it's often best to take it with a meal for better absorption of any fat-soluble vitamins present.

Special Considerations and Building Your Routine

Pregnancy and Preconception: For women who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, daily folic acid is non-negotiable and consistency is the priority. The specific time is less critical than ensuring a daily dose is taken, especially during the first trimester. Your healthcare provider's recommendation should be followed above all else.
High Dosages: If you are prescribed a high dose of folic acid (e.g., for certain anemias), timing and intake with food may be more important to manage potential side effects like nausea or stomach pain. Always follow your doctor's instructions for high-dose regimens.
Medication Interactions: Some medications can affect how your body absorbs or uses folic acid. If you are on other medications, it is wise to discuss the best time to take your folic acid supplement with your healthcare provider to avoid interactions.

Conclusion: The Final Verdict on Folic Acid Timing

Ultimately, whether you take folic acid in the morning or afternoon is a personal choice that should prioritize one thing above all else: consistency. The most effective strategy is to integrate it into your daily routine at a time you will consistently remember. For some, this will be with their morning coffee and breakfast; for others, it will be with an evening meal. Minor factors like absorption on an empty stomach or managing side effects might nudge the decision, but they are secondary to the goal of reliable, daily intake. If you have any concerns or are on other medications, consulting a healthcare professional is the best way to determine the optimal timing for your specific needs.

For more information on folic acid guidelines, especially for pregnancy, consult the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, it is not bad to take folic acid in the afternoon. The specific time of day is less important than taking it consistently every day. Taking it with a meal in the afternoon might even be beneficial for individuals who experience mild stomach upset.

Yes, you can take folic acid with food. While some sources suggest slightly more efficient absorption on an empty stomach, taking it with a meal can help prevent stomach upset and is a perfectly acceptable way to take the supplement.

If you forget to take your dose, take it as soon as you remember. Missing an occasional dose is not ideal, but the overall consistency of daily intake is what truly matters for maintaining stable folate levels.

While unlikely for most, some people may find that B vitamins, including folic acid, can have a mild stimulating effect on metabolism and brain function. If you notice it affects your sleep, taking it earlier in the day may be preferable.

For pregnant women, the most important thing is consistent daily intake, ideally starting before conception. The exact time is less critical than ensuring you take it every day, often as part of a prenatal vitamin routine.

The timing can have a minor effect on absorption. It may be absorbed more efficiently on an empty stomach, but overall, taking it consistently with or without food ensures adequate intake.

Folic acid is often included in multivitamins and prenatal vitamins and can be taken alongside other supplements. If your multivitamin contains both water-soluble and fat-soluble vitamins, taking it with a meal is typically recommended.