Best multivitamins: comparison & buying guide

Best multivitamin and mineral supplement: our review

We analyzed 9 of the best-selling brands online and selected Nutri&Co’s multivitamin.

Our selection criteria

• Number of active ingredients : quantity of active ingredients contained in the supplement (vitamins, minerals, plant cofactors, antioxidants…).
• Plant cofactors : plant molecules with health properties that can promote the absorption of other nutrients.
• Vitamin forms : vitamins can be synthetic, or extracted from plants. Some forms are more bioavailable to the body than others.
• Price / day : the price for 1 day of a regimen, with the daily dose recommended by the brand.
• Customer reviews : this average of customer reviews for the brand comes from the manufacturer’s website, review platforms, or marketplaces such as Amazon.
• Our opinion of the brand : based on the tests of dietary supplement brands that we carry out each month and the analysis of 6 criteria such as transparency and expertise.

The supplements selected below are all manufactured in France and contain no excipients or additives.

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OUR CHOICE

We selected the Nutri&Co’s multivitamin and mineral complex because it contains a very large number of active ingredients and numerous plant cofactors. These are contained in just 3 capsules.

The vitamins are natural and the selected forms have excellent bioavailability. The nutrients are well dosed, with amounts consistent with the recommended intakes.

Finally, this complex contains magnesium in a “liposomal” form, whose absorption rate by the body is higher than the forms generally found in this type of supplement (bisglycinate or marine).

We like the Nutri&Co brand because it is reliable and transparent (our full review here). We also note that customer reviews are very good. This brand is based in Aix-en-Provence and places particular importance on the quality of the active ingredients in its products.

Use promo code DARWINGIFT to receive a free surprise product (minimum purchase of €70).

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BEST VALUE FOR MONEY

The multivitamin supplement from the Novoma brand is particularly comprehensive as it contains no fewer than 29 active ingredients, including 8 plant cofactors.

This complex contains quality vitamins and minerals, notably magnesium in bisglycinate form which has a good absorption rate.

A course requires taking 4 capsules per day.

Novoma is a quality French brand offering supplements concentrated in active ingredients, at controlled prices (read our full review here).

Use promo code DARWIN-5 to get €5 off your order (minimum purchase of €50).

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BEST ORGANIC MULTIVITAMIN

Santarome Bio is one of the few laboratories to offer a multivitamin supplement certified organic.

It combines 14 organic plants (including shiitake, green tea, moringa…) with a trio of buds (blackcurrant, rosemary, sequoia) to create a 100% natural, plant-based, organic dietary supplement.

The range of vitamins and minerals is comprehensive and well balanced.

Santarome is a French brand of organic phytotherapy and gemmotherapy founded in 1981. In our brand review, our dietitian–nutritionist praised the quality of the ingredients used, their concentration, and the value for money (read the Santarome Bio review).

Use promo code DARWIN15 to get 15% off your order (no minimum purchase).

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What are multivitamins ?

Multivitamins are dietary supplements based on vitamins and minerals. They can also contain plant extracts, amino acids, or antioxidant ingredients depending on the brand.

These vitamin complexes are primarily intended to boost energy and vitality, strengthen the immune system, and address nutritional deficiencies.

Thanks to a balanced formula, they partially meet the recommended daily requirements for vitamins and minerals.

But their benefits can extend to all bodily functions: immunity, the nervous system, the cardiovascular system, muscle growth…

Some have a specific action or have been specially formulated to meet the needs of children, athletes, older adults, or pregnant women.

Multivitamins are available in different forms : capsules, tablets, powder, gummies, or liquid solution.

What are their benefits?

They increase energy

Thanks to a combination of several vitamins and minerals, they reduce fatigue and increase energy. They are used to boost the body and restore vitality.

They support the body throughout the year or during certain periods such as seasonal changes, which can lead to fatigue.

They are also useful occasionally in cases of stress, decreased physical or mental energy, or during a sports competition, for example.

To this end, they contain vitamin C, B vitamins, magnesium, and even amino acids at varying doses.

They strengthen the immune system

All multivitamins contain vitamin C, which contributes to the proper functioning of the immune system.

By strengthening natural defenses, they help the body fight colds, infections, and other winter ailments.

They are useful in cases of weakened immunity during seasonal changes, in older adults, or in polluted environments.

Vitamin C is generally combined with B-group vitamins (B6, B9, B12), vitamin D, selenium or zinc, which strengthen immunity.

They address nutritional deficiencies

As a supplement to a healthy, balanced diet, they help fill deficiencies. Indeed, taking multivitamins helps partially meet the recommended daily requirements.

They are indicated to prevent or address deficiencies linked to an unbalanced or specific : vegetarian, plant-based, vegan…

They provide, for example, vitamin B12, which is often missing in vegetarians or vegans.

Finally, they can address certain deficiencies in children, such as vitamin D deficiency, to support their growth.

Where to buy multivitamins?

• Pharmacies and parapharmacies
• Organic stores
• Specialized retailers (sports nutrition, dietary supplements…)
• Specialized e-commerce sites

In what form ?

In capsules and tablets

Multivitamins are most often available as capsules or tablets (to swallow or effervescent). This is an easy-to-find, inexpensive and convenient format.

Capsules can, however, be difficult to swallow for some people.

In addition, they have limited bioavailability and take several hours to act.

Finally, they can contain excipients and synthetic additives: preservatives, artificial colorings and flavors, coating agents…

In drops

Convenient, this format is suitable for both adults and children and for people who have difficulty swallowing capsules.

It allows some flexibility in dosing, unlike capsules or tablets.

The absorption and assimilation of nutrients by the body are faster.

As a drinkable solution, multivitamins also come in syrup. But they often contain additives, artificial flavors, and preservatives.

In powder

Powder is mainly intended for athletes to boost energy, increase performance, or support muscle growth.

It offers great dosing flexibility, mixes easily with water, and allows you to prepare multivitamin shakes. However, it may contain sweeteners and excipients.

In gummies

The gummies are chewable candies. They contain a blend of vitamins, minerals, and/or plant or fruit extracts such as acerola.

Practical, easy to take, and fun, this format is well suited to children. However, avoid mindlessly snacking on the gummies to prevent overdosing.

Gummies are generally less concentrated in active ingredients and contain sugar.

What criteria should be considered ?

1. The content of vitamins and minerals

The supplement must not be underdosed or overdosed. It should be able to cover daily requirements for each micronutrient.

To know its content in active ingredients, refer to the Percentage of Reference Nutritional Values or % NRV indicated on the packaging.

There is no need to choose a product that provides 150% or 200% of vitamin requirements (except in special cases). Minerals, on the other hand, should be dosed between 20% and 50% each.

2. The formulation

A good supplement should contain at least 10 vitamins and/or minerals and offer a wide range of essential nutrients for the body.

The following vitamins should be present at a minimum:

• vitamin A (beta-carotene)
• B vitamins (B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B8, B9, B12)
• vitamin C
• vitamin D
• vitamin E
• vitamin K

For minerals and trace elements, favor supplements containing:

• chromium
• copper
• iron
• iodine
• potassium
• magnesium
• selenium
• zinc

Depending on the brands, you may find essential amino acids such as lysine, glutamine, or methionine.

3. The manufacturing method

The product may be made from vitamins of natural or synthetic origin. In the first case, find out about the origin of the plants and/or fruits used. They must have been grown without chemicals or pesticides.

Also check that no chemical solvent was used during the extraction process.

Choose a product guaranteed non-GMO, non-irradiated and non-ionized.

4. The composition

The product should be as natural as possible, without preservatives, without flavorings and without artificial colorings. Prefer capsules with a plant-based shell.

Multivitamins cannot be certified organic unless the vitamins and minerals are all extracted from plants grown organically.

5. The price

Expect around €20 for 60 capsules and €15 for 30 ml.

Powder costs around €20 per 100 g.

Finally, you’ll find multivitamin gummies for around €15 for 30 chewable gummies.

To summarize

To be sure you’re choosing quality multivitamins, check:

• Vitamin content : neither underdosed nor overdosed, the product must cover the daily requirements for each micronutrient ;
• Formulation : it must contain at least 10 vitamins and/or minerals carefully dosed ;
• Manufacturing method : check the origin of the ingredients.
• Composition: the product should be free of preservatives, artificial flavors, and artificial colors;
• Price: it is approximately €20 for 60 capsules and €15 for 30 ml. Expect €20 for 100 g of powder and about €15 for 30 gummies.

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