Multivitamins

76 multivitamin products - capsules, tablets, gummies and liquids, including formulas for men, women, over-50s, children and pregnancy. Brands include Solgar, Lamberts, Viridian, Natures Aid, Biocare, Together Health and New Leaf.

Who are the different formulas for?

The main differences are iron content and dose level. Women's formulas usually contain iron; men's and over-50s formulas often do not, since iron requirements fall after the menopause and men rarely need extra. Prenatal formulas contain folic acid and are formulated to exclude retinol - see our pregnancy range. Children's formulas come mostly as gummies and liquids; we stock 12 chewables.

Food-state, whole-food or standard?

Viridian and Together Health make what are described as food-state or whole-food multivitamins, where nutrients are combined with plant material. Standard formulas use isolated vitamin and mineral compounds. Both supply the same nutrients; the difference is in the carrier and the dose levels, and the choice is largely one of preference.

How to compare

Look at the percentage NRV column rather than the milligram figures - it tells you at a glance how much of the reference intake each nutrient supplies. Check the serving size too, as some multivitamins are two or three tablets a day rather than one, which changes the price per day considerably.

Do I need one?

A varied diet supplies most of what most people need, and a multivitamin is not a substitute for that. It is more useful as cover for a diet you know has gaps, or where a particular life stage raises requirements. If you already take several single nutrients, check the totals before adding a multi on top.

Food supplements should not be used as a substitute for a varied and balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle.