16 modern multivitamins

Review of the best according to the editorial board. On the selection criteria. This material is subjective and does not constitute advertising and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.

Discussions about whether multivitamins are needed or whether modern people get everything they need from food are ongoing. In theory, proper nutrition, a complete and varied diet can really satisfy all the body's needs for vital substances. In practice, the results of studies show that vitamin deficiency begins in childhood and continues into adulthood – and in these studies, the state of not inhabitants of African villages was studied, but the inhabitants of modern megacities. Therefore, we believe that vitamin and mineral complexes are necessary and offer our readers an overview of popular multivitamins.

But before moving on to specific means, let us recall from what considerations the dosages of certain active components in the complexes are selected.

More is not better. Or does it mean?

Few people are able to keep in mind the daily intake of certain nutrients recommended by doctors. Therefore, when choosing the best multivitamins for themselves, most people look at the table printed on the box (or in the instructions), which indicates the content of a particular substance in the preparation itself and the percentage of the recommended consumption rates.

And here questions arise. If you look at the multivitamins of foreign manufacturers, you can see that the content of active substances in them is several times (and sometimes several tens of times) higher than the given daily dosages. To understand why this is happening, you have to delve into history. Few people know that the reasons for the emergence of daily intake of vitamins are associated with the economy, and not at all with medicine. After World War II, most countries (including the United States) had to distribute food ration cards. And in order to know exactly what quotas for which products should be allocated per person, the US government put the question to doctors: how many people should receive essential nutrients in order not to get sick from a lack of them? It was then that the norms of consumption of vitamins and minerals, included in all textbooks, appeared – norms designed to protect people from vitamin deficiency, but by no means to maintain optimal health.

These norms are now called RDA norms, they are indicated on the packaging of multivitamins and, we repeat again, they have nothing to do with maintaining optimal health. By consuming vitamins in such doses, you can protect yourself from scurvy, beriberi, rickets, night blindness, pellagra and other conditions that are known to our contemporaries only from textbooks and fiction.

But if we talk about maintaining optimal health, that is, according to the WHO definition – a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being – these quantities are not enough. Especially when you consider the structure of the nutrition of people in developed countries that has changed over three quarters of a century. Refined foods, semi-finished products and fast food, of course, save a lot of time and effort, but the content of vitamins and minerals in them is several times lower than in products that have undergone minimal processing: there are more essential nutrients in baked potatoes than in freeze-dried mashed potatoes, in grain coffee – more than soluble and so on. Therefore, many dietary associations say that the real need of a modern person for vitamins is much higher than indicated in textbooks. And they create norms for optimal nutrient intake, designed to maintain optimal human health, and not to avoid disease. It is on them that many manufacturers of multivitamins are guided, and that is why the dosages indicated by them are many times higher than the recommended ones.

When creating a review of multivitamins, we tried to take into account the interests of both those of our readers who are ready to take the relatively high content of active substances in multivitamins and those who fear too much of them. For the latter, we have selected in each section of the review multivitamins, the dosages of which meet the RDA standards.

An overview of modern multivitamins

Nomination	a place	Name of product	price
multivitamins for men	1	Duovit for men	426 r
	2	Man's formula: more than a multivitamin	744 RUB
	3	21st Century, Mega Multi	1 340 rub.
	4	Country Life, Max for men	RUB 3,830
multivitamins for women	1	Compliments the radiance	357 r
	2	Optimum Nutrition, Opti-Women	574 r
	3	Nature's Way, Alive! Once Daily, Women's 50+	RUB 1,700
	4	Cyclovita	387 r
multivitamins for children	1	Multi-tabs Junior	421 r
	2	NATURE'S PLUS, SOURCE OF LIFE, POWER TEEN, FOR HER	RUB 2 079
	3	SmartyPants, Teen Guy Complete Multivitamin	RUB 4,460
	4	GummiKing, multivitamins, minerals, vegetables, fruits and fiber	RUB 690
	5	Supradin kids fish	604 RUB
multivitamins for pregnant women	1	Complivit trimester	386 r
	2	One-A-Day, Women's Prenatal, with DHA	RUB 2,000
	3	Garden of Life, Vitamin Code, Raw Prenatal	RUB 3,748

Review of Multivitamins for Men

In this section of the multivitamin review, we have compiled products designed to support male vitality.

Duovit for men

Popularity rating: 4.9

Contains 12 vitamins and 6 minerals. B vitamins provide the body with energy. Vitamin E, magnesium, zinc normalize the work of the cardiovascular system and contribute to the maintenance of sexual function (the quality of erection depends on the state of blood vessels). Unlike most 'male' multivitamins, the complex contains a small amount of iron, which is necessary for normal blood formation and the formation of muscle tissue. the content of active substances in the product does not exceed the recommended consumption rates, so it can be used by those who prefer small doses of vitamins. It is used 1 tablet per day.

Advantages

• contains essential vitamins and minerals required by the body.
• 1 tablet a day.

disadvantages

• not.

Man's formula: more than a multivitamin

Popularity rating: 4.5

A complex of vitamins, minerals and herbal extracts, created to strengthen the body, maintain men's health and overall vitality.

Vitamins B1, B2, B6, B12, cayenne pepper extract and eleutherococcus extract (designated as 'Siberian ginseng' in the list of ingredients) provide the body with energy. Vitamins D, E, C, zinc and all the same Eleutherococcus help maintain immunity. Fenugreek extract stimulates metabolism and lowers blood cholesterol levels, dwarf palm extract supports prostate health. Rutin, quertcetin, hesperidin strengthen the walls of blood vessels and improve microcirculation. Choline improves memory and has hepatoprotective properties.

The manufacturer recommends taking 2 tablets per day, those who are confused by the rather high content of active substances can limit themselves to a tablet per day.

Advantages

• a wide range of vitamins and minerals;
• contains adaptogens;
• Contains plant extracts for prostate health.

disadvantages

• Eleutherococcus can increase blood pressure.
• high price.

21st Century, Mega Multi

Popularity rating: 4.1

These multivitamins can be called one of the best in terms of price-quality ratio. The complex contains 14 vitamins, 9 minerals, as well as plant extracts, vitamin-like substances and natural antioxidants. Men's health is supported by dwarf palm extract, plant turner (a well-known aphrodisiac), oat roots (often referred to as 'natural Viagra'), oyster extract. Citrus bioflavonoids, garlic extract support the health of the heart and blood vessels. Ginseng has an adaptogenic and tonic effect.

There are 90 tablets in the package, 2 tablets per day.

Advantages

• supports prostate health;
• contains herbal effects that stimulate sexual activity;
• affordable price (on foreign Internet sites, when buying in Russia, multivitamins will cost about 2.5 times more).

disadvantages

• not sold in offline pharmacies;
• ginseng can increase blood pressure.

Country Life, Max for men

Popularity rating: 3.7

The vitamin and mineral complex is designed for two months of use, 2 tablets per day. Water-soluble vitamins are contained in rather high dosages, fat-soluble vitamins do not exceed the RDA, which is reasonable, since, unlike water-soluble vitamins, they are able to accumulate in the body. Of the minerals, zinc, selenium, magnesium should be noted (in addition, it contains iodine, calcium, copper, manganese, chromium).

In addition to vitamins and minerals, a mixture of herbal extracts and useful vitamin-like substances is added to the preparation. Eleutherococcus, has adaptogenic properties. Calendula contains lutein, which is essential for the proper functioning of the retina. Dwarf palm extract supports prostate health and reduces androgenic hair loss. Inositol and Choline protect liver cells, neurons, and help maintain vascular health. Betaine helps reduce the risk of developing prostate adenoma and colorectal cancer.

Advantages

• added plant extracts to support men's health.
• high concentration of water-soluble vitamins.

disadvantages

• the content of vitamin D is 5 times lower than that proposed by modern clinical guidelines.
• contains iodine, therefore it is better for people with thyroid pathology to consult an endocrinologist before use.
• high price.

Review of multivitamins for women

Usually, 'female' complexes differ from 'male' complexes in the presence of iron – due to certain physiological characteristics, up to half of women of childbearing age suffer from iron deficiency. On the other hand, iron should not be consumed on a 'more is better' basis – many of its compounds irritate the gastrointestinal tract, causing nausea and abdominal pain. Therefore, women who are beyond childbearing age are better off using multivitamins that do not contain this substance. When compiling a rating of the best, we tried to take into account their interests.

Compliments the radiance

Popularity rating: 4.8

Although marketed as 'beauty vitamins', these multivitamins are actually suitable for any woman. The complex contains 11 vitamins and 8 minerals, in addition to them, green tea extract, rich in natural antioxidants, and alpha-lipoic acid, which supports liver function, normalizes blood sugar levels, and promotes increased fat breakdown during exercise, are added. Of the specific components 'for beauty', one can perhaps note, perhaps, copper, which is necessary for the synthesis of collagen and melanin – hair pigment (it is known that copper deficiency can cause premature gray hair), silicon, which promotes the synthesis of glycosaminoglycans (substances that retain moisture in the skin, and also the basis of cartilage and natural 'lubricant' of joints.), cobalt, in combination with copper, improves the condition of the hair, and the already mentioned catechins of green tea, which are not only strong antioxidants, but can also speed up metabolism and reduce excessive appetite. Otherwise, it is a good-quality vitamin and mineral complex for those who are afraid of excessively high amounts of active substances. the content of vitamins in it corresponds to the recommended daily dosages (except for B1, B2, folic acid and B12, which do not accumulate in the body despite the relatively high intake).

Advantages

• a wide range of vitamins and minerals;
• contains natural antioxidants,
• contains components that contribute to weight loss (subject to adequate caloric intake),
• affordable price.

disadvantages

• not.

Optimum Nutrition, Opti-Women

Popularity rating: 4.4

These multivitamins are often recommended for athletes, but can be used by average women as well. During periods of intense mental stress and stress, it is better to comply with the manufacturer's recommended dosage of 2 tablets per day, just to maintain health it is better to limit yourself to 1 tablet per day (in this packaging format, it will last for 4 months), since the content of active substances in the complex is quite high.

All minerals in these multivitamins for women are presented in the form of chelates – organic compounds that are better absorbed by the body. than inorganic salts, and iron in chelated compounds is less irritating to the gastrointestinal tract.

In addition to 13 vitamins and 10 minerals, the complex contains plant extracts. Soy isoflavones, sacred vitex extract and dong quai support female hormonal balance. Citrus bioflavonoids, garlic and grape seed extracts improve the cardiovascular system. Horse chestnut and Butcher's broom extracts normalize venous tone, preventing the development of varicose veins. Bearberry contributes to the health of the urinary system. and Garcinia cambogia improves metabolism and reduces appetite.

Advantages

• high content of vitamins, you can reduce the dosage recommended by the manufacturer;
• contains plant phytoestrogens;
• contains plant phleboprotectors;
• reduce appetite and speed up metabolism.

disadvantages

• can only be purchased online or in sports stores;
• contain iodine, therefore, in case of thyroid diseases, an endocrinologist's consultation is needed.

Nature's Way, Alive! Once Daily, Women's 50+

Popularity rating: 4.0

These multivitamins are offered to older women because they do not contain iron. But they can be used not only for older women, but also for young women who regularly take hormonal contraceptives. With their use, menstrual blood loss is sharply reduced and the risk of iron deficiency becomes minimal (if it has not formed earlier). The complex is also suitable for those women in whom iron, when ingested, causes digestive problems.

This preparation contains high dosages of water-soluble vitamins, traditional for American multivitamins, and moderate dosages of fat-soluble ones. It should be noted that the content of vitamin D is consistent with modern clinical guidelines, providing a sufficient amount to prevent hypovitaminosis. This is especially important for women in the older age group, as vitamin D regulates calcium metabolism and, consequently, bone density.

Of the microelements, it should be noted selenium, magnesium, zinc, iodine. The difference between these multivitamins is a rather high content of plant extracts: several mixes of useful plants are added to them at once. aimed at maintaining the health of various body systems:

1. for energy, including mental energy – ginseng, eleutherococcus, ginkgo biloba, gotu kola, rhodiola rosea;
2. for the cardiovascular system – hawthorn (maintains vascular health), Japanese scabbard (extract contains up to 50% resveratrol – a powerful antioxidant), coenzyme Q;
3. natural antioxidants – bioflavonoids from citrus and cranberries;
4. vegetable amino acids – spirulina, kelp, knicus, blue-green algae, chlorella, dandelion, lemon balm, lemongrass, nettle, plantain;
5. to support digestion – a mixture of plant enzymes, including those that promote the breakdown of lactose (milk sugar), plant fiber;
6. to maintain hormonal balance – phytoestrogens, flax lignans;
7. to maintain immunity – extracts of mushrooms used in oriental medicine: (reishi, shiitake, oyster mushroom, etc.)

The packaging is designed for two months of use, 1 tablet per day.

Advantages

• contains plant extracts that support women's health;
• does not contain iron, can be used in case of intolerance to this element;
• a complete source of vitamin D;
• 1 tablet a day.

disadvantages

• extracts of ginseng, eleutherococcus and other adaptogens can provoke an increase in blood pressure;
• contains iodine – in case of thyroid pathology, an endocrinologist's consultation is necessary.

Cyclovita

Popularity rating: 3.6

This vitamin-mineral complex was developed for mild correction of possible problems with the menstrual cycle, but in fact it suits most women of childbearing age, since according to statistics, some manifestations of premenstrual tension syndrome (also known as premenstrual syndrome) are observed in almost 90% women: according to different authors. the prevalence of this condition is from 25 to 92%, and it increases with age.

The peculiarity of these multivitamins for women is different dosages depending on the phase of the cycle, since at different times the balance of female sex hormones changes, and, therefore, the need for vitamins. In the first phase of the cycle – from the 1st day of menstruation to the 14th day from its beginning – it is recommended to take tablets from blisters called 'Cyclovita-1'. They have an increased content of vitamin A, B2, B12. In the second half of the cycle, tablets labeled 'Cyclovita-2' are recommended.They have a higher content of vitamin C, E, B6. In general, the complex contains 12 vitamins, lipoic acid, lutein, rutin, zinc, selenium, manganese, copper, iodine.

Advantages

• helps to normalize the cycle and reduce the severity of PMS.

disadvantages

• high price.

Review of multivitamins for kids

The growing body especially needs vitamins and minerals. But any medicines have age restrictions: for children under 3 years old, multivitamins are not produced, limiting themselves to various forms of vitamin D, which is necessary for the normal formation of the skeleton. The problem is that babies can choke on the pill, and in solution, the active components can interact with each other. Therefore, when compiling a review of multivitamins, we had to limit ourselves to the age group over three years old. We decided to pay special attention to adolescents, since this is a period of active restructuring and formation of the body.

Multi-tabs Junior

Popularity rating: 4.7

Contains 11 vitamins and 7 minerals. B1, B2, niacin, chromium, iron, copper help to provide the child's body with energy. Vitamins A, C, zinc and selenium support the normal functioning of the immune system. Vitamin D and calcium support the growth and development of the skeleton, vitamins B6, B12, folic acid and iodine contribute to the development of intelligence, memory and speech.

Recommended for children from 4 to 11 years old. Take 1 chewable tablet daily. the content of active substances does not exceed the recommended consumption rates.

Advantages

• rich vitamin and mineral composition;
• 1 tablet a day;
• do not contain sugar.

disadvantages

• aspartame is used as a sweetener, which is contraindicated in children with phenylketonuria.

Nature's Plus, Source of Life, Power Teen, For Her

Popularity rating: 4.3

This is one of the best multivitamin complexes. created especially for teenage girls. The vegetarian gummies are sugar-free and use xylitol as a sweetener. The complex contains 13 vitamins and 9 minerals, including iron, necessary for girls from adolescence, calcium, selenium, magnesium, chromium. All trace elements are in a chelated form. which improves their digestibility.

Probiotics are added to the chewable lozenges – these are beneficial bacteria that improve the condition of the gastrointestinal tract. In addition, the multivitamin complex contains hay fenugreek extract (fenugreek), which reduces the soreness of menstruation, and dioscorea, which helps to normalize the cycle and reduces the severity of premenstrual syndrome.

It should be noted that the amount of vitamins in the complex, although insignificant, still exceeds the RDA, which may alert some parents. They can be advised to give the teenager not 2 lozenges per day, as the manufacturer recommends, but only one.

Advantages

• rich vitamin and mineral composition,
• no sugar,
• contains plant extracts that support the formation of the girl's menstrual function;
• contains probiotics.

disadvantages

• not available in offline pharmacies, you need to order online,
• high price.

SmartyPants, Teen Guy Complete Multivitamin

Popularity rating: 3.9

And these multivitamins are for teenage boys. Contains 13 vitamins and 6 minerals. the content of active ingredients in them generally fits into the RDA standards (except for vitamins B6 and B12, which provide energy processes in the body and normalize the activity of the nervous system). The peculiarity of this complex is the added omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, which are very important for the development of the brain and retina, that is, the improvement of mental performance and visual acuity. In addition, multivitamins contain lutein and zeaxanthin, which are also essential for healthy vision.

Despite the fact that the package contains 120 chewable lozenges, it is designed for only 1 month of use: the recommended daily amount is 4 lozenges.

Advantages

• rich vitamin and mineral composition;
• contains omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids;
• contains natural substances. maintaining normal vision.

disadvantages

• 4 lozenges per day;
• contains sugar;
• high price.

GummiKing, multivitamins, minerals, vegetables, fruits and fiber

Popularity rating: 3.5

Designed for children over two years old. Gummy lozenges in the form of various fruits, the taste and aroma of which are given by natural fruit extracts. Contains 13 vitamins, iodine, magnesium, zinc. They do not contain calcium, which can be considered both a disadvantage and an advantage – usually calcium gives chewable multivitamins a specific taste that children do not like, and it is not necessary if the child drinks milk and consumes dairy products (curd yoghurts, cheese). In addition to vitamins and minerals, these multivitamins for children contain natural dietary fiber that supports normal microflora.

The dosage in this complex does not exceed the recommended daily allowance (RDA), so it is suitable for those parents who are afraid of excessive intake of vitamins. The gummies have a pleasant taste and are usually enjoyed by children. Children under 4 years old are recommended to take 1 lozenge a day, older children and adults – 2 lozenges.

Advantages

• no colorants or fragrances;
• pleasant taste,
• the content of active ingredients does not exceed the recommended dosages.

disadvantages

• contain sugar.

Supradin kids fish

Popularity rating: 3.4

Multivitamin complex for children over three years old. Unlike most other products in that section of the rating, it does not contain so many active substances: vitamin C, nicotinamide, B6 and B12. The peculiarity of these multivitamins is omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and choline, which are vital for the formation of neurons and the creation of new connections between nerve cells, which, in fact, ensure the mental development of the child. Dosages of all active substances do not exceed the recommended daily doses.

Children 3 years old need one lozenge per day, from 4 years and older 2 lozenges are needed.

Advantages

• contains cholite and omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids for the mental development of the child.

disadvantages

• poor vitamin composition;
• contains sugar.

Review of multivitamins for pregnant women

Pregnant women require special attention. On the one hand, the need for vitamins and minerals increases, since these substances are needed not only by the expectant mother, but also by the developing fetus. On the other hand, an excess of certain substances can negatively affect the unborn child – for example, an overdose of vitamin A can lead to the development of congenital fetal pathology. Therefore, the dosages of active substances in multivitamins for pregnant women usually do not exceed the recommended daily intake.

Complivit trimester

Popularity rating: 4.6

Strictly speaking, this is not one multivitamin complex, but a line of three products intended for different periods of pregnancy. In general, the qualitative composition (that is, the list of vitamins and minerals) of these complexes is the same, but the quantitative composition differs. The dosage of each specific component is selected based on the current needs of the mother and fetus. For example, folic acid is most important in the first trimester when the neural tube is forming. In the same period, iodine and zinc are extremely necessary. Iron is actively consumed from 16 to 20 weeks, when hematopoiesis begins in the fetus. At about 22 weeks, the fetus develops tooth buds – then calcium and vitamin D are very important.

Complivit trimester 1 trimester should be taken when planning pregnancy and up to 13 weeks of pregnancy, 2 trimester – from 14 to 27 weeks of pregnancy, 3 trimester – until childbirth. and if desired and during breastfeeding.

The package contains 30 tablets, taken 1 time per day.

Advantages

• the composition is selected based on the current needs at each stage of pregnancy;
• affordable price.
• 1 tablet a day.

disadvantages

• not.

One-A-Day, Women's Prenatal, with DHA

Popularity rating: 4.2

These prenatal multivitamins are available as a complex of tablets containing vitamins and minerals and gelatin capsules with omega-3 fatty acids. the content of active components fully complies with the recommended standards for pregnant women (including 800 mcg of folic acid, 28 mg of iron, 150 mcg of iodine). Of the omega-3 fatty acids in the complex, special attention is paid to docosahexaenoic acid – it is this acid that is necessary for the development of the brain and retina of the future baby (the second of the essential omega-3 acids – eicosopentaenoic 'is responsible' for the state of the inner lining of the vascular wall).

You can take these vitamins from the planning stage of pregnancy until the end of feeding – during this entire period they will provide the needs of the mother and baby. The package contains 30 tablets and 30 gel capsules, designed for a month.

Advantages

• contain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids;

disadvantages

• only in online pharmacies;
• high price.

Garden of Life, Vitamin Code, Raw Prenatal

Popularity rating: 4.1

The manufacturers of these multivitamins for pregnant women position the product as containing exclusively 'natural' vitamins obtained not synthetically, but from natural ingredients. The complex does not contain colors, flavors, sweeteners or synthetic fillers.

The complex contains 13 vitamins and 10 minerals. Including 800 mcg of folic acid, necessary for the formation of the fetal neural tube, iron in the form of a compound that does not irritate the gastrointestinal tract, vitamin D and calcium. necessary for the formation of the fetal skeleton. To reduce nausea, ginger extract has been added to the multivitamin, which normalizes gastrointestinal motility. Also, the normal function of the digestive system is supported by probiotics – Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus bulgaricus, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

Advantages

• contains prebiotics that support the normal functioning of the gastrointestinal tract and the immune system;
• ginger extract reduces the nausea associated with early pregnancy.

disadvantages

• high price;
• only in online pharmacies.

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Attention! This rating is subjective and does not constitute an advertisement and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.