What is The Best Multivitamin on The Market?
There are numerous good reasons why you should take a multivitamin. The fact is, whether it be down to strict dieting, poor food choices or food allergy restrictions, most Americans tend to fall short of the essential nutrients they need daily.
Taking a one-a-day multivitamin supplement is a quick and easy way to ensure you are filling all of those nutritional gaps. But what is the best multivitamin on the market and how do you choose a supplement? Read on to find out.
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What is A Multivitamin Supplement?
A multivitamin is an easy one-a-day tablet or liquid which includes all of the essential micronutrients. You need around 13 essential vitamins according to a report from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Unfortunately, most Americans are seriously lacking in some of these super important micronutrients. The 2010 Dietary Guidelines states that calcium, potassium, vitamin D and dietary fiber are all at risk when it comes to inadequate intake in both adults and children in the US. A multivitamin should ensure you reach the recommended daily value (RDV) of all key nutrients needed for optimum health.
Although research is contradictory in regards to whether using multivitamins actually keeps disease at bay, many people feel better protected by taking a supplement along with a balanced diet. The U.S Centers for Disease Control and Prevention tells us that more than 50% of Americans use dietary supplements with multivitamins being the most popular.
What To Look For When Buying Multivitamins
A trip down to the multivitamin aisle at your local health food store can seem like a pop quiz you didn’t prepare for. With such an array of choices, you’ll find yourself asking should I take a multi just for women? What is biotin? Do I need iron or vitamin D or both? Soon enough, what should have been a simple and quick purchase turns into a major headache.
So to help you out, here are a few things to consider when buying your next multivitamin.
- Always Read The Label - The label will specify exactly which ingredients are included as well as the percentage of RDV (recommended daily value) for each ingredient. It is important to understand exactly what is inside a product you intend to ingest, especially on a long term basis.
- Include The Basics - Make sure you get a supplement that includes a minimum of the 13 essential vitamins and 11 essential minerals: vitamin C, B1 (thiamin), B2 (riboflavin), B3 ( niacin), B6, folic acid (B9), B12, B5 (pantothenic acid), biotin, A, E, D2 or D3 ( cholecalciferol), K, potassium, iodine, selenium, borate, zinc, calcium, magnesium, manganese, molybdenum, beta carotene, and iron.
- Check Percentages - You should ensure that all of the ingredients are as close to 100% of your RDV as possible. However, some minerals like calcium will never be at 100% as the pill would simply be too large to swallow.
- Check Who It’s For - There are multivitamin formulas designed specifically for men, women and particular age groups. As we get older, our nutritional needs change. It is always a good idea to buy a formula specifically for your age and gender to ensure you are getting everything you need.
- Check The Extras - Gone are the days of basic vitamins and minerals. Now many supplements contain extra ingredients such as antioxidants. If you don’t know what the ingredients are or what they do, steer clear. But in other cases such as pregnancy, opting for a prenatal blend with extras tailored specifically for mommy-to-be, these can be a great option.
- Stick to The Instructions - There’s no need to over do it when it comes to multivitamins. As most ingredients will be offering 100% of your RDV, ensure to take them as directed by the label. There is such a thing as vitamin overdose and it’s something to be avoided.
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What Are The Best Multivitamins?
I’ve taken a look at the multivitamins currently available on the market and have rounded up the top 5. I’ve tried to find options which cover all genders and ages to make sure there’s something to suit everyone. All of these multivitamins get a very high rating. I’d say they’re are the creme de la creme of vitamin supplements across the board.
Nature's Way Alive! Once Daily Men’s 50+ Ultra Potency
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As we age, it is important to adjust our nutrition accordingly. Not only because we are getting older, but also because men and women need different things at particular life stages.
This product offers over 50 men all the nutrition they could dream of. With over 23 vitamins and minerals, 26 fruits and vegetables, 14 green foods, 12 organic mushrooms and 12 digestive enzymes, these little pills pack a healthy punch.
Pros
- Affordable price
- Made in the USA
- Dairy free
- Raises energy levels
- Specific blends to support different aspects of health
- One pill per day
- Prostate health boosters
- Correct amounts of vitamins, especially A, C, E, and K
Cons
- Large, uncoated tablet
- May take a few weeks to see results
MegaFood - Women Over 40 One Daily
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For us ladies, we have more to consider when it comes to nutritional needs than men. Not only do we need to adjust our diet accordingly during pregnancy, we also need to do it as we get older, specifically once we hit menopause.
It’s important to use a multivitamin which is tailor made to suit our needs.
As well as vitamins like A, B Complex, C, D, and E, this supplement also has added antioxidants and carotenoids for improved skin and eye health.
Pros
- Contains vitamins D, E, C, A and B complex
- One tablet a day
- Non-GMO guarantee
- Also contains antioxidants and carotenoids
Cons
- Strong herb taste
- Results not immediate
Vitafusion Women's Gummy Vitamins
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This product is a vitamin supplement designed specifically to meet all of women’s nutritional needs. What I like about this supplement is they come in gummy form. This is good news for anyone who finds swallowing pills difficult.
Each daily serving includes 17 essential vitamins and minerals. The price is reasonable - great if you are looking to take them longer term.
The only downside of these vitamins is that because they are in gummy form, they have a slightly higher sugar and calorie content compared to traditional supplements.
Pros
- Gummy form, no pills to swallow
- Great fruity taste
- Includes 17 essential vitamins and minerals
- Made in the USA
- Excellent price
Cons
- More calories than traditional supplements
Optimum Nutrition Opti-Men Daily Multivitamin Supplement
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Optimum Nutrition have become quite fashionable in the supplement market, especially throughout the health and fitness scene. Many people, most notably those into bodybuilding are turning to the Optimum Nutrition brand and now they have introduced a multivitamin specifically for men.
This product is a health powerhouse when you look at what is inside of each serving. Not only do these supplements contain all of your essential vitamins and minerals, they also include an amino acid blend, 8 exotic botanicals and marine concentrates (think omega-3), 20 fruit and vegetable concentrates and 4 specific enzymes designed to aid digestion.
It is safe to say they are a complete nutritional supplement. The added BCAAs make them popular with gym goers.
The negative for me is the daily serving size is 3 tablets and they are pretty huge tablets at that. But if swallowing pills doesn’t phase you, these could be a great option.
Pros
- Include all essential vitamins and minerals
- Added BCAAs
- Added enzymes
- Added fruit and vegetable concentrates
- Made in the USA
- Reasonable Price
Cons
- Large tablets
- 3 tablets per serving
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Centrum are a long loved, trusted name in the multivitamin market. With a product for all genders and ages, they have everything covered. This product designed for adults is an excellent all round multivitamin.
This product offers all of the essential vitamins and minerals needed for optimum health. It has a high level of vitamin D3, an essential vitamin many people are deficient in.
These supplements are designed to assist heart, brain and eye health as well as bone health in women and muscle health in men. They are non GMO and gluten free.
All round a great option for any adult, this is suitable for the entire household rather than purchasing separate vitamins for men and women.
Pros
- All essential vitamins and minerals
- Supports heart, brain and eye health
- Aids bone health in women
- Supports muscle health in men
- High levels of vitamin D3
- Gluten free
- Non GMO
Cons
- Some find the tablet size large
Conclusion
When it comes to multivitamin supplements, I hope that I’ve shared something for everyone in this post. If I had to pick one to recommend, it would be the Centrum Adult Multivitamin as it will suit most adults.
If you are looking for a multivitamin to aid a more specific problem, we have also covered many topics like multivitamins for hair and hair loss and multivitamins to give you energy, plus many more which you can find on our multivitamin hub page.
Of course, if there is any other specific benefits of multivitamins you would like us to research, leave us a comment below and I will do my best to cover the topic.
