There are two general ways supplements can be taken and in many cases both can be effective so it is a matter of which works best for you. You can take your supplement on an empty stomach and it will absorb faster because there is no food to slow down the digestion and absorption process.
However, this can cause upset stomach, gas and bloating, and feelings of nausea in some people. So, you also have the option of taking your supplement with a meal or a small snack so there is something else in your stomach to slow the break down and absorption so it doesn’t overwhelm your system.