Multivitamins flood the shelves of every grocery store. So many brands exist, making it overwhelming to pick the one right for you. Comparing the value and nutrient content of the available brands is a way to decide which multivitamin to buy.
Comparison Charts
The following comparison charts can help you determine which brand may be best for your own needs.
| Intrafusion MultiVites | Walgreens Daily | NatureMade | One A Day Vitacraves | |
| Approximate Price | $13.50 | $10.50 | $19 | $10.50 |
| Type | Gummy | Tablet | Tablet | Gummy |
| Serving | 2 | 1 | 1 | 2 |
| Serving per Container | 75 | 365 | 300 | 35 |
| Sugar (g) | 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 |
| Vitamin D % Daily Value |
800IU 200% |
400IU 100% |
400IU 100% |
400IU 100% |
| Vitamin A % Daily Value |
2500IU 50% |
5000IU 100% |
3000IU 60% |
4000IU 80% |
|
% Daily Value |
30mg 50% |
60mg 100% |
60mg 100% |
60mg 100% |
|
% Daily Value |
15IU 50% |
30IU 100% |
30IU 100% |
40IU 133% |
| Thiamin % Daily Value |
0 0% |
1.5mg 100% |
1.5mg 100% |
0 0% |
| Riboflavin % Daily Value |
0 0% |
1.7mg 100% |
1.7mg 100% |
0 0% |
|
% Daily Value |
10mg 50% |
20mg 100% |
20mg 100% |
0 0% |
| Vitamin B6 % Daily Value |
4mg 200% |
2mg 100% |
2mg 100% |
2mg 100% |
| Folate % Daily Value |
400mg 100% |
400mg 100% |
400mg 100% |
0 0% |
|
% Daily Value |
12mcg 200% |
6mg 100% |
6mg 100% |
10mcg 167% |
| Pantothenic Acid % Daily Value |
10mg 100% |
10mg 100% |
10mg 100% |
400mcg 100% |
| Other Nutrients | Biotin, chromium, |
None | Zinc, calcium | Biotin, choline, |
| Centrum MultiGummies | Equate | TwinLab Daily One Caps | |
| Approximate Price | $9 | $8 | $13.50 |
| Type | Gummy | Tablet | Tablet |
| Serving | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| Serving per Container | 32 | 200 | 60 |
| Sugar (g) | 2 | 0 | 0 |
|
% Daily Value |
400IU 100% |
400IU 100% |
400IU 100% |
| Vitamin A % Daily Value |
4000IU 80% |
3500IU 70% |
10000IU 200% |
| Vitamin C % Daily Value |
30mg 50% |
60mg 100% |
1500mg 250% |
| Vitamin E % Daily Value |
40IU 133% |
30IU 100% |
100IU 333% |
| Thiamin % Daily Value |
0 0% |
1.5mg 100% |
25mg 1667% |
| Riboflavin % Daily Value |
0 0% |
1.7mg 100% |
25mg 1471% |
| Niacin % Daily Value |
0 0% |
20mg 100% |
100mg 500% |
|
% Daily Value |
1.6mg 80% |
2mg 100% |
25mg 1250% |
| Folate % Daily Value |
300mg 75% |
400mg 100% |
800mg 200% |
| Vitamin B12 % Daily Value |
10mcg 167% |
6mcg 100% |
100mcg 1667% |
| Pantothenic Acid % Daily Value |
6mg 60% |
10mg 100% |
50mg 50% |
| Other Nutrients | Biotin, iodine, zinc |
Vitamin K, biotin, |
Biotin, calcium, |
| Vitacost Synergy Once Daily | CBH Super Mulitvitamin | Sundown Naturals | |
| Approximate Price | $19 | $24 | $11 |
| Type | Tablet | Tablet | Gummy |
| Serving | 1 | 4 | 2 |
| Serving per Container | 60 | 30 | 50 |
| Sugar (g) | 0 | 0 | 3 |
| Vitamin D % Daily Value | 2000IU 250% | 4000IU 100% | 800IU 200% |
| Vitamin A |
1500mcg |
5000IU |
2500IU |
| Vitamin C |
100mg |
500mg |
60mg |
| Vitamin E |
20mg |
60IU |
151IU |
| Thiamin |
10mg |
3mg |
0 |
| Riboflavin |
10mg |
3.4mg |
0 |
| Niacin |
20mg |
35mg |
10mg |
| Vitamin B6 |
10mg |
4mg |
2mg |
| Folate |
800mcg |
400mg |
400mg |
| Vitamin B12 |
1000mcg |
100mcg |
6mcg |
| Pantothenic Acid |
10mg |
20mg |
5mg |
| Other Nutrients | Vitamin K, biotin, |
Vitamin K, biotin, |
Biotin, magnesium, |
Picking the Right Multivitamin
Due to the high volume of multivitamins available, it's difficult to know which one is right for you. There are a few key guidelines to consider when choosing a multivitamin.
- Look for a USP, ConsumerLab, NSF, or UL certification on the bottle. The FDA does not regulate supplements, so these certificates indicate the supplement contains the ingredients in the amounts listed with nothing additionally added in.
- Price isn't everything. Supplements widely range in price and just because one multivitamin is more expensive than another does not necessarily mean a better product. Always research the brand to see if it is certified by one of the above organizations.
- Know what's in the supplement. Many multivitamins also contain herbal supplements such as milk thistle, green tea extract, etc. Herbal supplements can interact with some medications so check with your doctor before beginning supplementation.
- More isn't always better. Some multivitamins provide over 1000 percent of the daily needs of a nutrient. In excess, some vitamins can cause negative symptoms and toxicity. When paired with a healthy diet, a multivitamin that provides around 100 percent of the daily needs is the sufficient.
- Stick to the pills. Although the gummy vitamins taste great, they typically contain sugar and artificial food coloring; two ingredients you don't want when trying to boost your nutrition. Use caution with children as the gummy vitamins may taste like candy, but too many could have negative consequences.
- Multivitamins shouldn't be substituted for a healthy diet. Although some health conditions require vitamin supplementation, the average person can get most of their vital vitamins and minerals from a well-rounded, healthy diet. A diet filled with colorful fruits, vegetables, lean meats, whole grains, nuts, and seeds can help you achieve the necessary vitamin requirements.
Multivitamins and You
Although some individuals benefit from taking a multivitamin supplement, they are not necessary for everyone. However, if you are taking a multivitamin, it can be challenging to choose the right one. Using certifications put forth by USP, ConsumerLab, NSF, or UL can help ensure you are purchasing a quality product. Avoid going overboard with supplements as a healthy diet can provide the majority of the nutrients needed in a day.
