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There's no question that eating a well-balanced diet is the best way to ensure a healthy vitamin and mineral intake. Even so, some people may struggle to meet their micronutrient needs. This is often the case with busy athletes who don't have a ton of time to plan their nutrition. As an insurance policy, athletes and the general population often choose to take a multivitamin to fill any potential gaps in their diet. For most people, this is a good idea. There aren't many potential downsides.
The Best Multivitamins - Our Top Picks
- Best Multivitamin for Men: Legion Triumph Men's Sport Multivitamin
- Best Multivitamin for Women: Legion Triumph Women's Sport Multivitamin
- Best Multivitamin for Women Over 50: Ritual Essential for Women Multivitamin 50+
- Best Multivitamin for Men Over 60: Ritual Essential for Men Multivitamin 50+
- Best Multivitamin for Runners: Transparent Labs Multivitamin
- Best Multivitamin with Iron: Kaged Multivitamin
- Best Multivitamin for Athletes: Huge Supplements Huge Multi
- Best Vegan Multivitamin: Future Kind Vegan Complete Multivitamin
- Best Multivitamin with Magnesium: Ritual Men 18+ | Ritual Women 18+
- Best Multivitamin for Kids: Future Kind Organic Vegan Kids Multivitamin Gummies
For athletes, taking a daily multivitamin may provide several potential benefits, including the following:(1)
- Strengthening bones
- Improving cognition(2)
- Enhancing immunity
- Improving mental health
- Helping boost energy
- Prevent deficiencies specific to athletes such as low iron and vitamin D
As most athletes will leave no stone unturned in their effort to perform at the highest level, taking a multivitamin to support their performance is a no-brainer. Still, not all multivitamins are created equal. Some multivitamin brands include doses that are too low or use poorly absorbed forms of vitamins and minerals, so it's important to vet them properly before you buy. That’s where you're in luck, as the Active Reviews Team has done the vetting for you, identifying the best multivitamins, with each option categorized for your goals.
Why Trust Us?
The health and safety of ACTIVE's readers is of the utmost importance to us. To ensure your well-being when taking nutritional supplements, we prioritize products that are independently tested by a third party. Additionally, we consulted with ACTIVE's Advisory Board, which includes nutritionists, competitive athletes, coaches, and certified trainers to make certain that the products we feature are of the highest standards. The ACTIVE Review Team is passionate about bringing you products that we trust and would personally use.
Best Multivitamin for Men - Legion Triumph Men's Sport Multivitamin
SPECS
- Dosage: 8 capsules
- Form: Capsules
- Price: $1.67/serving
Active men need a consistent and well-balanced diet to support their athletic endeavors. That high-level nutrient intake can be hard to come by, especially for men eating limited diets, which can make supplementing with a multivitamin essential. Our case for Legion Triumph Men’s Sport Multivitamin is pretty simple; it's made with all-natural ingredients and no artificial fillers or junk and provides you with an impressive 21 scientifically-proven vitamins and minerals, all of which are essential for robust health and elevated athletic performance.
This multivitamin is peer-reviewed and clinically tested for purity and potency and boasts a rich blend of supplements to promote mood, energy, immune health, and more. Legion Triumph Men’s Sport Multivitamin is everything a man could want from a multivitamin and best of all, it’s pretty cost-effective.
What We Like
- Excellent for active men with limited or restricted diets
- Budget-friendly
- 100% natural with clinically-effective doses
- Money-back guarantee
What We Don't Like
- 8 capsules is a lot for those who struggle with capsules or pills
- Some reviewers report unpleasant aftertaste
BUY: Legion Triumph Men's Sport Multivitamin
Best Multivitamin for Women - Legion Triumph Women’s Sport Multivitamin
SPECS
- Dosage: 8 capsules
- Form: Capsules
- Price: $1.67/serving
Male athletes aren’t the only ones who need a robust nutrition regimen to ensure strength, stamina, and vigor. Women also benefit from a dense nutrient intake that even the most thoughtful diet can't always provide. Legion Triumph Women's Sport Multivitamin is excellent for many of the same reasons as the men’s version. It boasts an incredible list of 22 essential vitamins and nutrients and is fully tested for purity and safety.
Legion Triumph Women's Sport Multivitamin also contains no dyes, fillers, preservatives, or junk, just clinically-sound ingredients designed to promote immunity, enhance longevity, and help combat fatigue and stress. This is why this comprehensive women's multi is our top choice for active women everywhere, with a reasonable price tag as the cherry on top.
What We Like
- Excellent for active women with limited or restricted diets
- Budget-friendly
- 100% natural with clinically-effective doses
- Money-back guarantee
What We Don't Like
- Women looking for something targeted toward a specific age or medical need
- Women who specifically want prenatal/postpartum support
BUY: Legion Triumph Women's Sport Multivitamin
Best Multivitamin for Women Over 50 - Ritual Essential For Women Multivitamin 50+
SPECS
- Dosage: 2 capsules
- Form: Capsules
- Price: $1.30/serving
Post menopause, a woman’s nutrient needs tend to change pretty dramatically. As such, women over 50 may benefit from specially formulated multivitamins. Ritual Essential for Women Multivitamin 50+ is our pick for the best multivitamin for women over 50.
A vegan-friendly option, Ritual provides a rich balance of vitamin D3, vitamin E, folate, vitamin B12, and magnesium. Together, these ingredients may help bolster immune health, fortify your heart and bones, and even help preserve the vitality of your skin. What’s more, these capsules are gluten-free, non-GMO, and composed of completely traceable ingredients.
What We Like
- Formulated for women post menopause
- Great for women with limited or restricted diets
- Traceable ingredients and non-GMO certified
- Money-back guarantee
What We Don't Like
- Not for those who struggle swallowing capsules or pills
- Doesn't contain calcium or vitamin C
BUY: Ritual Essential For Women Multivitamin 50+
Best Multivitamin for Men Over 60 - Ritual Essential For Men Multivitamin 50+
SPECS
- Dosage: 2 capsules
- Form: Capsules
- Price: $1.30/serving
Among men in their 50s and 60s, vitamin deficiencies can become increasingly common and may require supplementation to improve those nutrient levels.(3) Enter the Ritual Essential For Men Multivitamin 50+ supplement, carefully designed to fill some of the most common nutritional gaps for older men.
These vegan-friendly and scientifically-backed capsules are loaded with vitamins A, D3, and E, zinc, magnesium, and more. When combined, these ingredients may help middle-aged and senior men preserve strong, healthy bones, optimize heart health and muscle function, and enjoy robust immune health. There are 10 traceable ingredients, and no additives, dyes, or junk of any kind. The price point for this level of quality is pretty decent, too.
What We Like
- Optimized formula for men over 50
- Traceable high-quality ingredients
- Gluten- and allergen-free, non-GMO
- Money-back guarantee
What We Don't Like
- May not work for those who struggle swallowing capsules or pills
- Does not include calcium
BUY: Ritual Essential For Men Multivitamin 50+
Best Multivitamin for Runners - Transparent Labs Multivitamin
SPECS
- Dosage: 4 capsules
- Form: Capsules
- Price: $0.99/serving
Running is a demanding sport that requires athletes to be well-nourished in order to perform at the highest level day in and day out. While runners get most of their nutrition through their diets, they may benefit by supplementing with some nutrients in particular.
These include:
- Magnesium
- Vitamin D
- B-vitamins
So, when we were reviewing the top multivitamins on the market, we sought one that provided a good amount of these specific nutrients. Transparent Labs Multivitamin gives you these and then some, making it our choice as the best multivitamin for runners.
Our reasoning for making this multivitamin the "best for runners" is that Transparent Labs gives science-backed doses of all the standard vitamins and minerals typically found in a multivitamin, and as previously stated, several of the vitamins and minerals come in an activated form to help improve absorption.
What We Like
- Includes a few extra ingredients to help promote performance and recovery
- Provides clinical doses of all major vitamins and minerals
- Iron-free and gentle on the stomach
- Offers a good balance between quality and price
What We Don't Like
- Doesn't contain calcium
- 4 capsule serving size may be a bit much for some
BUY: Transparent Labs Multivitamin
Best Multivitamin with Iron - Kaged Multivitamin
SPECS
- Dosage: 2 capsules
- Form: Capsules
- Price: $1.16/serving
Your body needs iron to grow, develop, create hormones, and maintain healthy blood flow.(4) Iron deficiencies can lead to weakness, fatigue, and other serious health concerns, so you may benefit from taking a regular multivitamin fortified with iron. Especially if you are at risk for developing anemia.(5)
Kaged Multivitamin offers 20 milligrams of iron directly from spinach leaves and stems and 20 other essential vitamins and nutrients, all sourced from organic fruits and vegetables. Prebiotic fibers are also included for gut health, making this one of the most well-rounded supplements on our list. Factor in a high level of bioavailability, and you have an excellent multivitamin for any athlete looking to maintain their iron levels and overall health.
Note: Women who are pregnant require more iron than the average amount of iron.(6) We recommend Ritual Prenatal in this case because of its 12 key nutrients before and after pregnancy, including 18 milligrams of iron per serving.
What We Like
- 20g of natural iron per serving
- Organically-sourced vitamins and minerals
- Prebiotic support
- Third-party tested
What We Don't Like
- Missing some vitamins and minerals typically found in multivitamins
- Must be taken with food
Best Multivitamin for Athletes - Huge Supplements Huge Multi
SPECS
- Dosage: 4 capsules
- Form: Capsules
- Price: $1.17/serving
If you live an athletic lifestyle, you might need a multivitamin for athletes that goes the extra mile to help elevate your training performance. The Huge Supplements Huge Multi is specifically designed for highly active men. It’s an especially great way to replenish the vitamins and nutrients you expend during an intense bodybuilding session.
Huge Supplements Huge Multi was formulated to help preserve bone and muscle health while promoting an ironclad immune system to help you avoid missing gym days due to illness. Also of note are the transparent ingredient list and that Huge Supplements manufactures all its products in an FDA-approved facility.
What We Like
- Formulated for active, athletic men and bodybuilders
- Transparent ingredient list
- Highly rated among reviewers
- GMP-certified
What We Don't Like
- Not as catered to women
- 4 capsules can be a lot for some
BUY: Huge Supplements Huge Multi
Best Vegan Multivitamin - Future Kind Vegan Complete Multivitamin
SPECS
- Dosage: 3 tablets
- Form: Tablets
- Price: $0.99/serving
Not every multivitamin complies with vegan dietary requirements. A notable exception is this top-notch supplement from Future Kind. The Future Kind Vegan Complete Multivitamin offers a whopping 42 plant-based enzymes and probiotics, all sourced from organic fruits and vegetables. And that’s to say nothing of the generous helpings of essential vitamins and nutrients, including vitamin C, calcium, B vitamins, and more.
Future Kind Vegan Complete Multivitamin isn’t just a top option for those on a vegan diet; this product is a worthy multi for anyone who wants natural ingredients and support for optimal gut health.
What We Like
- Great for vegans and those seeking probiotic support
- Formula features 42 natural fruits and vegetables
- Non-GMO, and contains no added gluten, wheat, yeast, nuts, soy, sugar, salt
- Recyclable bottle with carbon-neutral delivery
What We Don't Like
- Those who struggle with pills and capsules (you’ll need to take 3 of these larger tablets per day)
- Contains proprietary blends
BUY: Future Kind Vegan Complete Multivitamin
Best Multivitamin with Magnesium - Ritual Essential Multivitamin 18+
SPECS
- Dosage: 2 capsules
- Form: Capsules
- Price: $1.10/serving
According to research, around half of the U.S. population is deficient in magnesium intake.(7) An unfortunate statistic, as magnesium is essential for supporting several bodily functions, including maintaining blood sugar, regulating blood pressure, and promoting healthy nerve function.(8)
To help combat a potential magnesium deficiency, we recommend the Ritual Essential Multivitamin 18+. There are men’s and women’s formulas, both ideal for those between the ages of 18 and 49, and offering clinically-sound blends of vitamins, nutrients, and plenty of magnesium at 30 milligrams per serving in addition to a well-balanced diet. Ritual Essential Multivitamin 18+ makes our lists regularly because Ritual's products are comprehensive and formulated to help support optimal blood-building, brain function, bone health, and more.
What We Like
- 30g magnesium per serving
- Formulas for men and women between 18 and 49
- Traceable ingredients and transparent labeling
- Free shipping
What We Don't Like
- Lacks some vitamins and minerals usually found in multivitamins
- Will need to subscribe to purchase
BUY: Ritual Essential For Women Multivitamin 18+
BUY: Ritual Essential For Men Multivitamin 18+
Read our full review of Ritual Vitamins.
Best Multivitamin for Kids - Future Kind Organic Vegan Kids Multivitamin Gummies
SPECS
- Dosage: 1 gummy (2-3 years old); 2 gummies (Age 4+)
- Form: Gummies
- Price: $0.41/serving (1 gummy daily); $0.83/serving (2 gummies daily)
It can be tough getting your little ones—and your teenagers, for that matter—to eat a balanced and nutritious diet, which is why kids’ multivitamins can be so important for early developmental health. Future Kind Organic Vegan Kids Multivitamin Gummies are the best we’ve found because they provide an organic and vegan-friendly option with several excellent, kid-friendly flavors in every bottle. Just one to two gummies per day may help fill those nutrient gaps your child needs that are left out of a typical kids' diet of chicken nuggets and boxed macaroni and cheese.
Future Kind Organic Vegan Kids Gummies do not contain GMOs, gluten, wheat, yeast, soy, or animal derivatives. However, be aware that there is some organic cane sugar present.
What We Like
- Easy for kids take daily
- 100% vegan and organic ingredients
- Budget-friendly
- Delicious fruity flavors
What We Don't Like
- Not completely sugar-free and does contain some added sugar
- Not all children enjoy the taste
BUY: Future Kind Organic Vegan Kids Multivitamin Gummies
What is a Multivitamin?
Strictly speaking, a multivitamin is a dietary supplement that includes a combination of the vitamins and minerals that may be lacking in the average diet.
Multivitamins typically fall into three categories:
- Broad spectrum: These provide enough vitamins and minerals to meet the needs of most people and tend to be the most common. We'll focus on these here.
- High potency: These include higher doses of vitamins and minerals that often exceed the daily requirements.
- Specialized: These contain standard vitamins and minerals as well as some additional ingredients meant to enhance certain areas of health, such as improved athletic performance, immune function, vision, and energy levels.
A standard broad-spectrum multivitamin will typically feature vitamins A through K—which includes vitamins B6 and B12—folate, biotin, and pantothenic acid. You should also expect to see minerals that are essential for health, like calcium, potassium, iron, zinc, selenium, and phosphorus. Lastly, look for additional nutrients like iodine, magnesium, copper, manganese, chromium, molybdenum, and chloride.
What to Look for in a Multivitamin
When shopping for a multivitamin, there are several things to consider. The most important are the form, the dosing of each vitamin and mineral, the price, and third-party testing. Some other important aspects to consider are as follows:
- Calcium and iron interaction: When calcium and iron are taken together, calcium binds to iron and prevents it from being absorbed, so when you’re looking for a multivitamin that contains iron, make sure it doesn't include calcium.(9) The two minerals should be taken separately.
- Activated versus nonactivated forms: Activated forms of vitamins will be much better absorbed in the body than nonactivated forms.(10) So, when you have the option to purchase a multi with activated vitamins and minerals, it’s always a better choice.
- Avoid additives and fillers: Some multivitamins may include unnecessary fillers that are meant to bulk up the content of capsules or tablets. Common fillers include silicon dioxide, maltodextrin, stearic acid, microcrystalline cellulose, and titanium dioxide, among others. These ingredients offer no benefit to you and should be avoided if possible.
Dose
Doses of commonly included vitamins and minerals will vary greatly depending on who the multivitamin is designed for. For instance, men’s vitamins will typically have more vitamin D, magnesium, and boron, whereas women's multivitamins may contain more iron and calcium, and multivitamins for kids will have much less vitamin and mineral content. Be sure that the multivitamin you are considering provides enough of the nutrients that best align with your needs and goals.
Form
Multivitamins come in all different shapes and forms, depending on who they are formulated for. The most common forms are tablets, softgels, gummies, and liquids. When shopping for a multivitamin, consider the form that you would be most comfortable taking on a regular basis. If you choose a pill form, try using a pill organizer to stay consistent.
Price
Multivitamins will vary greatly in cost, depending on the specific ingredients and the doses that they provide. More expensive vitamins may not always be better, so read the ingredient panel carefully to make sure you can justify the extra cost. On the other end of the spectrum, cheap vitamins may not be made of high-quality ingredients, so you may be wasting your money by buying them. It's best to strike a balance between quality and a price that you can afford.
How We Chose the Best Multivitamins
The ACTIVE Reviews Team narrowed down our list of the best multivitamins by researching products from brands that we trust—like Transparent Labs and Ritual—with clean traceable ingredients, certifications, and positive reviews. We also prioritize products that have excellent track records for customer service or money-back guarantees.
Are Multivitamins Beneficial?
In a perfect world, we'd be able to absorb all the necessary vitamins and minerals from our diet alone, which we can do for the most part, but even the most optimized diet may still be lacking in some essential nutrients. This is where a multivitamin can be the most beneficial, as these versatile supplements may help fill in the nutritional gaps left by your regular diet. Multivitamins are also generally safe for the majority of people. That said, multivitamins should not be used in place of a well-balanced meal plan, as they can occasionally cause gastrointestinal issues. Always prioritize your diet first before supplementing with a multivitamin.
FAQs About Multivitamins
Do multivitamins work?
Multivitamins are a supplement that you don't necessarily feel "working." They are meant to top off your body's stores of several vitamins and minerals to optimize various areas of your health. That said, if you are truly deficient in a certain vitamin or mineral, you may feel a slight improvement in energy levels, for example. So, yes, multivitamins do work when taken regularly.
What is the best time to take a multivitamin?
Most manufacturers recommend taking a multivitamin in the morning with a meal for the best results. This gives your body the whole day to process the nutrients when you can potentially use them. In athletes, for example, the B vitamins contained in a multivitamin taken with breakfast may help with energy production during training later in the day. Even so, you can take a multivitamin any time of day, but it's usually best to take them with food to avoid any potential nausea.
Is it good to take a multivitamin every day?
In general, multivitamins are designed to be taken on a daily basis, but there may be certain cases in which a healthcare professional will recommend taking one only three to five days per week. For the majority of the athletic population, taking a multivitamin every day is the best choice; however, it's no big deal if you miss a day or two here and there, as your body is able to store most nutrients.
Our Final Takeaway
Multivitamins can be a powerful aid in ensuring a sufficient nutrient intake of essential vitamins and minerals, regardless of deficiencies potentially caused by a restrictive diet, medications, or medical conditions. That said, these dynamic supplements should never take the place of a well-balanced meal plan and regular physical activity. If unsure about any potential nutrient gaps in your diet or whether a multivitamin might suit your needs, check with your healthcare provider. As always, we hope our recommendations are useful to you as you seek the multivitamin best suited to your nutritional needs.
Protein | Pre-Workouts | Creatine | Multivitamins | Vitamin B12 | Collagen | Testosterone Boosters | Greens Powder | Fish Oil | BCAAs
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
References
- Kerksick, C. M., Wilborn, C. D., Roberts, M. D., Smith-Ryan, A., Kleiner, S. M., Jäger, R., ... & Kreider, R. B. (2018). ISSN exercise & sports nutrition review update: research & recommendations. Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, 15(1), 38.
- Tardy, A. L., Pouteau, E., Marquez, D., Yilmaz, C., & Scholey, A. (2020). Vitamins and minerals for energy, fatigue and cognition: a narrative review of the biochemical and clinical evidence. Nutrients, 12(1), 228.
- National Institute on Aging. Dietary Supplements for Older Adults, National Institutes of Health. Retrieved May 15, 2023, from https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/dietary-supplements-older-adults
- National Institutes of Health (2022). Iron - Fact Sheet for Consumers. NIH Office of Dietary Supplements. Retrieved May 15, 2023, from https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Iron-Consumer/
- Damian, M. T., Vulturar, R., Login, C. C., Damian, L., Chis, A., & Bojan, A. (2021). Anemia in Sports: A Narrative Review. Life (Basel, Switzerland), 11(9), 987. https://doi.org/10.3390/life11090987
- Institute of Medicine (US) Committee on Nutritional Status During Pregnancy and Lactation. Nutrition During Pregnancy: Part I Weight Gain: Part II Nutrient Supplements. Washington (DC): National Academies Press (US); 1990. 14, Iron Nutrition During Pregnancy. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK235217/
- Razzaque M. S. (2018). Magnesium: Are We Consuming Enough?. Nutrients, 10(12), 1863. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu10121863
- National Institutes of Health (2021). Magnesium - Fact Sheet for Consumers. NIH Office of Dietary Supplements. Retrieved May 15, 2023, from https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Magnesium-Consumer/
- Lönnerdal B. (2010). Calcium and iron absorption--mechanisms and public health relevance. International journal for vitamin and nutrition research. Internationale Zeitschrift fur Vitamin- und Ernahrungsforschung. Journal international de vitaminologie et de nutrition, 80(4-5), 293–299. https://doi.org/10.1024/0300-9831/a000036
- Said H. M. (2011). Intestinal absorption of water-soluble vitamins in health and disease. The Biochemical Journal, 437(3), 357–372. https://doi.org/10.1042/BJ20110326
About the Author
Daniel Preiato is a registered dietitian who specializes in sports nutrition and nutrition education. He is also a certified strength and conditioning specialist, and an avid strength athlete. He uses his background in clinical nutrition to dissect research and help individuals meet their health and fitness goals.
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