The best multivitamins in the UK

by for the Ageless Team July 20, 2021

How to find a good quality multivitamin
Benefits and precautions
Best multivitamins available in the UK

 

A varied and balanced diet is the best way to consume all the nutrients required for a healthy life. Still, when things get busy, it can be hard to get everything you need. The right multivitamin can provide the necessary nutritional support. 

Poor quality multivitamins are a waste of money, but organic supplements produced from wholefoods can deliver a useful top-up of vitamins and minerals. If you take the time to find a product that matches your nutritional needs and is made to rigorous standards, it can have a significant impact on your general health and well-being. 

How to find a good quality multivitamin

For a multivitamin to be effective, it must be prepared and formulated correctly. Many standard options include artificially produced ingredients in a form that is almost impossible for your body to use. However, if you take the time to look around, it is possible to find easily digestible, naturally sourced vitamins.

To help you be sure that the multivitamins you take will be adding quality nutrition to your diet, there are several things to consider: 

1. Quality food sources

Look for vitamins made from quality whole foods where possible. The best supplements are made from a mix of naturally sourced vitamins, minerals and powdered fruits and vegetables. Because the essential nutrients come directly from real food, they provide more active ingredients. The presence of other natural substances in this form means that your gut can digest them more effectively.

2. Genuine organic certification

Organic vitamins are an excellent choice because they have been produced without the use of any chemical fertilisers or pesticides. When manufacturers use artificial substances during the farming and production process, traces of them may remain in the leaves or fruit. As multivitamins are designed to take regularly if you ingest these chemicals they could build up over time to unsafe levels.

Organic products must be officially certified by a relevant authority. You can verify this by looking out for the certificate itself or an official logo like the EU leaf.

3. GMP certification

Brands that display Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) certification have met high industry standards. This is an internationally recognised award that is given to companies that are committed to relevant standards and regulation. Under the EU GMP framework, inspectors regularly visit premises to ensure the use of hazard analysis and exceptional food hygiene standards. 

4. Free of artificial fillers

Fillers are substances added to bulk up the active ingredients in a supplement. If the blend of vitamins and minerals only half fills a capsule, some producers add artificial powders to fill any gaps. Other additions to supplements are chemicals used to bind tablets together or, preservatives to make them last longer. Where possible, avoid products that contain these, instead, look out for natural alternatives. For example, some brands use rice flour as a safe, natural filler.

5. Matching your needs

The most crucial aspect of finding any supplement, especially a multivitamin, is making sure that it matches your needs. Taking vitamins that your body doesn't need is a waste and, in some cases, could be dangerous. When making your choice, be clear about why you want to take one. In this list, we've indicated some of the reasons you might want to choose certain supplements. 

What are the benefits of multivitamins?

Despite your best efforts, it's not always possible to get all the necessary vitamins and minerals through your diet. Farming practices and food production methods have changed significantly in the last few decades and this has reduced levels of essential nutrients in the food chain.

Boosting your diet with a good quality whole food multivitamin will help you address any deficiencies and provide a range of additional benefits:

Increased energy and reduced fatigue

When your body gets all the vitamins and nutrients it needs, it can run at its optimum. Because this makes everything more efficient, you may conserve energy, resulting in improved focus and less fatigue. 

This effect can be further improved by combining a regular multivitamin with enough sleep and the correct hydration.

General health and feelings of well-being

Not eating enough of what your body needs is a common cause of low mood and poor health. The right multivitamin can produce a transformational effect on how you feel. When everything is working as it should, many people report incredible feelings of vitality and well-being.

Reduced levels of stress and anxiety

Good-quality multivitamins, like those listed here, are packed full of B vitamins and antioxidants. B vitamins ensure that essential body processes happen efficiently. Antioxidants prevent free radical from causing oxidative damage. Some studies link lower levels of free radicals to decreased feelings of stress.

Risks and side effects 

Multivitamins from well-respected brands with the relevant certifications in unlikely to cause you problems if you carefully follow the serving instructions. However, there are some side effects to look out for and some precautions to take:

• Taking too much of some vitamins and minerals can lead to side effects and health problems. Follow the safe daily amounts guidelines from the NHS.
• Don’t be tempted to take more than you need. Excess amounts of a vitamin won’t enhance the effect. Any extra you ingest will either be wasted or could build up and become toxic.
• Carefully check the ingredient list for any allergens you may react to.
• Find out when is the best time of the day to take each of your vitamins.
• If you're pregnant, breastfeeding, on regular medication or suffering from long term health conditions, talk to your doctor before taking any supplements.

Best multivitamins available in the UK

Based on the criteria outlined above, here is our selection of the highest-quality multivitamins available to buy in the UK.

Best for vegans: Vegan multivitamins (G&G)  

 

These multivitamins from G&G are specially designed to provide essential nutrients for those following a vegan diet. They are a precisely formulated combination of vitamins, minerals and plant extracts such as B vitamins (including B12 with both adenosylcobalamin and methylcobalamin), vitamins C, E, and D3, calcium, magnesium, zinc, iodine, green tea leaf, beetroot and spirulina.

G&G is a UK company dedicated to producing high-quality supplements. Their in-house nutritional therapist ensures that their products provide an optimum blend of ingredients for the maximum effect. They have a UK GMP certification and are accredited by the Soil Association, AIB International, the Vegetarian Society and the FDA.

A daily serving is 1 or 2 capsules and a bottle holds 90 in total. They are non-GMO, gluten-free, lactose-free, soy-free, contain no excipients, binders or fillers and have a vegetable cellulose shell.   

 

Best for beauty: Hair, Skin & Nails multivitamin (G&G)

 

Also from G&G, this blend of vitamins and natural ingredients is designed to support your beauty regime from the inside out.

It contains nutrients that enable normal growth of hair, skin and nails, allowing them to reach their full potential. This is a multivitamin that removes any nutritional barriers to looking your best.

The Hair, Skin & Nails multivitamin is free from GMO’s, gluten, wheat, lactose, artificial preservatives or colourings and is suitable for vegetarians and vegans. Each capsule contains B vitamins (including B12 methylcobalamin), vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, selenium, biotin, zinc, optiMSM, bamboo, kelp and spirulina. A daily serving is between 1 to 3 capsules, and a bottle contains 120.

 

Best for your immune system: Protecta multivitamin (G&G)

 

The Protecta multivitamin has been one of G&G's key products for over 20 years. The newly updated formula contains a carefully selected mix of vitamins and minerals, including zinc, potassium, selenium, vitamin B12, B6 and C.

The inclusion of aloe vera, natural beta-carotene, choline, inositol and PABA make this a one-of-a-kind formula, designed by G&G nutritionists to give your body everything it needs to bolster your immune system, our number one protector. 

Protecta isn't suitable for vegans because it contains dairy sourced lactobacillus acidophilus. However, it is ideal for vegetarians and contains no GMO’s, soy or gluten. A bottle holds 90 capsules and the recommended amount is 1 to 3 per day.

 

Best for children & Best organic: Kid's Rainbow (G&G)

 

Our favourite multivitamin for children is G&G's Rainbow Food drink powder for kids. It's a sugar-free, vegan supplement with a blend of fruits, vegetables herbs and probiotics.

The powder has a subtle flavour and can be added to any drink without disrupting its taste. It also contains live bacteria that have been found useful to boost children's health.

In a packet, you get 100g grams of rainbow food powder. The recommended amounts are 1g for children aged between 4 and 6 and 2g for those 7 or older. This product is free from animal products, gluten, lactose, soy, sugar and GMO.

 

 

Best for teen boys: Food Grown daily multi-nutrient (Wild Nutrition)

 

Wild Nutrition’s daily multi-nutrient is targeted at boys in their teens. For teenagers, growth and development are at its peak, yet diet and nutrient uptake is notoriously bad. This supplement has a combination of active ingredients selected to support normal cognitive development and reduce fatigue. It also contains brain-boosting nootropics like reishi mushroom and artichoke.

‘Food Grown’ is a unique technique used by Wild Nutrition to blend additional nutrients into raw foods. It allows for superior absorption of the vitamins and minerals into your bloodstream. Because it is a more efficient way for your body to receive them, the amount of each ingredient can be lower. This makes them extra safe without sacrificing any of the effects.

The capsules don't contain any artificial fillers, binders or colourings, are suitable for vegetarians, and are free from gluten, GMO’s and soya. The recommended daily amount is two a day, and a bottle holds 60, so should last you for about a month.  

 

Best for teen girls: Food Grown daily multi-nutrient (Wild Nutrition) 

 

Also from Wild Nutrition, this is a multivitamin designed to provide teenage girls with bespoke nutritional support. It uses a blend of vitamins, minerals and botanicals to target psychological and cognitive function, hormonal activity and energy levels. The natural formula includes organic ashwagandha, organic artichoke, iron, vitamin B6, vitamin D and calcium.

The recommended daily measure is 2 capsules per day, and they can be swallowed with water or opened and added to food or drink. Each bottle holds 60 capsules, so it should last for one month. There are no artificial fillers, binders or colourings, and they are suitable for vegetarians, free from gluten, GMO and soya.

 

Best for women: Essential Female Multi (Viridian) 

 

Viridian has formulated this vegan multivitamin to support the nutritional needs of women between the age of 18 and 39. High-quality nutrients have been blended with plant extracts to provide the best support for health and well-being. The active ingredients were selected to reduce tiredness and fatigue, support healthy brain function, regulate hormone activity, boost your immune system and aid in the formation of red blood cells.

Viridian is a well-established company with a commitment to acting with integrity and producing high-quality, ethically sourced supplements. They believe in a balanced whole food diet but acknowledge that government surveys show that large groups of UK society are at risk of low vitamin and mineral intake. To remedy this, they ensure that only the best suppliers and techniques are used to create their range of supplements.

The recommended serving is two capsules, and each one contains a varied blend of beneficial nutrients including hibiscus, cranberry, vitamin B6, iron, zinc, selenium, coenzyme Q10, iodine from kelp, alfalfa, spirulina and blueberry. One bottle contains 60 capsules and the shell is made from a plant-based, vegan substance. They are also non-GMO, manufactured in the UK and free from additives and binders.  

 

Best for men: mykind Organics Men's Multivitamin

 

This mykind men's multivitamin from Garden of Life is certified organic and made with real wholefood ingredients. They come in a zingy, berry-flavoured chew and harness vitamins and minerals from 9 fruits to support optimum nutrition for men. They also contain an incredible blend of organic vegetables including beetroot, broccoli, carrot and spinach. Completely vegan and kosher, they are a great source of vitamin D3, vitamin E and folate.

In each packet, you get 60 gummies, and Garden of Life recommends that you take two each day. There are no artificial additives or binders and they are free from GMO, gluten and animal products.

 

Conclusion

A multivitamin that harnesses nature's whole-food goodness is a great way to supplement your diet. If you struggle to eat a balanced meal every day, then it can be an effective way to boost key nutrients and live your best, most vital life.

To ensure that they will genuinely work for you, it's worth taking the time to find one that closely matches your needs. Take a close look at your diet and current health to give you an idea of what vitamins and minerals you may need more of. Then, carefully inspect the ingredients of each multivitamin to see if it will provide you with adequate support. 

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