Best Multivitamins 2024

Maintaining a balanced diet is challenging, often leading to nutritional gaps. That's where the best multivitamins step in, bridging these deficiencies conveniently.

While specific supplements target individual needs (just look at our guides on the best taurine, EAA, and nitric oxide supplements as examples), multivitamins offer a comprehensive solution, typically containing 20+ essential vitamins and minerals. Most are designed for daily intake as a result, but just make sure you check the instructions for recommended dosages to avoid nutrient overload.

Once you've got that figured out, adding multivitamins to your diet might just help you reach the full potential of your well-being. Thankfully, our list has you covered if you don't know where to start your search. Based on price, reviews, and their vitamin and mineral makeup, these are some of the best multivitamins around...

Best multivitamins

1. Optimum Nutrition Opti-Men - best supplements for men
2. Nature Made Multi for Her - excellent multivitamins for women
3. MyVitamins A-Z Multivitamin Tablets - best budget-friendly pick
4. SmartyPants Daily Multivitamin for Men & Women - great multivitamin gummies
5. Natures Aid Daily Multivit - a top dissolvable choice

Credit: Optimum Nutrition

1. Optimum Nutrition Opti-Men

Best multivitamins for men

Optimum Nutrition Opti-Men stands out as a premier multivitamin supplement tailored for men, boasting a robust blend of 38 active ingredients meticulously chosen to alleviate fatigue, enhance cognitive function, and bolster metabolic and immune processes.

The synergistic combination of zinc and vitamin B5 is key, potentially elevating mental performance. Noteworthy research by Sun et al. underscores the correlation between zinc deficiency and cognitive impairment, while vitamin B5 has been linked to contributing to the structure and function of brain cells.

Within Opti-Men tablets, a comprehensive array of essential vitamins, including A, D, C, B6, B12, folic acid, as well as vital minerals like copper and selenium, collaboratively contribute to the maintenance of a resilient immune system and the alleviation of fatigue.

There's certainly a lot packed into each tablet, and, with 240 servings, you'll have more than enough to supplement your diet daily. So, with so many active ingredients, this is definitely a great multivitamin supplement to consider.

• Read More: Best cod liver oil capsules

Credit: Nature Made

2. Nature Made Multi for Her

Best multivitamins for women

Although men and women require mostly similar vitamins and minerals to function, their needs are not completely identical. As a result, it's important to go for a multivitamin tablet made for women if you're a woman yourself.

Enter Nature Made Multi for Her, an excellent tablet designed specifically to support women's unique health needs. It contains 23 key nutrients for daily supplementation, which include folic acid, a hugely important B vitamin that plays a role in preventing neural tube defects in women of reproductive age.

This supplement also contains around 100% of most women's daily iron intake, which is incredibly important as research by Moschonis et al. suggests women with menses are more likely to be iron-depleted, so additional supplementation is sometimes required.

There are some more universal potential health benefits as well. For instance, each tablet contains calcium, which plays a vital role in bone health, and vitamin D, which helps in absorbing calcium. Ultimately, it's an incredibly well-rounded supplement designed to support women's health.

• Read More: Best garlic supplements

Credit: MyVitamins

3. MyVitamins A-Z Multivitamin Tablets

Best budget multivitamins

MyVitamins A-Z Multivitamin Tablets is a slightly cheaper supplement to consider, although don't be put off by its lower price tag as it still contains a ton of useful ingredients which may enhance your well-being.

Some of the key ingredients include vitamin A, which plays an important role in eye health as it supports the functioning of the conjunctival membranes and cornea, iron, which we've highlighted above, and vitamin C, which, among many things, is a key contributor to immune defense.

The supplement itself is convenient to take. MyVitamins recommends just 1 tablet a day, which means you don't have to worry about taking multiple doses throughout your daily routine. With 90 servings per container as well, there are plenty of tablets to last you months.

So, if it's a budget-friendly multivitamin supplement you're after, make sure you consider these A-Z tablets.

• Read More: Best milk thistle supplements

Credit: SmartyPants

4. SmartyPants Daily Multivitamin for Men & Women

Best gummy multivitamin

We've explored some fantastic multivitamins thus far, but they all share a common trait - they come in tablet form. For those seeking a more convenient alternative to swallowing pills, SmartyPants Daily Multivitamin could be the answer. Instead of tablets, you'll receive 180 chewable gummies, making daily intake much easier.

Taking four gummies a day provides a comprehensive blend of 15 essential nutrients, including omega-3 EPA/DHA. This particular component has demonstrated promising results in disease prevention, weight management, and cognitive function. Additionally, vitamin K, crucial for blood clotting and wound healing, is included in these gummies.

These multivitamin gummies are also noteworthy for being non-GMO and free from common allergens like milk, eggs, peanuts, and tree nuts. Moreover, they contain no synthetic colours, artificial sweeteners, or flavours. Considering these aspects, SmartyPants Daily Multivitamin emerges as an excellent choice to meet the diverse dietary needs of most individuals.

• Read More: Best beef liver supplements

Credit: Natures Aid

5. Natures Aid Daily Multivit

Best dissolvable multivitamin

Natures Aid Daily Multivit is a compelling alternative to traditional multivitamin tablets as they are an effervescent supplement designed to be consumed effortlessly with a drink. With a refreshing citrus flavour, this supplement offers a more palatable experience compared to conventional tablets.

Comprising essential nutrients, including vitamin C, E, and various B vitamins such as niacin, known for supporting normal energy production, this effervescent solution provides comprehensive coverage to your daily nutritional needs. Notably, the inclusion of vitamin E contributes to maintaining healthy skin and eyes, while also reinforcing the body's immune system.

Additionally, Natures Aid Daily Multivits are pretty pure. Each tablet is GMO-free, devoid of sugar, artificial flavours, and artificial colours. Furthermore, this supplement caters to diverse dietary preferences as it is vegan-friendly, gluten-free, dairy-free, nut-free, and soy-free.

So, whether you adhere to specific dietary requirements or seek a more enjoyable and convenient multivitamin option, Natures Aid Daily Multivit stands out as a well-rounded choice for you to consider.

• Read More: Best bitter orange supplements

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Multivitamins, along with supplements in general, can often cause quite a bit of confusion. No need to panic though, as we've answered some of the most frequently asked questions about multivitamins below.

Should you take multivitamins?

The decision to take multivitamins depends on several factors, including your individual health needs, dietary habits, and lifestyle.

Starting with nutritional needs. You may need to take multivitamins if you have specific nutrient deficiencies or medical conditions that may require additional supplementation. For most healthy individuals with well-rounded, balanced diets though, it's likely you're getting all the vitamins and minerals you need from what you consume on a daily basis.

That said, it can be challenging to consistently obtain all essential nutrients solely from food, so multivitamins can act as a nutritional safety net. To demonstrate this, one study by Bird et al. found nearly one-third of the U.S. population is at risk of deficiency in at least one vitamin. Be careful though, as you may end up oversaturating your body with a certain vitamin or mineral if you take multivitamins on a daily basis.

Something to note as well is that there are certain instances where vitamin supplementation starts to potentially become more beneficial. For example, as vitamin B12 absorption can decrease with age, according to Baik and Russell, additional supplementation may be crucial. Also, those who follow a plant-based diet are at a higher risk of deficiency in certain vitamins due to not consuming meat. Pawlak et al. have shown this to be the case with vitamin B12 once again, but plant-based diets can also lead to a deficiency of calcium, zinc, iron, vitamin D, and omega-3 fatty acids.

In short, multivitamins have their uses and can act as a nutritional safety net. However, while multivitamins can provide a range of essential nutrients, they are not a substitute for a healthy diet. A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats remains the foundation for obtaining optimal nutrition. And, as always, consult a healthcare professional if you experience any adverse side effects from taking multivitamins.

What should you look out for when selecting multivitamins?

To ensure you make the best choice when selecting multivitamins that meet your specific needs and are of the highest quality, there are several crucial factors to consider:

• Nutrient Profile: Begin by assessing the product label to confirm whether it contains all the essential vitamins and minerals that your body requires. Ideally, it should provide close to 100% of the recommended daily intake (RDI) for most nutrients. This is especially important if you believe you may have deficiencies in certain areas.
• Form and Dosage: Think about your personal preferences when it comes to the form of the multivitamin. Options range from traditional tablets and capsules to more appealing gummies or other alternatives. Additionally, review the recommended dosage and ensure it aligns with your individual nutritional needs.
• Avoid Unnecessary Additives: Steer clear of multivitamins that contain superfluous additives, such as artificial colours, flavours, or preservatives. Opt for products that maintain a cleaner ingredient list for a more wholesome supplement.
• Third-Party Testing: Look for multivitamins that have undergone third-party testing to validate their potency, purity, and overall quality. Certifications from reputable organszations like NSF and UPS can serve as reliable indicators of product quality.
• Consider Allergens and Medication Interactions: If you have allergies or specific dietary restrictions, carefully review the multivitamin's ingredients to ensure it does not contain common allergens like gluten, dairy, soy, or nuts. Additionally, consult with a healthcare professional to confirm that the chosen multivitamin will not interfere with any other medications you may be taking.

By taking these steps, you can make a well-informed decision when selecting multivitamins that are tailored to your requirements and of the highest quality.

What's the best time to take multivitamins?

The best time to take multivitamins can vary depending on the specific product and individual preferences. Therefore, it's important to read the label on your multivitamin supplement to see if there are any specific instructions regarding the timing of consumption. Some supplements may recommend taking them with meals, while others may suggest taking them on an empty stomach.

Why with meals? This can help enhance absorption and reduce the chances of stomach discomfort. Certain vitamins are better absorbed when consumed with food that contains some fat, as it aids in their absorption.

If the recommended dosage of your multivitamin is more than one tablet per day, you may consider splitting the doses. For example, taking one tablet in the morning and another in the evening can help maintain a steady level of nutrients in your system.

Remember, consistency is key. Choose a time that works well for you and try to take your multivitamin at the same time every day. This can help establish a routine and make it easier to remember.

And finally, some multivitamins contain energising ingredients that can potentially interfere with sleep. To avoid any potential disruption to your sleep, it's generally recommended to avoid taking multivitamins right before bedtime.

Can children take multivitamins?

Yes, children can take multivitamins, but it's important to consider the age and specific nutritional needs before giving or taking supplements before adulthood.

This is because children tend not to require the same amount of the vitamins and minerals provided by adult tablets, which is why there are multivitamins specifically formulated for children to cater more to their needs. These multivitamins are usually available in various forms such as chewable tablets, gummies, or liquid drops to make them easy to digest.

Most multivitamin supplements will display an appropriate age range. But, remember, this range and the dosage instructions for multivitamins can vary, so it's crucial to follow the specific recommendations provided by the manufacturer or healthcare professional. Avoid giving adult multivitamins to children unless specifically instructed by a healthcare professional.

On that point, it's probably worth consulting a professional before giving any child multivitamins or dietary supplements. They can assess the child's nutritional needs, evaluate their diet, and provide guidance on whether a multivitamin is necessary.