with food or on empty stomach?

[kittyb]

can someone explain to me why directions on some supplements say take with food, and others say e.g. take with a cold drink? And why would the same supplement have different directions depending on the manufacturer? My Asda Evening Primrose Oil said the former, my new bottle of Seven Seas EPO says the latter

They aren't contradictory instructions - you should take most supplement with food AND with a cold drink - the reason it says 'cold' drink is because if you have it with, say, tea, the heat will dissolve the capsule before it gets to your stomach so you might get an unpleasant taste. Some medicines are best on an empty stomach, but supplements are normally best with food - esp multivitamins and iron. With EPO I don't think it matters much when you take them.

Ahh I see. Thanks