on December 02, 2025

Top 3 Supplements You Should NEVER Take with Coffee

Introduction

For millions of people, a morning coffee is a non-negotiable ritual. But if you take supplements with that cup of coffee, you may be reducing their effectiveness without even realizing it. Research shows that caffeine can speed up the elimination of certain vitamins and minerals and interfere with how well your body absorbs them. In fact, there are three supplements you should never take with coffee — and timing matters more than you think.

 


How Caffeine Works

Caffeine is a natural stimulant found in coffee, tea, and some energy drinks. After you drink it, caffeine is quickly absorbed from the stomach into the bloodstream, where it binds to adenosine receptors in the brain. By blocking adenosine — a chemical responsible for signaling tiredness — caffeine boosts energy, alertness, and focus.

However, caffeine also affects how your body processes nutrients. It can:

  • Increase the speed at which certain vitamins and minerals are flushed out

  • Reduce the absorption of key nutrients in the digestive tract

  • Interfere with the effectiveness of certain supplements and medications

This means taking vitamins with your coffee may significantly reduce their benefits.


Caffeine & Supplements

Caffeine can disrupt nutrient absorption in two major ways:

  1. Faster Elimination:
    As a natural diuretic, caffeine increases urine output. This can cause water-soluble vitamins and minerals to leave the body more quickly.

  2. Reduced Absorption:
    Caffeine can interfere with how certain nutrients are taken up in the digestive tract, reducing the amount your body can actually use.

Together, these effects can make your supplements far less effective when taken with coffee.


3 Supplements You Should Never Take With Coffee

1. Vitamin D

Coffee has been shown to interfere with the absorption of vitamin D. Since vitamin D is essential for bone health, immunity, and mood regulation, poor absorption can have a meaningful impact.

For best results:

  • Take vitamin D at least one hour before or after your coffee

  • Or take it later in the day for optimal absorption

Whenever possible, natural sunlight remains the best source of vitamin D.


2. B Vitamins

B vitamins — especially B12 and B-complex formulas — should never be taken with coffee.

Why?

  • Coffee is a diuretic, so it increases the rate at which B vitamins are flushed from the body

  • Water-soluble vitamins like B12 can become less effective when taken with caffeinated beverages

If you take a multivitamin or individual B vitamins, avoid pairing them with your morning brew.


3. Magnesium

Magnesium is crucial for energy production, relaxation, muscle function, and overall metabolic health. Many people supplement with magnesium, but timing it incorrectly can reduce its effectiveness.

Because caffeine interferes with magnesium absorption, you should:

  • Avoid taking magnesium within one hour before or after drinking coffee

  • Take it separately — often morning or evening works best depending on your supplement routine


Summary

To get the most benefit from your supplements, avoid taking these three nutrients with coffee:

  • Vitamin D

  • B Vitamins

  • Magnesium

Caffeine can reduce their absorption or cause them to be flushed from the body too quickly. Creating at least a one-hour gap between drinking coffee and taking these supplements can help ensure your body absorbs them properly.

Give your supplements the chance to work the way they’re meant to — timing makes all the difference.


REFERENCE: J9CON230178