Multivitamin and mineral supplements provide a convenient means to bolster your daily nutritional intake, blending various essential vitamins and minerals into a single product. However, it’s crucial to understand that these supplements lack a standardized formulation, leading to substantial variations in ingredients and nutrient concentrations among different brands. This inconsistency can pose challenges for consumers trying to compare products or fully comprehend what they are consuming.
Do I Need to Take a Multivitamin?
The first step towards optimal health is maintaining a balanced and diverse diet, which supplies the essential vitamins and minerals our bodies require for peak performance. Essential nutrients, including vitamins D, C, and K, along with iron, fiber, zinc, and omega-3 fatty acids, are vital for both mental and physical well-being.
Nonetheless, national surveys frequently reveal that many individuals fall short of the recommended daily intakes. Over time, this deficiency can contribute to the risk of chronic diseases, especially among older adults. Therefore, supplementing with a carefully chosen multivitamin may be beneficial.
Numerous multivitamins are available on the high street, generally considered safe. It’s important to note that while supplements should not replace a poor diet, they can help bridge the nutritional gaps.
Deciding whether to take a multivitamin can be challenging, particularly as some studies indicate supplementation does not always result in improved health outcomes. This inconsistency stems from the varying definitions and doses of nutrients used in research, as well as frequently changing formulations, complicating direct comparisons. For further insights, explore our comprehensive guide: Do Supplements Work?
Best Multivitamins at a Glance
Best Multivitamin Tablets
- Best Premium Multivitamin: Inessa Advanced Multivitamin, £29.99
- Best for Meeting Daily Recommended Values: Swallow Daily Multivitamin, £30
- Best One-a-Day Multivitamin: HealthSpan Gold A-Z Multivitamin, £14.39
- Best Multivitamin for Women: Dr Vegan Women’s ProMulti, £28.99
- Best All-Rounder Tablet: Higher Nature Advanced Multi, £19.95
- Runner-Up Multivitamin Tablet: Centrum Advance, £3.67
- Best Budget Multivitamin Tablet: Healthspan Multivitality Pro, £18.99
Best Multivitamin Capsules
Best Chewable Multivitamins
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How We Tested Multivitamins
Each multivitamin was evaluated based on a clear, established set of criteria, with detailed notes taken throughout the process. We selected samples from various brands, ensuring a range of price points to accommodate different budgets. The primary areas of assessment included:
- Taste and Flavour: For gummies and liquids, we noted whether the taste and texture were pleasant for daily consumption, without leaving an artificial aftertaste.
- Nutrient Profile: We examined each product to determine which vitamins and minerals were included, the dosages per daily serving, and how they compared to the Nutrient Reference Values (NRVs). Additionally, we considered whether the nutrients were in forms easily absorbed by the body.
- Additives: We reviewed ingredient lists for unnecessary extras such as preservatives, artificial sweeteners, or colorings, favoring simpler formulations.
- Dietary Requirements: We checked whether each supplement was suitable for specific dietary needs, including options for vegetarians, vegans, and those avoiding gluten.
- Value for Money: We compared the cost per daily dose across products, weighing the price against nutrient quality, formulation, and overall ease of use.
Best Multivitamins to Buy in 2026
Best Multivitamin Tablets
Inessa Advanced Multivitamin
Available from Inessa, £29.99
Best Premium Multivitamin
Price per day: (recommended dose) 50p
Star rating: 5/5
This multivitamin excels in comprehensively meeting daily nutrient needs. It provides 100% or more of the recommended intake for most essential vitamins and minerals, including vitamins C, D3, E, K2, B12, iodine, selenium, and zinc, using well-absorbed forms. The formula aims to support overall health with a single daily tablet, free from unnecessary fillers.
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Swallow Daily Multivitamin
Available from Swallow (£30)
Best for Meeting Daily Recommended Values
Price per day: (recommended dose) 84p
Star rating: 5/5
Our testers admire this supplement for meeting the recommended dosages for a range of nutrients, including vitamins C, D3, E, B12, zinc, and iron.
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HealthSpan Gold A-Z Multivitamin
Available from HealthSpan (£14.39)
Best One-a-Day Multivitamin
Price per day: (recommended dose) 13p
Star rating: 5/5
Suitable for vegans, this multivitamin supplies 100% of the nutrient reference value for most key vitamins and minerals, though calcium and magnesium are at lower levels. While some nutrients may not be in their most bioactive forms, the formula covers a broad spectrum. These one-a-day tablets are easy to remember, and the packaging is recyclable, arriving in tamper-proof blister packs. The tablets, though relatively large, can be split in half if needed and are flavorless, offering excellent value for money coupled with a money-back guarantee.
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Dr Vegan Women’s ProMulti
Available from Dr Vegan (£28.99)
Best Multivitamin for Women
Price per day: (recommended dose) 93p
Star rating: 5/5
Two capsules per day easily fit into a daily routine, and the standard-sized, tasteless capsules emit a subtle biscuit-like scent. This vegan formula is free from gluten, dairy, lactose, soy, and wheat, offering a comprehensive nutrient profile, including high levels of B vitamins, vitamin D3, K2, C, and essential minerals. Although iron is not included, the packaging is environmentally friendly, being plastic-free and compostable. A 60-day money-back guarantee is also provided.
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Higher Nature Advanced Multi
Available from Body Kind (£19.95), Higher Nature (£19.95), Amazon (£18.95)
Best All-Rounder Multivitamin Tablet
Price per day: (recommended dose) 44p
Star rating: 4/5
This formulation provides 26 essential micronutrients in their most absorbable forms, making it vegan-friendly and high in potency with the added benefit of live probiotic bacteria. This product offers exceptional value, as products that include chelated minerals are typically more expensive. However, the tablets are large, and test participants found them somewhat difficult to swallow.
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Centrum Advance
Available from Amazon (£3.67), Boots (£10.50), Superdrug (£15.75)
Runner-Up Multivitamin Tablet
Price per day (recommended dose): 23p
Star rating: 4/5
This multivitamin provides a good array of nutrients, many at 100% of the NRV. While the tablet is somewhat large, it offers a pleasant ‘fruits of the forest’ aroma with no aftertaste. Note that it does contain additives, including a synthetic colorant.
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Healthspan Multivitality Pro
Available from Healthspan (£18.99)
Best Budget Multivitamin Tablet
Price per day (recommended dose): 19p
Star rating: 4/5
This balanced formula includes a full complex of B vitamins, alongside vitamins A, D, E, and C, as well as most key minerals, many found at 100% of the NRV. Notably, the addition of two beneficial probiotic strains enriches the product. Our testers found the large, vegan-friendly, one-a-day tablet easy to swallow thanks to its shape. This product was the most economical option available in our trial.
Best Multivitamin Capsules
Viridian High 5
Available from Body Kind (£10.80), Viridian (£10.80)
Best All-Rounder Multivitamin Capsule
Price per day (recommended dose): 35p
Star rating: 4.5/5
This product is tailored to reflect elevated levels of vitamin B5, which may help reduce tiredness and fatigue. Our tester found the one-a-day capsule seamless to integrate into their routine and pleasant to take. The vegan-friendly formulation contains nutrients in their active, bioavailable forms, rendering this an excellent value choice.
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Heights Vitals
Available from Heights (£40)
Runner-Up Multivitamin Capsule
Price per day (recommended dose): £1.33
Star rating: 3.5/5
This product is delivered in a delayed-release capsule to maximize nutrient absorption. With two capsules, you receive 20 essential micronutrients and omega-3 fatty acids in a vegan-friendly form. While this is the most expensive option tested, the manufacturer offers a 30-day money-back guarantee. However, our tester expressed dislike for the aftertaste, making the twice-daily regimen less appealing, and the expiration and batch details were hard to locate on the packaging.
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Best Chewable Multivitamin
WeightWorld Multivitamin Gummies
Available from WeightWorld (£15.50), Amazon (£13.95)
Best Multivitamin Gummy
Price per day (recommended dose): 25p
Star rating: 4/5
While gummies and chewables can fall short in providing a complete nutrient spectrum, this product offers a reasonable balance, with a few exceptions for specific B vitamins, calcium, and iron. Our tester found the gummies overly sweet, likening the flavor to that of strawberry laces. However, the product comes with a full money-back guarantee.
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Centrum Fruity Chewables
Available from Pharmacy2U (£6.80), Superdrug (£7.99), Boots (£8.50)
Best Chewable Multivitamin
Price per day (recommended dose): 54p
Star rating: 3.5/5
For those who prefer chewable or gummy supplements over tablets, this option may be ideal. While it offers a good range of vitamins and minerals, including iron, it does contain sweeteners such as xylitol and aspartame to enhance flavor. Our tester enjoyed the citrusy berry taste but felt that consuming two chewables daily felt excessive. Note that the product does contain E numbers.
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Who Might Benefit from a Multivitamin?
If your dietary choices are limited due to allergies, intolerances, or a restricted eating plan, a multivitamin may act as a helpful nutritional safeguard. In summary, supplements may be advantageous for individuals who:
- Have a food intolerance or allergy, such as to eggs, dairy, or wheat
- Follow a plant-based diet excluding all animal products
- Adhere to cultural, ethical, or religious dietary restrictions
- Experience poor appetite or have difficulty chewing or swallowing
- Are considering pregnancy or are already pregnant
- Are over 65 and may encounter a decline in nutrient absorption
Which Nutrients Are Important in a Multi?
A typical adult multivitamin provides several crucial micronutrients including vitamin A, the B vitamins (like folic acid and B12), vitamins C, D, and E, along with essential minerals like iron, iodine, and zinc. These nutrients are generally present in amounts up to 100% of the daily recommended dosage (or nutrient reference value, NRV). Keep in mind that calcium is often included at lower levels to prevent overly large tablets, which could require multiple dosages. Other minerals like potassium may be limited to avoid potential interactions with medications.
It’s essential to ensure the supplement includes water-soluble vitamins, such as the B vitamins and vitamin C, as these are not stored in the body and need regular consumption. Additionally, obtaining sufficient vitamin D can be challenging through diet alone, prompting UK guidelines to recommend a supplement of 10mcg during the months of October to March.
Exceeding 100% of the daily value for certain nutrients may not provide extra benefits. Some micronutrients—like vitamins A, D, E, and K—can accumulate in the body and potentially lead to toxicity risks. If taking a high-potency multivitamin alongside other supplements, ensure you’re not exceeding recommended levels.
When selecting a multivitamin, consider your age and gender, particularly for children who require different nutrient levels at various growth stages. Adults may need increased vitamin and mineral intakes as they age; for instance, premenopausal women typically need more iron, while older adults might require additional calcium, vitamin D, and vitamin B6.
A comprehensive A-to-Z formulation may contain additional micronutrients, such as vitamin K, selenium, boron, and chromium. Such formulations often necessitate multiple tablets or capsules for full dosage.
What Makes a Good Multivitamin?
The finest supplements use nutrients in their most bioavailable forms. For instance, vitamin E functions most effectively in its natural form (d-alpha tocopherol). Similarly, vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) is more efficient in maintaining blood vitamin D levels than other forms. Minerals that are chelated with amino acids, like zinc citrate, are typically better absorbed, though they may be pricier, and their concentrations may be lower.
For vitamin B complex inclusion, a high-quality product should ideally encompass all eight B vitamins, as they each play unique roles and synergistically support bodily functions. The most absorbable forms of these vitamins include pyridoxal-5-phosphate for vitamin B6 and 5-methyltetrafolate for folic acid. Premium products may also contain beneficial probiotics, omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidant plant compounds (like bioflavonoids), or herbal extracts like ginseng.
If you follow a vegetarian or vegan diet, verify that the product is aligned with your dietary requirements—this typically means nutrients are sourced from plant extracts, algae, lichen, yeasts, and/or bacterial fermentation.
Ensure that all supplements are kept out of children’s reach. Unless stated otherwise, the products tested are intended for the adult UK market. Always review the product label and ingredient list prior to purchasing.
For pregnant or breastfeeding individuals, those taking prescribed medications, or individuals with medical conditions, consult your GP or pharmacist to ensure the chosen product is appropriate for you.
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Kerry Torrens BSc. (Hons) PgCert MBANT is a BANT Registered Nutritionist® with a postgraduate diploma in Personalized Nutrition & Nutritional Therapy. A member of the British Association for Nutrition and Lifestyle Medicine (BANT) and the Guild of Food Writers, she has contributed to numerous nutritional and culinary publications over the past 15 years, including Good Food.
All health content on bbcgoodfood.com is intended for general information and should not replace the medical advice of your physician or another health care professional. If you have health concerns, please contact your local healthcare provider. Refer to our website’s terms and conditions for further details.
