Introduction
The worldwide multivitamin market is huge and is expected to exceed $278 billion USD by the end of 2024, according to Grandview Research. The main reason for this is the increased rate of fast foods and sedentary lifestyles which are becoming prevalent in highly populated countries like China and India.
The multivitamin market in North America has grown and evolved to the point where manufacturers have developed very specialized products targeting demographics segmented, by age, gender, lifestyle, physical activity, medical condition, and more.
Multivitamins are here to stay, and with advancements in manufacturing technologies, will continue to grow.
What Are The Benefits Of Taking Multivitamins?
For many years there has been much debate about the effectiveness of multivitamins, and whether they deliver actual health benefits. Unfortunately, most of the clinical studies do not support multivitamins and even suggest that they may actually do more harm than good.
Many, however, question the validity of these studies and suggest that they have been set up in such a way that they are somewhat biased. Experts such as Dr. Andrew Weil, support the necessity of vitamins and minerals and promote the idea of obtaining them through food sources.
The issue is that most people living in first world countries, do not eat a well-balanced diet, and in turn, enough of the foods which can deliver the necessary levels of vitamins and minerals to allow the body to function properly. This is why experts like Dr. Weil support taking natural, good-quality multivitamins to top up the nutritional levels.
Many of the studies which have been done were testing for the effectiveness of multivitamins on heart disease and cancer. Unfortunately, the results of these studies were either inconclusive or show no positive effect.
There are a number of benefits that users report after taking multivitamins for a period of time. Following is a list of a few:
- Energy Boost
- Emotional Wellbeing
- Better Short-Term Memory
- Stress Reduction
- Anxiety Reduction
- Increased Strength
- Weight Loss
- Better Overall Health
How To Choose A Multivitamin
The shelves in pharmacies and nutritional stores are lined with different types of vitamins, making the process of choosing a vitamin or multivitamin, a very difficult task for the uninformed consumer. Following is a list of things to consider prior to making your decision, which we hope will simplify the selection process.
- Identify Why You Are Taking A Multivitamin
Some people take a multivitamin simply for the sake of taking them. The reason may be based on something they read, a suggestion from a medical practitioner, a referral from a friend, or they feel better taking them. Others, however, may be motivated by a specific medical condition, such as bone loss, malnutrition, or alcoholism. Whatever the reason, it should be identified and factored into the selection process.
- Recommended Daily Amount (RDA)
As you read the labels of various multivitamins, it is important to understand the Recommended Daily Amounts and ensure that you do not exceed the amount when considering the foods you frequently eat which contain vitamins and minerals. You can see a listing of vitamins and their respective RDA’s by clicking Harvard Health Publishing.
- Frequency, Amount, And Size
It’s safe to say that most people do not like to take pills, and unfortunately, many vitamins and multivitamins require that you take 2-3 pills, as much as 2-3 times a day. In addition, some of these pills are huge and can be difficult to swallow. Therefore it is important to question the frequency, amount, and size prior to purchasing, to ensure that they don’t sit on the shelf and not be used.
- Try To Stay Natural
We think it’s safe to say that the more natural the supplement, the closer it will resemble the effects of obtaining the vitamins and minerals through food sources. Look for words like “naturally occurring” and “all-natural” as opposed to words like “synthetic”.
- Keep It Clean
Additives, fillers, preservatives, artificial colors, artificial sweeteners, and similar ingredients have no health benefit whatsoever and should be avoided wherever possible. Look for brands that market themselves as clean and pure.
The 10 Best Multivitamins In 2018
Garden Of Life Vitamin Code For Men (Men)
Garden Of Life Vitamin Code For Men, is a multivitamin that is specially formulated for the unique requirements of men under 50. It contains high potency zinc for prostate health, vitamins C and E to support the heart, and a combination of vitamin B complex and chromium to promote mental health and energy.
Additional Probiotics and Enzymes
Vitamin Code For Men delivers a proprietary blend of live probiotics and enzymes which are formulated to protect the gut from bad bacteria and enhance the digestive process. This includes 500 Colony Forming Units of the highly effective probiotic Lactobacillus, as well as Lipase and Protease as the primary enzyme components.
RAW Food-Created Nutrients
Garden of Life Vitamin Code For Men is derived from twenty-three whole food fruits and vegetables which are raw, meaning that they are produced at temperatures below 115 degrees Fahrenheit. As with all Garden of Life products, they contain no genetically modified organisms (GMOs), and every ingredient is traceable right down to the source of the seed.
What Are Customers Saying?
Many customers were impressed with the high quality of ingredients in the Vitamin Code for Men and found that they were absorbed by the body very well. Some went on to say that the actual competitive products listed a higher vitamin content but due to the poor quality were not absorbed well and eliminated in the urine. Others commented that the pill size is easy to swallow, and many had a feeling of better overall health and increased energy.
On the downside, some users were not impressed with the recommended dosage of 4 pills while others found the price to be too steep for their budget.
Pros:
- Supports prostate health, heart health, mental health, and increases energy
- Made with RAW ingredients
- Includes probiotics and enzymes
- Derived from 23 different fruits and vegetables
Cons:
- The recommended dosage is 4 pills
- Somewhat pricey for some
Click here to access the Garden Of Life Vitamin Code For Men on Amazon’s website
Rainbow Light – Men’s One Multivitamin (Men)
Rainbow Light – Men’s One Multivitamin, is a multivitamin designed for men which contains a complete micronutrient profile in a single daily tablet. Packed into each tablet are the full B-complex, high potency vitamin D, and a proprietary strengthening blend for men consisting of Saw Palmetto, Lycopene, Zinc, and Selenium.
Clean And Pure
Rainbow Light considers quality and purity a high priority, ensuring that all ingredients contain no artificial preservatives, colors, flavors or sweeteners. Rainbow Further, customers can feel confident that labels accurately display the contents of the supplement, and that any ingredients which may cause an allergic reaction are clearly noted on the label. Rainbow does not contain any gluten, wheat, milk, peanuts, soy, eggs, fish, or shellfish.
Promotes Gut Health And Digestion
Containing 25 million Colony Forming Units (CFU) of probiotics, Rainbow Light is gentle on the stomach and provides protection to the gut. In addition, as a natural means of digestion, it contains a number of healthy plant-based enzymes, including Spirulina, Kale, Spinach, Dandelion Greens, and Beet Juice.
What Are Customers Saying?
A number of users mentioned that the digestive component of Rainbow Light has improved their regularity of bowel movements. Many others were happy with the fact that the recommended dosage is now only one pill per day, and most found the value for the price to be excellent. A common theme throughout the verified buyer comments was that the rainbow provided a general feeling of better overall health.
Contrary to the many positive comments about the price, some felt that a recent price increase was unwarranted and put the product out of their price range. Others seemed to think the formula has changed and the multivitamins are not as effective.
Pros:
- Formulated or men addressing heart, prostrate, and mental health
- Supports a healthy gut and digestion naturally
- Excellent macronutrient profile
- One of the purest and cleanest multivitamins on the market
Cons:
- Some felt the price to be too high
- The formula seemed to have changed
Click here to access the Rainbow Light – Men’s One Multivitamin on Amazon’s website
Vitafusion Women’s Gummy Vitamins (Women)
Vitafusion Women’s Gummy Vitamins, market themselves as America’s #1 Gummy Vitamin, based on sales data provided by Neilson. Formulated for women, Vitafusion Women’s, are a complete multivitamin promoting immune system health and production of energy. Loaded with Calcium, Vitamin D, and Biotin, Vitafusion promotes healthy skin, and strong teeth, and bones for women.
Made With Real Fruit
The primary ingredients in Vitafusion Women’s Gummies are real clover honey and the juice from pears grown in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States. In fact, they have partnered with the Fruit Tree Planting Foundation to plant 200,000 fruit trees to provide the ingredients for their vitamins.
Loaded With Vitamins
Full complex of B vitamins to convert food into energy, vitamin D to support the health of bones and muscles, while working in conjunction with Vitamin C and zinc for immune support. Gummies are the only multivitamin brand that is clinically proven to absorb vitamin C and D.
What Are Customers Saying?
Most customers loved the taste, especially the cherry flavor, and said that they were so easy to take, and traveled so well because they did not require water. Others said that it was a pleasant surprise not to have the medicine like after taste found with other multivitamins.
On the contrary, a few customers did not like the sugar coating, while others found the Vitafusion Women’s Gummies hard on the stomach.
Pros:
- Proven to absorb vitamins C and D
- Fantastic taste as they contain real honey
- No fructose corn syrup, gluten, dairy, or dyes
- B vitamins to support the metabolism of fats, carbs, and proteins for energy production
Cons:
- Coated with sugar which may not agree with diabetics or those on a diet
- Some found them hard on the stomach
Click here to access the Vitafusion Women’s Gummy Vitamins on Amazon’s website
Centrum Women Multivitamin (Women)
Centrum Women Multivitamin, is specially formulated for women under the age of 50, with one of the highest levels of vitamin D3, to support healthy bones, a common concern of women, as well as the appearance of women’s skin and hair.
Energy, Immunity, And Metabolism
A high potency Vitamin B Complex coupled with additional Iron enhances daily energy requirements. Vitamins C, E, Beta-Carotene, and Zinc help support and maintain normal immune function. And, specific B-Vitamins assist in the metabolic processing of fats, carbohydrates, and proteins.
Most Studied Vitamin
Centrum has been delivering high-quality vitamin and mineral supplements for over 35 years, and during that time, have allocated vast financial resources to research, development, and innovation through numerous clinical studies and trials. Centrum boasts that they are the #1 doctor and pharmacist recommended brand in the industry.
What Are Customers Saying?
Many verified customers have reaped the benefit of the immunity component of Centrum as they suffer from illnesses such as colds, influenza, and fever much less than they did prior to beginning a Centrum regime. Others said that feel revitalized and energized after taking Centrum.
On the downside, some users said the expiration is relatively short (4 months), and often expire prior to the entire lot being used. A few others found that the ingredients did not agree with them and upset their stomachs.
Pros:
- Specially formulated for women under 50
- High Vitamin D3 content to support bone health
- Increases Energy, and supports the Immune system and Metabolism
- Backed by 35 years of scientific research
Cons:
- Short expiry period
- May upset the stomach of some
Click here to access the Centrum Women Multivitamin on Amazon’s website
Nature Made Multi Daily Tablets (Men & Women)
Nature Made Multi Daily Tablets, are formulated for use by men and women and include 11 essential vitamins including Vitamin A, C, D, and E, Thiamine, Niacin, Riboflavin, Vitamin B6, B12, Folic Acid, Pantothenic Acid, and 3 essential minerals including Calcium, Iron, and Zinc.
Delivering Quality Products Since 1973
For over 45 years, Nature Made has viewed the quality of its supplement products as their #1 priority. It all begins at the ingredient sourcing stage right through to the manufacturing process and ultimate delivery to the customer. Consumer complaints are taken very seriously and addressed with purpose and conviction.
Independently Verified
To ensure that quality standards are not biased, Nature Made Multi Daily Tablets are verified by a 3rd party organization, the United States Pharmacopeia (USP). This multivitamin is free of artificial colors, artificial flavors, preservatives, gluten, or yeast.
What Are Customers Saying?
It is apparent that most customers like the fact that Calcium, Iron, and Zinc are included as often, they are sold as 3 separate pills. A few people mentioned that it alleviated legs cramps and restless leg syndrome, while most felt it delivered excellent value for the price.
On the flip side, the most common complaint was that the pill was difficult to swallow, and one person commented that the combination of calcium and magnesium in one pill is futile as magnesium blocks calcium absorption.
Pros:
- Contains a full complement of vitamins and minerals
- Pure with no artificial colors, artificial flavors, preservatives, gluten, or yeast
- Back by 45 years of quality
- Independently verified by a third party
Cons:
- Difficult to swallow
- Magnesium may block calcium absorption
Click here to access the Nature Made Multi Daily Tablets on Amazon’s website
New Chapter Multivitamin for Women 50 plus (Women 50+)
New Chapter Multivitamin for Women 50 plus, is formulated for the 55+ age group and delivers a full complement of health benefits. These include the enhancement of energy production, support for the immune system, heart health, blood pressure control, mental stability, eye, and bone health, and digestive support.
Sourcing Has No Boundaries
New Chapter places a top priority on using exceptional ingredients in their multivitamin supplements. They will literally go to the ends of the Earth to satisfy their stringent criteria. In fact, they source organic Turmeric from India, wild Salmon from Alaska, and Red Marine Algae from the clean clear waters of Iceland.
Proprietary Fermentation Process
New Chapter developed a 2 step fermentation process in 1986, which makes multivitamins easier to digest than most competitive brands and can safely be taken on an empty stomach. When taken in conjunction with Astaxanthin, it has the effect of strengthening the immune system which is often depleting in women over 55 years of age.
What Are Customers Saying?
Some women who were going through menopause said that the New Chapter Multivitamin helped reduce the typical menopausal symptoms including mood swings, hot flashes, weight gain, and even vertigo. One woman, in particular, said she was impressed with the multiple benefits including Stress Support, Vitamin D3 for Bone Support, Vitamin C, Vitamin A & Zinc for Immune Support, and B Vitamins for Energy Support.
Alternatively, some customers were unhappy that the ingredients included soy and wheat, while others said the formula changed for the worse when the company was purchased by Proctor and Gamble in 2017.
Pros:
- Delivers a full list of health benefits
- Fermentation technology for better absorption
- Only the highest quality ingredients are used from around the World
- Formulated for the 55+ women
Cons:
- Formula changed in 2017
- Contain soy and wheat making it unappealing for the gluten-free group
Click here to access the New Chapter Multivitamin for Women 50 plus on Amazon’s website
One A Day Men’s 50+ Healthy Advantage Multivitamin (Men 50+)
One A Day Men’s 50+ Healthy Advantage Multivitamin, are made for men in their 50s and address a cross-section of common areas of concern that begin to develop at that time in their life. These include Heart Health, Eye Health, Bone Health, Healthy Brain Function, Energy & Metabolism, and Immune Health.
Targeted Formulation
Following is a list of the common concerns and the active One A Ingredients used to support them:
- Heart Health (includes blood pressure): Vitamin B6, Vitamin B12, Vitamin C, Vitamin D, Vitamin E, and Folic Acid
- Cellular Health (includes eyes and bones): Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Zinc, Selenium, Copper, and Manganese
- Brain Health: Vitamin B
- Energy: Vitamin B and Chromium
Name You Can Trust
One-A-Day has been manufacturing and distributing quality supplements since 1943 and was the first to recognize the benefit of developing gender-specific and age-specific multivitamins. Owned by Bayer Pharmaceuticals, it is a name and brand you can truly depend on for quality products.
What Are Customers Saying?
Many users found that the multivitamin dissolved extremely well and did not upset their stomachs as similar products did. Numerous others felt that the price was excellent for the value they were receiving and felt comfortable that the manufacturer had been in operation for many years.
On the contrary, a few customers received their products only to find that their container was opened. The manufacturer promptly refunded or replaced the order. A few others said that it constipated them.
Pros:
- Formulated to address the needs of 50+ men
- Ingredients carefully selected to match specific needs
- Produced by a strong reputable company
Cons:
- A few open packages when received
- May cause constipation
Click here to access the One A Day Men’s 50+ Healthy Advantage Multivitamin on Amazon’s website
Optimum Nutrition Opti-Men (Bodybuilding)
Optimum Nutrition Opti-Men, is specially formulated for what they define as “The Active Man”, however, in reality. Opti-Men is used primarily by bodybuilders and serious high-performance athletes. ON is one of a few sport supplement companies which own and operate their own manufacturing facility which allows them to scrutinize every aspect of the quality process.
More Than Just A Multivitamin
Opti-Men contains more than 75 different active ingredients which are vital to the bodybuilder or high performance athlete. These include an Amino Blend, which is the backbone of muscle protein, Viri Blend which is comprised of 8 different botanical and marine concentrates, Phyto Blend made up of concentrated fruits and vegetables, and the Enzy Blend consisting of 4 unique enzymes.
Very Good Labdoor Rating
Opti-Men received an 80.4 score from Labdoor, an independent supplement testing organization. In addition, it received 90% ratings for purity and nutritional value and 82% for product efficacy.
What Are Customers Saying?
A number stated that taking Opti-Men for a while, made them more energetic, increased vitality, slept better, and in some cases, increased sex drive. Others commented that the added BCAA’s helped in building and maintaining muscle mass during downtimes such as during sleep and between exercise.
The largest complaint was that the pills tended to crumble, especially when they were transported in a pill case. The manufacturer is aware and indicates that it is not a product defect and related to excess moisture.
Pros:
- Specially formulated to meet the needs of bodybuilders or high performance athletes
- Contains an amino acid blend to build muscle
- Contains 75 active ingredients
- A very good rating from Labdoor
Cons:
- Pills may crumble if transported in a pill case
Click here to access the Optimum Nutrition Opti-Men on Amazon’s website
NATURELO Whole Food Multivitamin for Women (Vegans)
NATURELO Whole Food Multivitamin for Women, is a vegan-friendly multivitamin that is derived from 100% organically-grown fruits and vegetables. This whole food blend for women is loaded with premium nutrients including Vitamins A, B, C, D, E, and K. It is one of the purest multivitamins on the market as it contains no GMOs, gluten, soy, gelatin, eggs, dairy, yeast, additives or fillers.
Packed With Antioxidants
Pollutants, household chemicals, pesticides, and other environmental agents enter the body and through a process of oxidation from toxins called free radicals. The NATURELO Whole Food Multivitamin is loaded with antioxidants, the naturally occurring substances found in colored fruits and vegetables. In this multivitamin, they include Turmeric, Ginger, Ginkgo Biloba, Grapeseed, Resveratrol, Green Tea, Ceylon Cinnamon, Lycopene, Lutein, Rutin, Astaxanthin, and CoQ10.
Multiple Health Benefits
The full complement of vitamins and minerals is specially formulated to support immunity, boost metabolism, increase energy, promote heart health, improve brain function, and reduce inflammation.
What Are Customers Saying?
Many customers made comments such as “, “These are great vitamins”, “Best product I’ve ever purchased, period”, and “Game Changer”. One user stated that after taking NATURELO for 6 months, her thyroid condition which she had suffered from for many years, returned to normal. Others said that energy levels and overall wellbeing improved substantially.
A number of users mentioned that this multivitamin caused nausea, while others found the large capsules difficult to swallow.
Pros:
- Rated “Best Multivitamin for Women in 2018” by MultivitaminGuide
- 100% vegan friendly
- Contains antioxidants to attack free radicals
- Effective for a variety of health issues and concerns
Cons:
- May not agree with sensitive stomachs
- Some find it difficult to swallow
Click here to access the NATURELO Whole Food Multivitamin for Women on Amazon’s website
Flintstones Children’s Complete Chewable Multivitamin (Kids)
Flintstones Children’s Complete Chewable Multivitamins have been a household name for many years and are specially formulated for children who are 2 -3 years of age. Shaped like Flintstone characters, Flintstone’s Children Complete is the popular choice amongst children as they are fun to take.
Made For Growing Bodies
These easy to chew fruit flavored capsules are formulated to promote overall health and wellness in growing bodies and have been the #1 choice of pediatricians for years. They contain Vitamin B6, Vitamin B12, Biotin, and Pantothenic Acid to provide energy, Calcium, and Vitamin D to support bone health, Vitamins A, C, E, and Zinc to boost the immune system, and Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and Vitamin E for vision health.
Clean And Pure
Recognizing that little bodies should not be exposed to certain things, this multivitamin does not contain a high level of fructose or corn syrup, aspartame, fish or shellfish ingredients, dairy products, or gluten. At this age, you are not always sure as to what your child may be allergic to.
What Are Customers Saying?
Many adults who began taking Flintstone Multivitamins when they were children are still taking them as they experience the same health benefit. A number of parents who had anemic children said that the high iron content gave an energy boost, while others mentioned that their kids found them easy to swallow.
Some parents said that their children did not like the taste and refused to swallow them, while others who ordered a two-pack, only received one bottle.
Pros:
- Shaped like Flintstone characters
- Formulated especially for young children
- Contains no fructose or corn syrup, aspartame, fish or shellfish ingredients, dairy products, or gluten
- Great fruit flavor
Cons:
- Some children do not like the taste
- Orders may contain less than expected
Click here to access the Flintstones Children’s Complete Chewable Multivitamin on Amazon’s website
Summing It Up
Be possible to cause the multivitamin market has become so segmented and specialized, it was impossible for us to choose one brand for The 10 Best Multivitamins In 2018. As a result, we broke them down into various categories and a summary of the winning results are as follows:
Best Multivitamin For Men
“Garden Of Life Vitamin Code For Men”
Best Multivitamin For Women
“Vitafusion Women’s Gummy Vitamins”
Best Multivitamin For Men And Women
“Nature Made Multi Daily Tablets”
Best Multivitamin For Men Over 50
“One A Day Men’s 50+ Healthy Advantage Multivitamin
Best Multivitamin For Women Over 50
“New Chapter Multivitamin for Women 50 plus”
Best Multivitamin For Bodybuilding
“Optimum Nutrition Opti-Men”
Best Multivitamin For Vegans
“NATURELO Whole Food Multivitamin for Women”
Best Multivitamin For Children
“Flintstones Children’s Complete Chewable Multivitamins”
Congratulations to all of our top picks!
