Best Multivitamins: Comparison & Buying Guide

Best Multivitamin and Mineral Supplement: Our Opinion

We analyzed 9 of the top-selling brands on the Internet and selected Nutri&Co’s multivitamins.

Our Selection Criteria

• Number of active ingredients : the amount of active ingredients in the supplement (vitamins, minerals, plant cofactors, antioxidants…).
• Plant cofactors : plant molecules with health properties that may enhance the absorption of other nutrients.
• Form of the vitamins: vitamins can be synthetic or extracted from plants. Some forms are more bioavailable to the body than others.
• Price per day: the price for 1 day of treatment, with the daily dose recommended by the brand.
• Customer reviews: this is the average of customer reviews on the brand from the laboratory’s website, review platforms, or marketplaces like Amazon.
• Our opinion on the brand: based on our monthly tests of supplement brands and the analysis of 6 criteria such as transparency and expertise.

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

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OUR CHOICE

We selected the multivitamin and mineral complex from Nutri&Co because it contains a very large amount 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 quantities consistent with recommended intakes.

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

We like Nutri&Co because it is reliable and transparent (our full review here). Furthermore, customer reviews are very good. This brand is based in Aix en Provence and places a particular emphasis on the quality of the ingredients in its products.

Use the 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 Novoma is particularly comprehensive as it contains no less 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 treatment requires taking 4 capsules per day.

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

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

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BEST ORGANIC MULTIVITAMINS

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

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

The range of vitamins and minerals is rich and well-dosed.

Santarome is a French brand of herbal and organic gemmotherapy founded in 1981. During the brand test, our dietitian nutritionist appreciated the quality of the ingredients used, their concentration as well as the quality/price ratio (read the Santarome Bio test).

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 may also contain plant extracts, amino acids, or antioxidant actives according to the brands.

These vitamin complexes are primarily intended to increase energy and vitality, strengthen the immune system, and compensate for dietary deficiencies.

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

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

Some have a specific action or have been specially formulated to meet the needs of children, athletes, elderly people, 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 indicated to boost the body and regain vitality.

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

They are also interesting occasionally in cases of stress, physical or moral energy drops, or during a sports competition, for example.

For this purpose, they contain vitamin C, B group vitamins, magnesium, or even amino acids in more or less high 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 interesting in cases of immune fragility during seasonal changes, among the elderly or in polluted environments.

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

They fill nutritional gaps

In addition to a healthy and balanced diet, they help to address deficiencies. Indeed, taking multivitamins partially meets the recommended daily needs.

They are indicated to prevent or address deficiencies related to an unbalanced or specific diet: vegetarian, vegan…

They provide, for example, vitamin B12, which is often lacking 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 drugstores
• Organic stores
• Specialized stores (sports nutrition, dietary supplements…)
• Specialized e-commerce

In what form?

In capsules and tablets

Multivitamins are most often offered in capsules or tablets (to swallow or effervescent). It is an easy-to-find, inexpensive, and convenient format.

However, capsules can be difficult to swallow for some people.

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

Finally, they may 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 for some flexibility in dosage, unlike capsules or tablets.

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

In liquid form, multivitamins are also available in syrup. However, they often contain additives, artificial flavors, and preservatives.

In Powder

The powder is generally intended for athletes to boost energy, enhance performance, or support muscle growth.

It offers great dosing flexibility, mixes easily with water, and allows for the preparation of multivitamin shakes. However, it may contain sweeteners and excipients.

In Gummies

Gummies are chewable candies. They contain a mix of vitamins, minerals, and/or plant or fruit extracts like acerola.

Practical, easy to take, and playful, this format is very suitable for children. However, one should avoid snacking on gummies excessively to prevent overdosing.

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

What criteria should be considered?

1. Vitamin and Mineral Content

The supplement should neither be underdosed nor overdosed. It should meet daily needs for each micronutrient.

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

It is unnecessary to choose a product that covers 150 or 200% of vitamin intake (except in cases of special needs). Mineral dosages should range from 20 to 50% each.

2. The Formulation

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

At a minimum, the following vitamins should be included:

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

Among minerals and trace elements, prioritize supplements containing:

• Chromium
• Copper
• Iron
• Iodine
• Potassium
• Magnesium
• Selenium
• Zinc

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

3. Manufacturing Method

The product can be made from natural or synthetic vitamins. In the former case, check the origin of the plants and/or fruits used. They must have been grown without chemicals or pesticides.

Also, ensure that no chemical solvents were used during the extraction process.

Favor a product guaranteed non-GMO, not irradiated, and not ionized.

4. The Composition

The product should be as natural as possible, without preservatives, artificial flavors, and colors. Opt for capsules with a plant-based shell.

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

5. The Price

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

The powder costs approximately €20 per 100 g.

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

To Summarize

To ensure you choose quality multivitamins, check:

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

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