If there’s a need your body has, chances are there’s a vitamin on the market that will cater to it. They’ll energize you, keep your anxiety at ease, and even support your immune system — it all just comes down to finding the right supplements to do the job.
Since our bodies sometimes need more nutrients than what our diets can provide, taking vitamins can help fill in nutritional gaps to prevent deficiencies and maintain the healthy function of our bodies from the inside out. Still, it’s safe to say that, at times, it can be just as hard to know what our bodies need as it is to know how to take the supplements it’s craving.
So, if you find yourself getting frazzled by the proper order to take vitamins, there are a few things to keep in mind to encourage proper absorption, and we’re here to help with that!
A Balanced Diet Is Key
First, remember that while supplements can be beneficial in certain situations, they should not be a substitute for a balanced and nutritious diet. Aim to get most of your essential vitamins and minerals from the foods you eat, like oranges, broccoli, cabbage, spinach, and more.
What Order Should I Take My Vitamins?
Multivitamins
Typically, multivitamins are best absorbed when consumed alongside a meal. They can be taken during breakfast, lunch, or dinner, however, it's advisable to refrain from taking them on an empty stomach to avoid potential stomach discomfort.
Vitamins A, D, E, and K
Fat-soluble vitamins like vitamins A, D, E, and K absorb in the body the best when taken with food. It is recommended to take fat-soluble vitamins in supplement form sparingly and to check with your nutritionist for any deficiency you currently have because taking vitamin supplements with too high of a dose of vitamins A, D, E, and K can lead to toxicity.
According to Healthline, you don't generally need to take vitamins A, K, and E in supplement form as it is usually derived naturally through diet. However, due to vitamin D deficiency (especially in Black women), a vitamin D supplement typically comes highly recommended by experts. Healthy fats like nuts and avocados are great to pair with when taking these since fat-soluble vitamins need fat in order to absorb properly.
Iron
Taking iron midmorning or midafternoon is highly recommended. It’s best absorbed on an empty stomach or in between meals with fruit juice rich in vitamin C, like orange juice, as it can enhance absorption in the body.
Vitamin C and the B’s
Water-soluble vitamins like vitamin C and the B's (B1, B2, B3, B5, B7, B9, and B12), are best absorbed with or without food. Because our body does not store water-soluble vitamins, we need them daily. In the case of B12, it’s found to be most effective when taken with meals.
However, be careful not to mix vitamins C and B-12 as it can reduce the absorption. To avoid a vitamin B-12 deficiency, allow at least two hours between taking a vitamin C supplement and a vitamin B-12 supplement.
Magnesium Glycinate
Because of the calming effects that this mineral has on the body, it’s best to take magnesium glycinate late in the afternoon or at dinner time, and can be taken with or without food.
Zinc and Calcium
Take these minerals with food but at different meals. Consuming these together can reduce the absorption of both minerals. Additionally, avoid taking zinc and calcium with multivitamins, as that can also interfere with absorption.
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Aley Arion is a writer and digital storyteller from the South, currently living in sunny Los Angeles. Her site, yagirlaley.com, serves as a digital diary to document personal essays, cultural commentary, and her insights into the Black Millennial experience. Follow her at @yagirlaley on all platforms!
Devale Ellis On Being A Provider, Marriage Growth & Redefining Fatherhood
In this candid episode of the xoMAN podcast, host Kiara Walker talked with Devale Ellis, actor, social media personality, and star of Zatima, about modern masculinity, learning to be a better husband, emotional presence in marriage, fatherhood for Black men, and leading by example.
“I Wasn’t Present Emotionally”: Devale Ellis on Marriage Growth
Devale Ellis On Learning He Was a ‘Bad Husband’
Ellis grew up believing that a man should prioritize providing for his family. “I know this may come off as misogynistic, but I feel like it’s my responsibility as a man to pay for everything,” he said, emphasizing the wise guidance passed down by his father. However, five years into his marriage to long-time partner Khadeen Ellis, he realized provision wasn’t just financial.
“I was a bad husband because I wasn’t present emotionally… I wasn’t concerned about what she needed outside of the resources.”
Once he shifted his mindset, his marriage improved. “In me trying to be of service to her, I learned that me being of service created a woman who is now willing to be of service to me.”
On Redefining Masculinity and Fatherhood
For Ellis, “being a man is about being consistent.” As a father of four, he sees parenthood as a chance to reshape the future.
“Children give you another chance at life. I have four different opportunities right now to do my life all over again.”
He also works to uplift young Black men, reinforcing their worth in a world that often undermines them. His values extend to his career—Ellis refuses to play roles that involve domestic violence or sexual assault.
Watch the full episode below:
On Marriage, Family Planning, and Writing His Story
After his wife’s postpartum preeclampsia, Ellis chose a vasectomy over her taking hormonal birth control, further proving his commitment to their partnership. He and Khadeen share their journey in We Over Me, and his next book, Raising Kings: How Fatherhood Saved Me From Myself, is on the way.
Through honesty and growth, Devale Ellis challenges traditional ideas of masculinity, making his story one that resonates deeply with millennial women.
For the xoMAN podcast, host Kiara Walker peels back the layers of masculinity with candid conversations that challenge stereotypes and celebrate vulnerability. Real men. Real stories. Real talk.
Want more real talk from xoMAN? Catch the full audio episodes every Tuesday on Spotify and Apple Podcasts, and don’t miss the full video drops every Wednesday on YouTube. Hit follow, subscribe, and stay tapped in.
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Calling All Lovers: October London, Tamar Braxton & Ro James Deliver A Soulful Serenade
If there was ever a night to pull out your best leather jacket, call up an old flame, and lean into your soft, sultry era, The October Nights: Calling All Lovers tour was it.
Presented by Black Promoters Collective, the show brought an evening of lush vocals, smooth grooves, and unapologetic grown-folks business to Atlanta—with Ro James, Tamar Braxton, and the man of the hour, October London, leading the charge. The energy? Sensual. The vibe? Intoxicating (literally and figuratively—more on that in a minute).
Ro James kicked off the night with his signature raspy vocals and a cool confidence that immediately set the tone. While “Permission” was the undeniable crowd favorite (with couples slow-dancing in their seats and people swaying with their phones in the air), he also dug deeper into his catalog, delivering seductive mid-tempos and moody ballads that reminded us he’s not a one-hit wonder—he’s a whole vibe.
Next up, Tamar Braxton took the stage with diva energy and vocal acrobatics that had the crowd on their feet. Her set was a perfect mix of emotion and edge—songs like “My Man,” “All the Way Home,” and “Love & War” hit every heartstring, but she didn’t stop there.
Tamar tapped into her earlier work, showing her full vocal range and reminding everyone that she’s one of the most powerful voices of her generation. Between tracks, she got personal with the audience, sharing laughs and stories like we were all cousins at the family reunion.
Oh—and in case you missed it: “Braxtons are coming back.” 👀 Consider that a soft launch if we’ve ever heard one.
Then came the velvet king himself: October London.
From the moment he stepped on stage, it felt like time slowed down. Backed by a silky live band and powerhouse background vocalists The Shindellas — Kaso, Stacy, and Tam, October’s set was pure R&B indulgence.
He opened with songs like “She Keeps Calling” and “Make Me Wanna,” blending retro soul with modern sensuality. Every note was intentional, every lyric soaked in emotion.
“Touch On Me” and “3rd Shift” had the crowd in a trance, while “Lovers Interlude” and “You Look Better” brought things to a tender, candlelit close.
And because this is October London we’re talking about—of course, he came with the charm. “If I come down there and sing with you,” he teased one woman in the front row, “you gon’ get pregnant.” The entire room screamed.
He also took a moment to introduce his newest venture—a signature whiskey that he’s currently promoting on tour. Smooth music, smooth vocals, smooth whiskey? A trifecta for the grown and sexy.
To top off the night, there was even a surprise pop-up from Tyrese, sending the crowd into full nostalgic overload.
By the end of the night, it was clear: this wasn’t just a concert—it was a love letter to R&B. The October Nights: Calling All Lovers tour captured the essence of grown-up intimacy, storytelling, and soul. No gimmicks. Just real voices, real feelings, and really good music.
If October London is the future of modern soul, we’re all in.
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