Choosing a high-quality multivitamin can be tricky, as many contain harmful additives, fillers, or insufficient nutrient doses. Breaking Muscle tested two dozen multivitamins and selected the top options for different populations based on ingredients, dosage, absorbability, taste, side effects, and third-party testing.
Top Multivitamin Picks
| Category | Recommended Product | Key Benefits | Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | Transparent Labs Multivitamin | 19 vitamins/minerals, therapeutic doses, bioavailable, includes antioxidants & herbs | Missing B2, B3, B9; not vegan; 4 capsules/day |
| Men Over 50 | Lifeforce Peak Healthspan | Addresses aging markers, therapeutic doses, cognitive & organ support | Expensive; contains sesame; 3 capsules/day; limited third-party testing |
| Men | Onnit Total Human | Day & night packets with vitamins, minerals, and botanicals; supports energy, recovery, stress management | Requires multiple pills/day; pricey; vivid dreams or sluggishness possible |
| Women 18+ | Ritual Essential for Women 18+ | Research-backed, traceable ingredients, includes folate, B12, vitamin D; mint-flavored capsules | Subscription model; pricey; fewer nutrients than other multivitamins |
| Women Over 50 | Ritual Essential for Women 50+ | Supports bone health, cardiovascular health, magnesium & vitamin K intake | Subscription; limited flavors; may arrive melted |
| Women’s Gummy | Olly Women’s Multivitamin Gummy | Tasty, affordable, includes all 8 B vitamins, biotin & vitamin D | Contains added sugar; gelatin (not vegan) |
| Men’s Testosterone Support | XWERKS Rise | Zinc, Tongkat Ali, Shilajit, and BioPerine to support testosterone | Fishy aftertaste; requires subscription |
| Kids | Nature Made Kids First Multivitamin + Omega-3 Gummies | Vitamin D, B12, omega-3s; supports growth, brain & immune health | Contains gelatin & added sugar |
Why Take a Multivitamin?
- Fills Nutritional Gaps: Dietary restrictions, lifestyle, or age may lead to deficiencies.
- Convenience: Provides essential nutrients in one capsule or gummy for busy lifestyles.
Tips for Choosing & Taking Multivitamins
- Consider Your Needs: Age, diet, lifestyle, and health conditions determine the type of multivitamin to take.
- Check Dosages: Ensure serving size and nutrient levels are appropriate; too much can be harmful (e.g., magnesium overdose).
- Percent Daily Values (%DV): Compare %DV to assess if the vitamin meets your needs.
- Form: Capsules, soft gels, or gummies—pick what you can consistently take.
- Certifications & Testing: Look for third-party testing like USP-Verified, NSF, Informed Choice/Sport, Non-GMO, or USDA Organic. This ensures safety and accuracy.
- Potential Interactions: Check if nutrients conflict with medications (e.g., turmeric with antibiotics or fish oil with blood thinners).
Timing
- Most multivitamins: morning with food.
- Some specialized formulations (e.g., Onnit Total Human night packet) are meant for evening use.
