De beste Multivitamine kopen? Hier moet je op letten

Buying the best multivitamin? Here's what to look for.

Geschreven door: Ebrina van der Bijl

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Gepubliceerd op:

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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.

What should you look for when buying the best multivitamin?

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:

1. Vitamins in active form

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:

  • Folate - Choose 5-MTHF (active form) instead of folic acid, which must be converted first. 5-MTHF is more easily absorbed, especially with an MTHFR mutation. (1)
  • Vitamin B6 - Go for pyridoxal-5-phosphate (P5P) , the active form, instead of pyridoxine, which is less directly useful. (2)
  • Vitamin B12 - Choose methylcobalamin (active form) over cyanocobalamin for better absorption, especially on plant-based diets. (3)

2. Minerals in organic form

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.

3. Unique additions

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.

4. Well-balanced dosage

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:

  • Higher doses for substances that you often need more of , such as vitamin B12 (especially if you eat a plant-based diet) or vitamin D in winter.
  • Substances that can accumulate, such as vitamin A or B6, should be dosed at a lower level to remain safe. (8) (9)

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.

3. User-friendly

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.

4. Gets absorbed quickly

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.

5. Safe for daily use

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.

Top 3 best multivitamins

As promised, here are my 3 favorite multivitamin products that meet all 5 of the criteria mentioned above:

1. Multi Premium - Natural Performance

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.

2. Multi Pure Superior - Proviform

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:

  • Active ingredients such as 5-MTHF folate, methylcobalamin (B12), and pyridoxal-5-phosphate (B6)
  • Organic minerals such as iron and magnesium bisglycinate
  • Stomach-friendly Ester-C® (vitamin C) and stable K2Vital Delta® (vitamin K2)
  • 100% natural excipients and pullulan capsules, gluten-free, lactose-free
  • Suitable for vegetarians, with safe dosages for daily use

The disadvantages:

  • Higher doses (e.g. B12: 4000% RDA, D3: 1000% RDA) may be too much for some users
  • Not suitable for children under 10 years and when using anticoagulants (due to K2)

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.

3. Multivitamin - Nutribites

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:

  • High-quality formulas with active vitamins (such as 5-MTHF folate)
  • Organic minerals
  • Unique herbal and plant extracts suitable for the target group
  • 100% plant-based and suitable for vegans
  • Free from unnecessary additives, gluten-free, and lactose-free

The disadvantages:

  • No Coenzyme Q10

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.

What makes the best multivitamin for men different from other multivitamins?

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.

What to look for when choosing the best multivitamin for women?

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.

What makes a multivitamin suitable for people over 70?

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.

Are there multivitamins specifically for children?

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:

  1. Choose supplements with natural sweeteners like stevia or fruit juices, without added sugar or artificial colors.
  2. Gummies or chewable tablets without synthetic sweeteners are ideal. If your children are a bit older and swallow easily, tablets or capsules are also fine.
  3. I taught my children to swallow pills by making balls from the soft part of a roll with milk or water. This is a fun and easy way to learn to swallow tablets , especially since the selection of chewable tablets for children is smaller.
  4. Always consult a doctor before giving supplements to children under 4 years of age .
Ebrina van der Bijl - Natural Performance

Ebrina van der Bijl

Ebrina is a nutritionist with a deep commitment to healthy eating and a sustainable lifestyle, based in beautiful Portugal. Her passion for natural and organic products is at the heart of her work. With a background in Nutrition & Dietetics and experience in product development and writing, she translates complex scientific information into practical advice for a balanced lifestyle.

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Sources used

  1. Servy, EJ, et al. (2018). MTHFR isoform carriers. 5-MTHF (5-methyltetrahydrofolate) vs folic acid: a key to pregnancy outcome: a systematic review. Journal of Maternal-Fetal & Neonatal Medicine, 31(20), 2723–2730. https://doi.org/10.1080/14767058.2017.1347922
  2. Ghavanini, A. A., & Kimpinski, K. (2014). Small-fiber neuropathy associated with pyridoxine toxicity: a systematic review. Canadian Journal of Neurological Sciences, 41(6), 756–762. https://doi.org/10.1017/cjn.2014.108
  3. Obeid, R., et al. (2015). Vitamin B12 bioavailability from different sources: a systematic review. Nutrients, 7(10), 8255–8268. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu7105405
  4. Milman, N. (2012). Iron bisglycinate chelate and polymaltose iron for the treatment of iron deficiency anemia: a review. Therapeutics and Clinical Risk Management, 8, 577–586. https://doi.org/10.2147/TCRM.S35621
  5. Blancquaert, L., et al. (2021). Bioavailability of Magnesium Food Supplements: A Systematic Review. Journal of Functional Foods, 84, 104403. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jff.2021.104403
  6. Dehzad, MJ, et al. (2023). Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of curcumin/turmeric supplementation in adults: A GRADE-assessed systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Cytokine, 164, 156144. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cyto.2023.156144
  7. Akbari, A., Mobini, G. R., Agah, S., Morvaridzadeh, M., Omidi, A., Potter, E., Fazelian, S., Ardehali, S. H., Daneshzad, E., & Dehghani, S. (2020). Coenzyme Q10 supplementation and oxidative stress parameters: a systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical trials. European Journal Of Clinical Pharmacology, 76(11), 1483–1499. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00228-020-02919-8
  8. Muhamad, R., Akrivaki, A., Papagiannopoulou, G., Zavridis, P., & Zis, P. (2023). The Role of Vitamin B6 in Peripheral Neuropathy: A Systematic Review. Nutrients, 15(13), 2823. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15132823
  9. Olson, J.M., Ameer, M.A., & Goyal, A. (2023, September 2). Vitamin A toxicity. StatPearls - NCBI Bookshelf. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK532916/