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Integrative Health
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expert reviewedAuthor: Expert reviewer:
May 23, 2023
Written by
Lauren Del Turco, CPT
Lauren Del Turco, CPT is a freelance health and wellness writer, editor, and content strategist who covers everything from nutrition to mental health to spirituality.
Expert review by
Ashley Jordan Ferira, Ph.D., RDN
Former mbg Vice President of Scientific Affairs
Ashley Jordan Ferira, Ph.D., RDN is the former Vice President of Scientific Affairs at mindbodygreen. She received her bachelor's degree in Biological Basis of Behavior from the University of Pennsylvania and Ph.D. in Foods and Nutrition from the University of Georgia.
Summary May 23, 2023 We carefully vet all products and services featured on mindbodygreen using our commerce guidelines. Our selections are never influenced by the commissions earned from our links. Best overall mindbodygreen ultimate multivitamin+ Best for detox Designs for Health Vitavescence Powdered Multivitamin/Multimineral Best for perimenopause Rainbow Light Menopause One Multivitamin Best prenatal powder Needed Prenatal Multi Powder Given the fact that about one-third of Americans1 take a multivitamin/multimineral supplement, it's not surprising that health food stores and your Instagram feed alike have become absolutely overrun with all sorts of multi-brands promising to be the best in the game. Amid the trendy branding, influencer campaigns, and ever-evolving opinions on nutrition out there, what should be considered the single most foundational supplement for supporting our health and vitality has somehow become pretty darn complicated. The sea of options out there these days is nothing short of overwhelming—but don't let the decision fatigue stop you from making a multi a daily habit, which really is a worthwhile investment in your health.* When taken consistently, a good multivitamin can help you lower your risk of nutrient deficiencies2—as well as provide a daily dose of nutrients and phytonutrients that promote everything from immune and brain function to heart and bone health.* But what does a "good" multivitamin really look like? Here are our top picks. A multivitamin is a dietary supplement primarily designed to help you meet the daily dietary requirements of vitamins and minerals—many of which are not easily consumed from diet alone. Save 10% with : MBG10 VeganVegetarianDairy-freeGluten-freeSoy-freeNon-GMOMajor food allergen-free Capusle Sustainable packaging 2 capsules Meet the multivitamin that’s revolutionizing multivitamins. Featuring 33 premium ingredients: 14 vitamins, 13 minerals, and 6 botanical bioactives, mbg’s vegan formula delivers high-potency nutrition for adult women and men alike—and in just two capsules. Plus, save money when you sign up for a mindbodygreen ultimate multivitamin+ subscription ($59/month), or buy once for $70. New customers save 10% on their first order with promo code MBG10. What our reviewers say: "Life keeps me busy, and I need a multivitamin that can keep up nutritionally. With 14 vitamins and 13 incredible minerals at efficacious doses, mindbodygreen's ultimate multivitamin+ exceeds all of my multi expectations."* — Morgan Chamberlain Read Morgan's full review, here. VeganVegetarianDairy-freeGluten-freeSoy-freeNon-GMOUSDA certified organicCertified Kosher Tablet Sustainable packaging 2 tablets Garden of Life's mykind organics line offers vegan, whole food supplements that meet high-quality standards. Their women's multivitamin delivers over 30 fruits, vegetables, and herbs and plenty vitamins and minerals to give women the daily support they need. It also incorporates herbs like amla berry and holy basil to support balance for those with busy lifestyles, as well as other organic foods to promote energy and beauty. Gluten-freeNon-GMO Tablet Sustainable packaging 2 tablets For you tablet lovers, this multi is formulated with more than 20 essential vitamins and minerals, including 18 milligrams of iron. Along with being GMO-free and gluten-free, this multi from Metagenics has a unique blend of 13 phytonutrients, including green coffee bean and green tea, grapes and blueberries, bitter melon and more. The goal being complete health support on the daily.* Dairy-freeGluten-freeNon-GMO Tablet 2 tablets In two soy-free tablets per day, you get potent doses of vitamin D, vitamin C, biotin, and more, as well as a broad spectrum of essential vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients to support your health and well-being.* VeganVegetarianDairy-freeGluten-freeCertified Kosher Liquid 1 tbsp If you have trouble swallowing tablets or capsules, this liquid multivitamin is a great alternative. It’s vegan, kosher, and gluten-free, and uses natural flavors for a pleasant wild berry flavor and sweetness. Just a tablespoon provides high-potency doses of a vitamins and extra bioactives. One note to keep in mind: It is iron-free and lower in other minerals, such as calcium and magnesium.* VeganVegetarianDairy-freeGluten-freeSoy-freeNon-GMOSugar-free Liquid 1//2 tsp to 2 tbsp Picky kids will have no problem sipping down this organic raspberry-flavored liquid multi. Free of major allergens (think dairy, gluten, soy, and corn), vegan, and non-GMO, it’s also made without artificial colors or sugar, so you can feel good about giving it to your little ones day after day. In addition to the usual suspects, it also contains amino acids important for muscular function (called branched-chain amino acids) and a blend of trace minerals. Though lacking in minerals like calcium, magnesium, and iron, it’s a good option for little ones who just won’t take a chewable, which tend to be more complete.* VegetarianDairy-freeGluten-freeNon-GMOCertified Kosher Tablet Sustainable packaging 3 tablets Made with organic vegetables and herbs, New Chapter’s Perfect Energy multi delivers 22 whole-food vitamins and minerals (including all eight B vitamins) in a fermented format that promotes easy absorption and balanced energy according to the brand. It also gets a boost from energy- and nervous system-supporting green tea, maca, and other herbs known to promote vitality.* VegetarianGluten-freeNon-GMOMajor food allergen-free Capusle 2 capsules This non-GMO, gluten-free, and dairy-free multivitamin is specially formulated to support immune balance and responsiveness. It offers a variety of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants and also contains reishi mushroom extract, another plus for immune health.* : VegetarianGluten-freeSoy-freeNon-GMO Powder 1 scoop Powdered multivitamin supplements are a convenient way to get your daily nutrition in while staying hydrated. This Vitavescence powder contains all the usuals—vitamin A, a B vitamin complex to support energy metabolism, vitamins C and E for immunity, vitamin D, and vitamin K, as well as a healthy dose of important minerals like calcium, magnesium, and zinc. Meanwhile, green tea, grape seed, and rosemary extracts bring added value, promoting immunity, heart health, and more.* VeganVegetarianDairy-freeGluten-freeNon-GMO Capusle 2 capsules Vital Proteins is famous for their collagen supplements, and their Beauty Boost capsules offer another daily option for supporting beauty from the inside out. This simple formula packs in high-potency doses of vitamin C, biotin, folate, and vitamin E into each two-capsule serving.* : Vegetarian Tablet 1 tablet Certain stages of life bring with them unique health priorities—and perimenopause is certainly one of them. Rainbow Light’s specially-formulated Menopause One multi contains a targeted blend of nutrients to support women during the menopausal life stage. In addition to a vitamin B complex to promote energy and show your brain some love, vitamin C supports immunity and skin, and vitamin D does bones and immunity good. The multi also incorporates the herb black cohosh, which has traditionally been used to provide support during menopause. One vegetarian tablet per day is all it takes.* VeganVegetarianDairy-freeGluten-freeSoy-freeNon-GMONut-free Caplet 1 caplet Nailing your nutrition during pregnancy can be tricky (especially during the first trimester), so a quality prenatal multivitamin is a must. This one from Best Nest Wellness contains organic herbs, probiotics, and digestive enzymes to make it as easy on the stomach as possible, while providing key nutrients for mother and baby alike. The vegan caplets are non-GMO and free from soy, nuts, and gluten. Since this option is lower in vitamin D3 and calcium and lacks DHA, definitely consider supplementing with those separately.* : VegetarianDairy-freeGluten-freeSoy-freeNon-GMO Powder 2 scoops Something unique about this prenatal from Needed: It’s a vanilla-flavored powder that you can mix into a smoothie or latte, so you’ll enjoy taking it even on the days your tummy is off. The brand formulated this multi with 24 vitamins and minerals based on the nutrient levels of actual mothers. It provides premium forms of minerals to support easy digestion. Take note, though, that the formula doesn’t contain iron or omega-3s, so you’ll want to seek those out separately.* VegetarianDairy-freeGluten-freeNon-GMO Tablet Sustainable packaging 2 tablets Breastfeeding moms and developing newborns need quality nutrition, which is exactly what this MegaFood postnatal multi aims to serve up. Formulated by a doctor, it provides high-potency doses of many vitamins and minerals based on lactating women’s nutritional needs, and incorporates special additions like choline and moringa leaf. You can also rest assured knowing that this multi is Non-GMO Project Verified, vegetarian, and gluten-free.* Dairy-freeGluten-free Chewable tablet 1 to 2 tablets These orange- and berry-flavored chewable vitamins are naturally-colored and flavored with fruit juice. Though lighter in certain minerals, they provide high amounts of important vitamin essentials like vitamin C and the B vitamin family, plus vitamin D3. One chewable per day for kids ages two and three or two tablets per day for kids four and up will help them get the nutrition they need.* VegetarianDairy-freeGluten-freeNon-GMO Gummy 4 gummies If your kid is all about the gummies, this option from Nordic Naturals is one of the best you can offer them—they’re loaded with citrus flavor and completely sugar-free. The non-GMO verified, and third-party purity tested gummies are suitable for kids age four and up, and provide essential nutrients including zinc and vitamins A, C, D3, and E (as well as B vitamins). Keep in mind, though, that—like most gummy multivitamins out there—they’re never as complete as capsule or tablet multivitamins. However, they are better than no multi and these are vegan and clean as far as gummies go.* Dairy-freeGluten-free Gummy 2 gummies Since it's hard to pack a lot of calcium into multivitamin formulas, you might consider pairing your daily multi with a separate calcium supplement (especially considering so many people don't get enough of it through food alone). These calcium gummy vitamins from VitaFusion are a solid option, offering 500 milligrams of calcium (plus some vitamin D3 and phosphorus) in each two-gummy serving, for daily bone health support and more.* We considered a number of important criteria when selecting which multivitamins deserved a spot on this list—and with new options popping up every other day, it's helpful to know exactly what factors to consider when picking a multivitamin out from the crowd. The following factors are top-priority, according to mbg's vice president of scientific affairs Ashley Jordan Ferira, Ph.D., RDN: 1. A comprehensive, thoughtfully formulated multi should contain numerous diverse essential vitamins and minerals. Look for: 2. Of course, you also want these actives in truly efficacious doses, which means that they're aligned with both established daily nutritional requirements and current science. Beware of products that feature cryptic blends of ingredients, whether "proprietary" or not, instead of calling out the specific amounts of each ingredient. You might also want to consider a multivitamin specifically formulated with doses of actives that are relevant to certain dietary patterns (think vegan) or life stages (like the pre- and postnatal period). Pre- and postnatal multis, for example, should feature more iron, vitamin D, calcium, and B vitamins than the standard multi (and may also feature choline, omega-3 DHA, etc.) 3. A truly quality multi delivers you nutrients in their most bioavailable, bioactive, and gentle forms. A few things to look for on that ingredient list: methylated B vitamins, vitamin D3 (instead of D2), and chelated minerals (these bound to a chelating agent, like an amino acid, to improve absorption).* Trustworthy brands are also transparent about the manufacturing and testing they use to ensure the purity and potency of their multivitamin ingredients and overall finished product. 4. Though not all multis do this, it's a major power move when a product not only provides a complete offering of micronutrients but offers key botanicals and bioactives, too. A few big names to look out for: phytonutrients (think lutein, zeaxanthin, lycopene, resveratrol), herbs (like ashwagandha), or master antioxidants (such as glutathione or CoQ10). PSA: While some multivitamins include a fruit and veggie blend, it's typically such a minuscule amount that it doesn't contribute much value. We prefer a stand-alone powerhouse greens powder where you can scoop a meaningful dose. 5. In addition to the highest-quality forms of actual nutrients, look for a multi that has an "other ingredients" list that's as clean (and short) as possible. This means no major food allergens (like gluten, dairy, or soy), unnecessary additives, or synthetic dyes, flavors, or colors. 6. On a super-practical note, a multivitamin with a reasonable serving size is a major plus—because no one really wants to take four to eight capsules or tablets per day. (This is especially important if you have trouble sticking to a multi routine as it is.) In addition to the obvious (helping you minimize nutrient gaps), taking a daily multivitamin has a number of far-reaching benefits for your body and health.* Just a few that have been backed by research? Immune function3; longevity4; brain health5; healthy skin, hair, and nails; eye health6; and more.* Plus, formulas that include antioxidants and other extra botanical bioactives can offer extra perks for a number of areas of health and longevity.* Yes. Multivitamins are multitaskers when it comes to our health and research backs this up, too. Multivitamins help us mind the gaps from our diet that national stats clearly and repeatedly demonstrate. Vitamins A, D, E, and K; calcium; magnesium; and potassium (to name a few), have all been identified as significant nutrient gaps the average American faces when relying on diet alone. A multivitamin supplement helps by directly contributing to sufficiency in these and other key micronutrients. It supports a variety of structures and functions in our body, like our bones, immune system, eyes and vision, cellular energy, and more, because the array of vitamins and minerals (and unique botanical ingredients, if included) all play critical roles in cells, tissues, and organs throughout our beautifully complex bodies.* When you find a quality multivitamin that appropriately fits your needs, it does exactly what it is meant to do by supporting your overall nutrient intake and reducing the prevalence of nutrient inadequacies. Because multivitamins contain fat-soluble vitamins—which are vitamins A, D, E, and K—consuming them with a meal or snack that provides some fat enhances absorption. Many people opt to take their multivitamin in the morning with or after a meal and water, while others take their multi in the afternoon because their stomachs are sensitive in the morning hours. Indeed, the best time to take a multivitamin is a personalized decision. Research shows that many people don't get enough of their required micronutrients each day through food alone. Vitamins A, C, D, E, and K, along with calcium, magnesium, and potassium are just a few of the major nutrient gaps that many Americans are facing daily. Taking a multivitamin/mineral supplement daily can help fill them in. In order to truly optimize your daily multivitamin, you’ll want to take it every day with or after a meal and with water. The shelf life of vitamins and supplements varies by product. If the multivitamin has an expiration date listed, that means that the active ingredients and overall formula remain stable and potent until that time point, but will begin to lose their potency (and thus, efficacy) beyond that time point. When stored properly, most vitamins have a healthy shelf-life of up to two to three years. If you’re unsure if your product is expired, check the manufacturer’s website or contact them. At mindbodygreen, our expert-vetted dietary supplement product selections and recommendations in the supplement space elevate quality, efficacy, innovation, and safety. Our team ensures that each supplement product is thoughtfully formulated--from the active ingredients to those "Other ingredient" excipients too. We are highly preferential towards clean formulas that are plant-centric (and oftentimes vegan or vegetarian) as well as free of GMOs, gluten, soy, dairy, major food allergens, high-fructose corn syrup, artificial sweeteners, synthetic dyes, and more. We recommended multivitamins with clean ingredients at efficacious doses in bioactive forms. Whenever possible, we celebrate and elevate plant-origin (i.e., plant-sourced) ingredients from a variety of botanicals. Ingredient source and innovation are top of mind for our critical reviews and selection of supplement products. We prioritize forward-thinking formulations and delivery formats that are genuinely helpful in transforming your health. We include supplement brands and products that prioritize quality. This includes robust manufacturing practices and comprehensive purity and potency testing. You can learn more about mindbodygreen supplements+ manufacturing and quality testing practices here. Adding a quality multivitamin (emphasis on the quality) to your daily routine is a simple but effective way to provide your body with a steady supply of the wide variety of nutrients it needs to function at its best but that you might not get from your diet as consistently as you might like. (Not to mention, cream-of-the-crop multis also contain bonus bioactives and botanicals that offer incremental health benefits!)* It's always a good idea to talk to a dietitian or health care provider about your supplement routine; this list is a good place to start when hunting for the best multi for you. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or taking medications, consult with your doctor before starting a supplement routine. It is always optimal to consult with a health care provider when considering what supplements are right for you.The best multivitamins
What is a multivitamin?
our picks for the best multivitamins
Best overall: mindbodygreen ultimate multivitamin+
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Best for immune health: Pure Encapsulations Pure Response Multivitamin
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Best for detox: Designs for Health Vitavescence Powdered Multivitamin/Multimineral
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Best for perimenopause: Rainbow Light Menopause One Multivitamin
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Best prenatal powder: Needed Prenatal Multi Powder
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Frequently Asked Questions
Do multivitamins work?
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