16 modern multivitamins

*A Review of the Best According to the Editors. About the selection criteria. This material is subjective, it is not an advertisement and does not serve as a guide to purchase. Consult a health care professional before buying.

The debate about whether we need multivitamins, or all that a modern person gets from food, is ongoing. Theoretically, a proper diet, a complete and varied diet can indeed meet all the body’s needs for vital substances. Studies show that vitamin deficiency begins in childhood and continues into adulthood, not in African villages, but in modern cities. Therefore, we believe that vitamin and mineral complexes are necessary and offer our readers an overview of popular multivitamins.

But before proceeding to specific products, let us remind you of what considerations are selected dosage of various active components in the complex.

More is not better. Or so?

Few people can keep in mind the doctors’ recommended daily intake of certain nutrients. Therefore, when choosing the best multivitamins, most people look at the table printed on the box (or in the manual), which indicates the content of a particular substance in the drug itself and the percentage ratio to the recommended rates of consumption.

And there are questions. If you look at multivitamins from foreign manufacturers, you can see that their content of active ingredients is several times (and sometimes several tens of times) higher than the given daily dosage. To understand why this is the case, we have to delve into history. Few people know that the reasons for the appearance of daily vitamin intake rates are related to economics, not medicine. After World War II, most countries (including the U.S.) had to distribute food on ration cards. And in order to know exactly what quotas for what foods should be allocated per person, the U.S. government has asked doctors the question: how many essential nutrients a person should get in order not to get sick from their deficiency? That is when all the textbooks appeared norms of vitamin and mineral intake, norms designed to protect people from avitaminosis, but not at all to maintain optimum health.

These standards are now called RDA standards, they are indicated on multivitamin packages and, once again, they have nothing to do with maintaining optimum health. Taking vitamins in such doses can save you from scurvy, beri-beri, rickets, night blindness, pellagra and other conditions known to our contemporaries only from textbooks and fiction.

But if we talk about maintaining optimal health, that is, according to the WHO definition – a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being – these amounts are not enough. Especially when you consider the dietary structure of people in developed countries that has changed over three quarters of a century. Refined products, semi-finished products and fast food, of course, save a lot of time and effort, but the vitamin and mineral content in them is many times lower than in products that have undergone minimal processing: in baked potatoes there are more essential nutrients than in freeze-dried mashed potatoes, in grain coffee – more than in instant coffee and so on. That is why many dietetic associations say that the real vitamin requirements of modern man are much higher than what is indicated in the textbooks. And create optimal nutrient intake norms designed to maintain optimal human health, not avoid disease. Many multivitamin manufacturers use them as a benchmark and their recommended doses are many times higher.

In preparing this multivitamin survey we tried to balance the interests of those of our readers who are willing to tolerate a relatively high content of active ingredients in multivitamins, as well as those who are wary of too many. For the latter, we have selected multivitamins in each section of the review, whose dosages meet the standards of the RDA.

Review of modern multivitamins

Review of multivitamins for men

In this section of our multivitamin review, we have collected products designed to support male activity.

Duovit for men

Popularity Rating*: 4.9

Contains 12 vitamins and 6 minerals. B vitamins provide energy. Vitamin E, magnesium, zinc regulate the cardiovascular system and support sexual function (quality of erection depends on the condition of blood vessels). Unlike most “male” multivitamins, the complex contains a small amount of iron, necessary for normal hematopoiesis and the formation of muscle tissue. The content of active substances in the remedy does not exceed the recommended rates of consumption, so it can be used by those who prefer exactly small doses of vitamins. Used 1 tablet a day.

Advantages

• Contains the essential vitamins and minerals our body needs.
• One tablet a day.

Disadvantages

• no.

Man’s form

a: more than multivitamins

Popularity Rating*: 4.5

Although these multivitamins are positioned as “beauty vitamins”, in fact they are suitable for any woman. The complex contains 11 vitamins and 8 minerals, in addition to them added green tea extract, rich in natural antioxidants and alpha-lipoic acid, which supports liver function, normalizes blood sugar levels and promotes the increased breakdown of fat during exercise. Of the specific components “for beauty” can be noted, perhaps, copper, which is necessary for the synthesis of collagen and melanin – the pigment of the hair (it is known that copper deficiency can cause premature graying), silicon, which promotes the synthesis of glycosaminoglycans (substances that hold moisture in the skin, as well as the basis of cartilage and natural “lubrication” of the joints.), cobalt combined with copper to improve hair health, and the already mentioned green tea catechins, which are not only powerful antioxidants, but can also speed up metabolism and reduce excessive appetite. Otherwise, this is a good-quality vitamin and mineral complex for those who are wary of excessive amounts of active ingredients. Its vitamin content meets the recommended daily dosages (except for B1, B2, folic acid, and B12, which do not accumulate in the body despite relatively high intake).

Advantages

• A wide range of vitamins and minerals;
• Natural antioxidants,
• Contains components that promote weight loss (subject to adequate caloric intake),
• reasonable price.

Disadvantages

• no.

Optimum Nutrition, Opti-Women

Popularity Rating*: 4.4

These multivitamins are often recommended for athletes, but they can also be used by ordinary women. In periods of intense mental exertion and stress, it is better to comply with the manufacturer’s recommended dosage of 2 tablets per day, just to maintain health, it is better to be limited to 1 tablet per day (in this format, the package is enough for 4 months), because the content of active substances in the complex is quite high.

All the minerals in these multivitamins for women are in the form of chelates – organic compounds that are better absorbed by the body. than inorganic salts, and iron in chelated compounds is less irritating to the gastrointestinal tract.

In addition to 13 vitamins and 10 minerals, the complex contains herbal extracts. Soy isoflavones, Vitex sacred extract and dong quai support female hormonal balance. Bioflavonoids of citrus fruits, garlic extracts, grape seed improves the cardiovascular system. Extracts of horse chestnut and Pontic needle normalize venous tone, preventing the development of varicose veins. bearberry contributes to the health of the urinary system. Garcinia cambogia improves metabolism and reduces appetite.

Advantages

• high vitamin content, you can reduce the manufacturer’s recommended dosage;
• Contains phytoestrogens;
• Contains herbal phleboprotectors;
• Reduce appetite and speed up the metabolism.

Disadvantages

• Can only be purchased online or in stores for athletes;
• contain iodine, so an endocrinologist should be consulted in case of thyroid diseases.

Nature’s Way, A

ve! Once Daily, Women’s 50++

Popularity Rating*: 4.0

This vitamin and mineral complex was developed for a mild correction of possible problems with the menstrual cycle, but in fact it is suitable for most women of childbearing age, since, according to statistics, one or another manifestation of premenstrual tension syndrome (also known as premenstrual syndrome) is noted in almost 90% of women: according to different authors. The prevalence of this condition ranges from 25 to 92%, and increases with age.

The feature of these multivitamins for women – different dosages depending on the phase of the cycle, since at different times, changing the balance of female reproductive hormones, and thus the need for vitamins. During the first phase of the cycle – from the 1st day of menstruation till the 14th day from the beginning of menstruation – it is recommended to take tablets from blisters called “Ciclovita-1”. They have increased levels of vitamin A, B2, B12. In the second half of the cycle, tablets labeled “Cyclovita-2” are recommended They have a higher content of vitamin C, E, B6. Overall, the complex contains 12 vitamins, lipoic acid, lutein, rutin, zinc, selenium, manganese, copper, iodine.

Advantages

• Helps to normalize the cycle and reduce the severity of PMS.

Disadvantages

• High price.

Multivitamin review for children

The growing body especially needs vitamins and minerals. But any medication has age restrictions: for children under 3 years of age, multivitamins are not produced, being limited to different forms of vitamin D, which is necessary for the normal formation of the skeleton. The problem is that babies can choke on the tablet, and in the solution the active components can interact with each other. Therefore, in compiling a review of multivitamins, we had to limit ourselves to the age group over three years. We decided to pay special attention to teenagers, because it is a period of active restructuring and formation of the body.

Multi-Tabs Junior

Popularity Rating*: 4.7

Contains 11 vitamins and 7 minerals. B1, B2, nicotinic acid, chromium, iron, copper help provide energy. Vitamins A, C, zinc and selenium support normal immune function. Vitamin D and calcium ensure the growth and development of the skeleton, and vitamins B6, B12, folic acid and iodine contribute to the development of intelligence, memory and speech.

Recommended for children from 4 to 11 years old. Take 1 chewable tablet a day. The content of active ingredients does not exceed the recommended standards of consumption.

Advantages of

• A rich vitamin and mineral composition;
• 1 tablet per day;
• sugar free.

Disadvantages

• Aspartame, contraindicated for children with phenylketonuria, is used as a sweetener.

Nature’s Plus, Source of

fe, Power Teen, For Her

Popularity Rating*: 4.3

Designed for children over two years of age. Chewy marmalade lozenges in the form of different fruits, flavored with natural fruit extracts. Contains 13 vitamins, iodine, magnesium, zinc. Do not contain calcium, which can be seen as a drawback and as an advantage – usually calcium gives chewy multivitamins specific flavor that children do not like, and it is not necessary if a child drinks milk and consumes dairy products (yogurt curds, cheese). In addition to vitamins and minerals, these multivitamins for children contain natural dietary fiber, which supports normal microflora.

The doses in this complex do not exceed the recommended daily allowance (RDA), so it is suitable for those parents who fear an excessive intake of vitamins. The chewing lozenges have a pleasant taste and children usually take them with pleasure. Infants under 4 years of age should take 1 lozenge per day, older children and adults – 2 lozenges.

Advantages of

• There are no dyes or flavorings;
• delicious taste,
• The content of the active ingredients does not exceed the recommended dosages.

Disadvantages

• contain sugar.

Supradin Kids Fish

Popularity Rating*: 3.4

Multivitamin complex for children over three years. Unlike most other products in that section of the rating, it does not contain as many active ingredients: vitamin C, nicotinamide, B6 and B12. These multivitamins feature omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and choline, which are vital for the formation of neurons and the creation of new connections between nerve cells, which are essential to a child’s mental development. Dosages of all active ingredients do not exceed the recommended daily dose.

For children 3 years old one lozenge per day is enough, from 4 years old and up two lozenges are needed.

Advantages

• Contains choline and omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids for mental development.

Disadvantages

• low vitamin content;
• Contains sugar.

Review of multivitamins for pregnant women

Pregnant women require special attention. On the one hand, the need for vitamins and trace elements increases, because these substances are needed not only the expectant mother, but also the developing fetus. On the other hand – an excess of some substances may adversely affect the future child – for example, an overdose of vitamin A can lead to the development of congenital abnormalities of the fetus. Therefore, the doses of active ingredients in multivitamins for pregnant women do not usually exceed the recommended daily intake.

Complivit trimesterum

Popularity Rating*: 4.6

Strictly speaking, this is not one multivitamin complex, but a line of three products designed for different periods of pregnancy. In general, the qualitative composition (that is, a list of vitamins and minerals) of these complexes is the same, but the quantitative composition differs. The dosage of each specific component is selected based on the current needs of the mother and fetus. For example, folic acid is most important in the first trimester, when the neural tube is formed. Iodine and zinc are essential at this time. Iron is actively consumed from week 16 to 20, when the fetus starts to produce blood. At about 22 weeks the fetus is forming the first rudiments of teeth, at which time calcium and vitamin D are very important.

Complivit trimester 1 trimester should be taken during the planning of pregnancy and up to 13 weeks of pregnancy, trimester 2 – from 14 to 27 weeks of pregnancy, trimester 3 – up to the birth. If desired, also while breastfeeding.

A pack of 30 tablets, to be taken once a day.

Advantages

• The composition is based on the current needs of each stage of pregnancy;
• reasonable price.
• 1 tablet per day.

Disadvantages

• no.

One-A-Day, Women’s Prenatal, with DHA

Popularity Rating*: 4.2

These multivitamins for pregnant women come as a complex of tablets containing vitamins and minerals and gelatin capsules with omega-3 fatty acids. The content of active ingredients fully meets the standards recommended for pregnant women (including 800 micrograms of folic acid, 28 mg of iron). (It requires 150 mcg of iodine). Of the omega-3 fatty acids in the complex, special attention is paid to docosahexaenoic acid – it is necessary for the development of the brain and retina of the unborn child (the second of the essential omega-3 acids – eicosopentaenoic acid is “responsible” for the inner membrane of the vascular wall).

The vitamins can be taken from the planning stage of pregnancy until the end of breastfeeding, during which time they will meet the needs of mother and baby. The pack contains 30 pills and 30 gel capsules for one month.

Advantages

• Contain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids;

Disadvantages

• only available at online pharmacies;
• high price.

Garden of

Fe, Vitamin Code, Raw Prenatal

Popularity Rating*: 4.1