Multivitamin and mineral supplements are often used as a convenient way to support everyday health, combining a variety of vitamins and minerals in one product. What many people don’t realise is that there’s no standard formula behind these supplements. Ingredients and nutrient levels can differ widely between brands, which can be an issue, as it makes it difficult to compare products or know exactly what you’re getting.
Do I need to take a multivitamin?
First and foremost, you should be eating a balanced and varied diet in order to get the important vitamins and minerals our bodies need to perform at their best. Vitamins D, C and K, iron, fibre, zinc and omega-3, to name a few, are all essential for good mental and physical health.
However, due to a range of factors, national surveys show that we are consistently falling short of recommended intakes. Over time, this may be a risk factor for chronic disease, especially for the elderly. So, it may be wise to top up with a well-chosen supplement.
There are many high-street multivitamin and minerals (multis) available, which are generally considered safe. While supplements are never a substitute for poor diet, there is some evidence to suggest they help to reduce the nutritional gap.
Whether or not to supplement with a multi can be a difficult decision, especially given that some studies suggest supplementation is not associated with improved health outcomes. One of the issues here is that studies tend to use different definitions for a multi, as well as varying doses of nutrients, combined with formulations that are subject to frequent change, all of which makes comparison difficult. Discover more in our guide: do supplements work?
Best multivitamins at a glance
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Best multivitamin tablets
- Best premium multivitamin: Inessa Advanced multivitamin, £29.99
- Best multivitamin for meeting daily recommended values: Swallow daily multivitamin, £30
- Best one-a-day multivitamin: HealthSpan Gold A-Z multivitamin, £14.44
- Best multivitamin for women: Dr Vegan Women’s ProMulti, £28.99
- Best budget multivitamin for long-term use: VitaBright Multivitamin and Mineral Tablets, £19.99
- Best premium multivitamin for women over 50: Thorne Women’s Multi 50+, £46.16
- Best all-rounder multivitamin tablet: Higher Nature Advanced multi, £16.76
- Runner-up multivitamin tablet: Centrum Advance, £4.50
- Best budget multivitamin tablet: Healthspan Multivitality Pro, £19.99
Best multivitamin capsules
- Best all-rounder multivitamin capsule: Viridian High-5, £10.80
- Runner-up multivitamin capsule: Heights Vitals, £40
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How we tested multivitamins
All multivitamins were tested against a clear set of criteria, with detailed notes recorded during the process. We included samples from various brands, with a range of price points to suit different budgets. The key areas we assessed were:
- Taste and flavour: we noted whether the flavour and texture were pleasant and suitable for daily use, without leaving an artificial aftertaste
- Nutrient profile: each product was examined to see which vitamins and minerals were included, the amounts provided per daily dose, and how those levels compared to the Nutrient Reference Values (NRVs). We also considered whether the nutrients were in forms that are easily absorbed by the body
- Additives: ingredient lists were reviewed for unnecessary extras such as preservatives, artificial sweeteners or colourings, with preference given to products that kept formulations simple
- Dietary requirements: we checked whether each supplement was suitable for specific dietary needs, including vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options
- Value for money: cost per daily dose was compared across products, weighing 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
What stands out about this multivitamin is how comprehensively it covers daily nutrient needs. It provides 100 per cent 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 is designed to support overall health in a single daily tablet, without unnecessary fillers.
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Swallow daily multivitamin
Available from Swallow (£30)
Best multivitamin for meeting daily recommended values
Price per day (recommended dose): 84p
Star rating: 5/5
As well as delivering solid all-round coverage, this formula stands out for getting the basics right. What our testers found most impressive is that it meets the recommended dosage for key nutrients including vitamins C, D3, E, B12, zinc and iron. It has also won a Nourish Award for its formulation.
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HealthSpan Gold A-Z multivitamin
Available from HealthSpan (£14.44)
Best one-a-day multivitamin
Price per day (recommended dose): 13p
Star rating: 5/5
Suitable for vegans, these multivitamins provide 100% of the nutrient reference value for most key vitamins and minerals, though calcium and magnesium are present at lower levels. Some nutrients are not in their most bioactive forms but the overall formula covers a broad spectrum. One-a-day tablets are easy to remember and the packaging is recyclable, arriving in tamper-proof blister packs. The tablets are quite large but can be split in half if needed and have no flavour or smell. They offer good value for money and backed by 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 a day are easy enough to incorporate into a daily routine, and the standard-sized capsules are tasteless with a slight biscuit-like scent. The formula is vegan and free from gluten, dairy, lactose, soya and wheat. With a comprehensive nutrient profile, including high levels of B vitamins, vitamin D3, K2, C and key minerals, it covers most daily requirements, though iron is not included. Packaging is plastic-free and home compostable, making it an environmentally friendly choice. A 60-day money-back guarantee is also offered.
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VitaBright Multivitamin and Mineral Tablets
Available from VitaBright £19.99
Best budget multivitamin for long-term use
Price per day (recommended dose): 5p
Score: 4/5
A simple one-a-day multivitamin designed to cover common nutritional gaps. It provides 100% NRV for key vitamins including D, C and the B group, supporting immunity, energy and general health. Lutein is a useful addition for eye support, though mineral levels are relatively modest.
The tablet is fairly large but easy enough to take with water, with no noticeable taste. Standard nutrient forms are used, and the formula is labelled vegan, gluten- and dairy-free.
It’s exceptional value for long-term use, with over a year’s supply in one bottle. Best suited to those after a reliable everyday top-up rather than a high-strength formula.
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Thorne Women’s Multi 50+
Available from iHerb £46.16
Best premium multivitamin for women over 50
Price per day (recommended dose): £1.38
Score: 4/5
A high-strength formula aimed at women 50+, with 23 nutrients delivered well above NRV in many cases. It uses active forms such as methylfolate, methyl B12 and P5P, alongside chelated minerals, plus vitamin D3 and K2 for bone health.
Capsules are easy enough to swallow, but needing 3-6 daily feels excessive. There’s no taste, though the bottle has a noticeable medicinal smell. The formula is gluten-free with minimal fillers, and overall quality is reassuringly high.
Thoughtfully formulated and well sourced, but the price and capsule count make it better suited to targeted use rather than everyday convenience.
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Higher Nature Advanced multi
Available from Body Kind (£16.76), Higher Nature (£19.95), Amazon (£19.95)
Best all-rounder multivitamin tablet
Price per day (recommended dose): 44p
Star rating: 4/5
Providing 26 essential micronutrients in their optimal absorbable forms, this vegan-friendly formula is high-potency and offers the additional benefits of live probiotic bacteria. This product offers good value, given you can typically expect to pay a little more for products that include chelated minerals, and with vitamins that are better absorbed and used by the body. That said, these tablets are large and our tester found them difficult to take.
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Centrum Advance
Available from Amazon (£4.50), Boots (£10.50), Superdrug (£15.75)
Runner-up multivitamin tablet
Price per day (recommended dose): 23p
Star rating: 4/5
Providing a good balance of nutrients, many of which are at 100% NRV, this one-a-day tablet is quite large, but has a pleasant ‘fruits of the forest’ aroma, with no aftertaste. The product does contain additives, including a synthetic colourant.
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Healthspan Multivitality Pro
Available from Healthspan (£19.99)
Best budget multivitamin tablet
Price per day (recommended dose): 19p
Star rating: 4/5
This balanced formulation provides a full complex of the vitamin B group, as well as vitamins A, D, E and C, as well as most key minerals, many of which are present at 100% of the NRV. The product is also enhanced by the addition of two strains of beneficial probiotic bacteria. Our tester found the one-a-day vegan tablet large, but its shape eased swallowing. This was the most cost-effective product in our trial.
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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
Named to reflect the higher levels of vitamin B5 in this product, this vitamin may help reduce tiredness and fatigue. Our tester found the one-a-day capsule easy to fit into their lifestyle and pleasant enough to take. The vegan-friendly formulation includes nutrients in their active and bioavailable forms, making this excellent value for money.
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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
Delivered in a delayed-release capsule to maximise nutrient absorption, two capsules provide 20 essential micronutrients, along with omega-3 fatty acids in a vegan-friendly form. This is the most expensive product in our trial, although the manufacturer does offer a 30-day money-back guarantee. Our tester disliked the aftertaste, which made the two capsules per day less appealing. Expiry and batch number details are difficult to locate on the packaging.
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Who might benefit from a multivitamin?
If your diet isn’t as good as it could be, perhaps because of a food intolerance, allergy or following a restricted form of eating, a multi may act as a nutritional safety net. In summary, a supplement may be useful for those who:
- Have an intolerance or allergy to foods like eggs, dairy or wheat
- Follow a plant-focused diet, avoiding all meat and animal derived products
- Follow a restricted diet for cultural, ethical or religious reasons
- Have a poor appetite or problems with chewing or swallowing
- Are planning a pregnancy or are pregnant
- Are over 65 years old and may be experiencing a decline in the absorption of some nutrients
Which nutrients are important in a multi?
A basic adult multi will provide the most important micronutrients, including vitamin A; the vitamin B group (including folic acid and B12); vitamins C, D, and E; and key minerals, which may include iron, iodine and zinc. These are likely to be present in amounts up to 100% of the recommended daily amount (or nutrient reference value, NRV). Calcium is usually present in lower quantities, because otherwise the one-a-day tablet or capsule would be too large (or the dose would need to be split into two or more per day). Other minerals like potassium are often kept low to avoid drug-nutrient interactions.
Check that the product you choose includes vitamins, such as the B group and vitamin C, as these are water-soluble and not stored in the body, so we need to have a regular intake. Others, like vitamin D, are hard to get in adequate amounts from the diet, which is why UK guidelines suggest we consider a supplement of 10mcg from the months of October through March.
It is worth remembering that exceeding 100% of the daily value of some nutrients may not be helpful – this is because micronutrients – like vitamins A, D, E, and K – can build up in the body and may pose a toxicity risk. This means that if you are taking a high-potency multi along with other supplements, you should check you are not taking too much.
When you’re selecting a multi, consider your age and gender. This is especially relevant for children, who need different levels of nutrients depending on their stage of growth. For adults, vitamins and mineral needs may increase from mid-life onwards – for example, premenopausal women need more iron, while older adults may need more calcium, vitamin D and B6.
A complete A-to-Z formulation may include additional micronutrients, such as vitamin K, selenium, boron and chromium. These products are often too large to create a single tablet or capsule, so the recommended dose may be two or more per day.
What makes a good multivitamin?
The best supplements will provide nutrients in their most bioavailable form; for example, vitamin E is most active in its natural form (d-alpha tocopherol). Similarly, vitamin D may more effectively maintain blood vitamin D levels when taken as vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol). Minerals that are chelated with amino acids – for example, zinc citrate – are also better absorbed, though the product may be more expensive and the minerals may be included at lower levels.
Where the vitamin B group is included, look for a product that ideally provides all eight of these vitamins. This is because each B vitamin plays a unique role in the body, and they also work together to support bodily functions. Easily absorbed versions include vitamin B6 as ‘pyridoxal-5-phosphate’ and folic acid as ‘5-methyltetrafolate’. Enhanced products, which are likely to be more costly, may include additional ingredients such as beneficial probiotic bacteria, omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidant plant compounds (such as bioflavonoids) or herbal extracts like ginseng.
For those on a vegetarian or vegan diet, check that the product is suitable for your needs – this means nutrients should be sourced from plant extracts, algae, lichen, yeasts and/or bacterial fermentation.
Always keep supplements out of the reach of children. Unless otherwise stated, we tested products available in the UK market that are suitable for adults. Always check the product label and ingredients before purchase.
If you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, taking prescribed medication or have a medical condition, refer to your GP or pharmacist to ensure the product you choose is appropriate for you.
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Kerry Torrens BSc. (Hons) PgCert MBANT is a BANT Registered Nutritionist® with a post graduate diploma in Personalised Nutrition & Nutritional Therapy. She is a member of the British Association for Nutrition and Lifestyle Medicine (BANT) and a member of the Guild of Food Writers. Over the last 15 years she has been a contributing author to a number of nutritional and cookery publications including Good Food.
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