I was told to take my multivitamin in the morning and calcium at least two hours later and twice a day. I don't need to take either with food. I learned that calcium citrate is more easily absorbed and doesn't need to be taken with food. Calcium carbonate is harder for the body to use and you will absorb it better with food. I plan to take my vitamin with my morning mess and drink a glass of water, then stop the water for 1/2 hour, then try to eat breakfast. I actually have a schedule showing each hour of the day with when to take vitamins, when to start and stop drinking water, etc. it's a lot to keep track of. Good luck!