What is the most effective brand of multivitamin (multiple vitamin) supplement?

From the Guidelines

There is no single "best" brand of multivitamin as individual nutritional needs vary based on age, gender, health status, and dietary patterns. However, reputable brands like Nature Made, Centrum, Garden of Life, and Thorne are generally well-regarded for their quality control and third-party testing 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9. When choosing a multivitamin, look for one that contains 100% of the Daily Value (DV) for most essential vitamins and minerals without exceeding upper limits, particularly for fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K. For most adults, a once-daily formula is sufficient, taken with food to enhance absorption of fat-soluble nutrients. Consider your specific needs—pregnant women benefit from prenatal formulas with extra folate and iron, adults over 50 may need more B12 and less iron, and those with restricted diets might require specific nutrient supplementation. Some key points to consider when selecting a multivitamin include:

• The USPSTF found inadequate evidence on the benefits of supplementation with multivitamins to reduce the risk for cardiovascular disease or cancer 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9.
• The USPSTF found adequate evidence that supplementation with β-carotene or vitamin E in healthy populations without known nutritional deficiencies does not reduce the risk for cardiovascular disease or cancer 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9.
• The American Cancer Society found that current evidence does not support the use of dietary supplements for the prevention of cancer 9.
• The American Heart Association recommends that healthy persons receive adequate nutrients by eating a variety of foods rather than supplementation 9. Remember that multivitamins supplement but don't replace a balanced diet, as whole foods contain additional beneficial compounds like fiber and phytonutrients that pills cannot provide. It's also important to note that the evidence is insufficient to determine the balance of benefits and harms of supplementation with multivitamins for the prevention of cardiovascular disease or cancer 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9. Ultimately, the best approach is to consult with a healthcare professional to determine the most appropriate multivitamin for your individual needs.

From the Research

Effectiveness of Multivitamin Supplements

• The effectiveness of multivitamin supplements in preventing certain chronic conditions is ongoing, but some evidence supports possible benefits of multivitamin supplementation with regard to cancer prevention and prevention or delay of cataract, as well as some aspects of cognitive performance 10.
• Multivitamin/mineral products are the dietary supplements most commonly used by US adults, and establishing the health benefits and harms of MVMs requires accurate estimates of nutrient intake from MVMs based on measures of actual rather than labeled ingredient amounts 11.

Comparison of Multivitamin Brands

• A review of the stated composition of all vitamin products registered with the Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration found that two multivitamin preparations contained 13 vitamins at levels close to the Recommended Dietary Intakes (RDIs): Centrum Complete and Centrum Select 50+ 12.
• The review also found that five multivitamins contained 12 vitamins, with the best being Avon Women's Complete and Pluravit 12.
• Centrum and Pluravit are available at major outlets and their cost is moderate, making them a recommended option for those looking for a complete multivitamin supplement 12.

Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease and Cancer

• The US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) concludes that the evidence is insufficient to determine the balance of benefits and harms of supplementation with multivitamins for the prevention of cardiovascular disease or cancer 13.
• The USPSTF recommends against the use of beta carotene or vitamin E supplements for the prevention of cardiovascular disease or cancer, but concludes that the current evidence is insufficient to assess the balance of benefits and harms of the use of multivitamin supplements for the prevention of cardiovascular disease or cancer 13.

Multivitamin Use and Nutritional Adequacy

• Multivitamin use has been shown to improve micronutrient status in middle-aged to older adults, and consistent use decreases the prevalence of inadequacy for most micronutrients assessed 14.
• Sporadic use of multivitamins also decreases the prevalence of inadequacy for a greater number of micronutrients in obese versus nonobese individuals, and may serve as a practical means to increase micronutrient status and decrease prevalences of clinical deficiency in the middle-aged to older population, particularly in those who are obese 14.