Buying the best multivitamin? Here's what to look for.
|
|
Leesduur: 8 min
Cart
Your cart is empty
|
|
Leesduur: 8 min
A multivitamin can be a convenient way to supplement your daily diet. But how do you choose the best one? Not every multivitamin is the same.
As a nutritionist, I certainly have an opinion on this. Want to know what I look for? In this guide, I share five key points that will help you choose the best multivitamin from the vast selection available.
And to make it even easier for you, I'll also give you my top 3 products.
Choose a multivitamin with active vitamins (5-MTHF, P5P, methylcobalamin) and organic minerals such as iron and magnesium bisglycinate for optimal daily nutritional replenishment and absorption.
Pay attention to a well-considered dosage and unique additives such as antioxidant-rich coenzyme Q10, lutein and curcumin, so that you get just the right amount without the risk of overdose.
My top 3 products (Multi Premium, Multi Pure Superior and Nutribites) offer complete, vegan-friendly plant-based formulas tailored to different target groups and life stages.
There are so many multi-formulas on the market and I understand all too well how difficult it can be to make a good selection.
These are the 5 criteria I look at:
A good multivitamin contains active forms of all vitamins, which your body can use directly without conversion . This way, you can be sure your multivitamin is working effectively.
These are just a few examples:
Minerals such as iron, magnesium or zinc are better absorbed in organic forms , such as Ferrochel® iron bisglycinate or magnesium bisglycinate. (4) (5)
These chelate forms are gentle on your stomach and are better absorbed than inorganic forms such as magnesium oxide.
Good multivitamins go beyond just vitamins and minerals. They contain extras like coenzyme Q10, lutein, zeaxanthin, resveratrol, and curcumin, which have antioxidant properties.* (6) (7)
These substances are often added to multivitamins to support a healthy lifestyle.
Also “ half vitamins ” such as choline or inositol are often added to supplement your diet.
Good to know : It's sometimes difficult to determine which ingredients are truly important to you. You can read more about this in my other articles. My tip? Take a good look at the label and consider what might help you. Above all, choose what suits your lifestyle best.
A smart and well-considered dosage is important. You don't want a supplement with excessive amounts. And conversely, it must be sufficient to be effective.
That's why you're looking for:
Good to know : It's sometimes difficult to determine which ingredients are truly important to you. You can read more about this in my other articles. My tip? Take a good look at the label and consider what might help you. Above all, choose what suits your lifestyle best.
Solugel® collagen has a neutral taste and dissolves easily in both hot and cold drinks, without creating annoying lumps. This makes it easy to take daily.
Hydrolyzed collagen peptides like those in Solugel® are small enough to be quickly absorbed by the body. Research shows that these peptides are present in the blood plasma within 15 to 60 minutes of ingestion . (4)
This rapid absorption means that your body can quickly access the building blocks that are important for maintaining collagen-rich tissues such as skin, bones and joints.
In short : Check the Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) on the label: Not too much, not too little. A smart mix ensures you get exactly what you need, without overdoing it.
Not all multivitamins are suitable for long-term use. Synthetic vitamins , such as synthetic vitamin B6, can accumulate in high doses and cause side effects .
Therefore, choose natural or active forms that your body can process better, such as pyridoxal-5-phosphate (active B6), for daily convenience and safety. (8)
In short: The best multivitamin has active vitamins like 5-MTHF, organic minerals, smart additives like antioxidants, a well-balanced dosage, and is safe for daily use. This way, you can be sure you're choosing a supplement that's right for you.
Good to know Claims marked with a (*) are still pending approval by the European Commission.
As promised, here are my 3 favorite multivitamin products that meet all 5 of the criteria mentioned above:
Natuurlijk Presteren's improved Multi Premium formula contains no fewer than 32 active ingredients. This multivitamin contains only the most absorbable forms in safe and effective doses.
In short, a complete and high-quality multivitamin with only the very best ingredients.
Proviform Multi Pure Superior is another high-dose multivitamin with a balanced mix of biologically active ingredients, perfect for those looking for a complete supplement.
The benefits:
The disadvantages:
I think Multi Puur Superior is a great multivitamin because of the pure and easily absorbable ingredients: Ideal for those looking for a complete and reliable daily supplement.
Everyone is unique, which is why Nutribites offers multivitamins specially developed for men, (pregnant) women, and women in menopause, tailored to your needs.
The benefits:
The disadvantages:
Available at bol.com
In my opinion, Nutribites absolutely deserves a spot in this top 3, especially because of the high purity of its products and the high-quality ingredients. The dosages are carefully selected, and the active ingredients are perfectly tailored to the needs of the target group.
For the best multivitamin for men, I look for herbs like saw palmetto, ginseng, and maca root, which you won't find in standard multivitamins. Make sure these herbs and plant extracts are standardized for consistent quality.
There is also more attention to minerals such as zinc and magnesium in supplements aimed at men, so pay extra attention to the form: What you want are organic minerals such as zinc bisglycinate.
Women have different needs depending on their life stage, such as pregnancy , menopause , or being over 50. For example, pregnancy requires additional 5-MTHF folate and iron bisglycinate, while calcium and vitamin D are often more important during menopause.
Herbs such as black cohosh and cranberry extract are typical additions to feminine formulas and should be standardized for reliable quality.
Always check the RDA to adjust the dosage to your stage, for example a higher folate dosage during pregnancy.
For those over 70, I often choose multivitamins with mild herbs such as rosemary extract or curcumin, which are not standard in regular formulas.
Active forms of vitamins , such as methylcobalamin (B12), are important because absorption decreases with age. Organic minerals like magnesium bisglycinate are also a good choice because they are gentler on the stomach, which is beneficial for many older adults.
Many multivitamin formulas for seniors also contain ingredients that focus on bones , collagen, and joints . This can be beneficial, as it provides a comprehensive nutritional supplement tailored to the needs of your age group.
Yes, multivitamins for children usually have a lower dosage , tailored to their age and weight. They are often in liquid form, drops, or chewable tablets, which makes taking them easier and more enjoyable.
Key ingredients include vitamin D, C, B vitamins, omega-3 (especially DHA) and pre- and probiotics.
As a mother I would like to share some tips: