Do Multivitamins really work? What should you look for and avoid?

Here's how to spot the ultimate multivitamin formulas to support immune and overall health.*

Most of us don’t follow a perfectly balanced diet all the time. We simply have too much to do and too little time in our busy schedules, right?

Research shows that nutrient deficiencies spread widely across the US population despite their essential role in human health and wellbeing.[1]

Why should men take a multivitamin?

It may not come as a surprise to you that our micronutrient

 needs vary according to many different factors from our age 

to activity level to the general state of our health. One key factor to consider is also sex. 

It’s important to be on the lookout for symptoms of vitamin deficiency. Here are some potential signs to look out for: 

So do multivitamins really work? And are they worth the investment?

The short answer to this question is, yes — If you choose a high-quality one that covers all your bases!  According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), multivitamin minerals (also known as MVM’s) do have an overall positive effect on nutritional adequacy, as well as the intake of micronutrients.[3]

All Multivitamins are NOT created equal

Don’t run to your local grocery store to pick up a generic multivitamin just yet! There’s some key information you need to know before choosing a multivitamin so that you don’t waste your hard-earned money on poor quality, ineffective, or potentially harmful products.

CITATIONS

DISCLAIMER: This scientific research is for informational purposes only. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. Primal Harvest provides this information as a service but does not endorse it. This information should not be read to recommend or endorse any specific products.

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[1] Reider, Carroll A et al. “Inadequacy of Immune Health Nutrients: Intakes in US Adults, the 2005-2016 NHANES.” Nutrients vol. 12,6 1735. 10 Jun. 2020, doi:10.3390/nu12061735

[2] Bird, Julia K et al. “Risk of Deficiency in Multiple Concurrent Micronutrients in Children and Adults in the United States.” Nutrients vol. 9,7 655. 24 Jun. 2017, doi:10.3390/nu9070655

[3] Bots, Sophie H, et al. “Sex Differences in Coronary Heart Disease and Stroke Mortality: A Global Assessment of the Effect of Ageing between 1980 and 2010.” BMJ Global Health, vol. 2, no. 2, 2017, https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjgh-2017-000298. 

[4] “Vitamins and Minerals.” National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/vitamins-and-minerals. 

[5] “Micronutrient Inadequacies in the US Population: An Overview.” Linus Pauling Institute, 3 Jan. 2023, https://lpi.oregonstate.edu/mic/micronutrient-inadequacies/overview. 

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To see a list of our other references, please click here. 

Our Choice

• 21 Vitamins and Minerals
• Formulated with Bioflavonoid Complex
• 1 Easy-to-Swallow Capsule Per Day
• Third-Party Lab Tested
• Made in the US with globally sourced ingredients.

Based on 3739 Reviews of Primal Harvest

The top 8 ingredients your Multivitamin must have

The ultimate Multivitamin checklist:

• Pills Per Serving: Most of us want to get the most bang for our buck per bottle and definitely don’t want to be taking six or more capsules per day. Opt for a multivitamin with a reasonable daily serving size of 1-2 vitamins per day, and try to always take it with a meal containing healthy fats for maximum absorption. 
• Clear and Accurate Labeling: A quality multivitamin should clearly list exactly what’s included in the formula and how much. Avoid multivitamins with no daily value set for certain ingredients.
• Third-Party Lab Tested:  Choose a multivitamin that has been independently third party lab tested. These unbiased test results will guarantee that the multivitamin is top quality and free from unwanted extras, such as contaminants, traces of heavy metals, or pesticides. It’s also best to make sure the multivitamin you choose is free from unnecessary synthetic fillers, artificial coloring, or chemical additives.

Top Multivitamin Benefits

• Support healthy aging & longevity*
• Support immune health*
• Support energy levels*
• Help prevent nutritional deficiencies*

• Mood & mental clarity*
• Support healthy hair and skin*
• Enhance overall sense of wellness*
• Support eye, brain, and heart health*

*Individual results may vary. 

So what can be done to prevent these nutritional deficiencies and eliminate the fatigue, mental fog, and lack of vitality that all too often impact our lives?

According to a 2017 CRN Consumer Survey on Dietary Supplements, an estimated 73% of supplement consumers reported taking a multivitamin, making it the most popular supplement in any category.[2]

The right multivitamin can act as a nutritional “safety net” for optimal health, by filling in the gaps where we consistently fall short.

Brittle, weak hair and nails*

Fatigue and low motivation*

Feeling run-down*

Potential signs of vitamin deficiency

Muscle issues*

Frequent headaches*

Regularly feeling cold*

Having brain fog or feeling sluggish*

Skin issues like dryness*

Feeling weak*

Difficulty thinking clearly*

• Only available online
• Sometimes runs out of stock

• Formulated with 21 vitamins and minerals including D3, C, K, and B vitamins
• Contains zinc and calcium
• Includes citrus bioflavonoids plus the antioxidants lutein and lycopene
• 1 capsule a day 
• USA-made with globally sourced ingredients
• 90-day money-back guarantee
• Certified safety & purity testing

Price: $23.96 $29.95

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• No 90-day money-back guarantee
• No bioflavonoid complex

• Contains 19 key vitamins and minerals
• Only 1 capsule per day 
• Gluten-free

Price: $33.00

2. One A Day

by One A Day

• 30-day return policy

• Features iron and key vitamins  
• 1 tablet serving size
• Gluten-free

Price: $34.99

3. Multi Complete with Iron

by Nature Made

• Lack of calcium
• Low price may raise questions about quality
• High sugar content may be concerning for some 

• Contains 16 essential vitamins and minerals plus CoQ10
• Chewable gummies

Price: $13.99

5. Women's Multi

by Olly

• 2-capsule serving size 
• No vitamin C
• 3 minerals and 5 vitamins

• Blend of 8 vitamins & minerals plus omega-3 DHA
• Vegan and gluten-free
• No artificial colorants

Price: $20.00

4. Essential Multivitamin 18+

by Ritual

*Always consult your personal physician for an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.

*These statements are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

GRADE A

GRADE B+

GRADE B

GRADE C+

GRADE C

• Vitamin D3: The recommended form of vitamin D is vitamin D3, or cholecalciferol. Vitamin D3 is used to support immune and bone health.*
• Vitamin B12: This vitamin supports nerve health, energy levels, and more. Most multivitamins contain B-12 as methylcobalamin (or methyl-B12), because it is thought to be the most easily absorbed by our bodies.*
• Zinc: Zinc helps maintain a healthy immune system, skin health, and much more. It’s generally found to be lower in elderly adults.*
• Calcium: It’s believed that at least 40% of American adults don’t get enough calcium from diet alone. That’s why it’s so important to make sure it’s listed on your multivitamin label.* [5]
• Folic Acid (or Folate): Especially for pregnant women or women planning to become pregnant, folic acid has many health benefits, including supporting hair, skin, and nail health.*
• Biotin: An essential B-complex vitamin, this must-have supports healthy hair, skin, and nails, and helps maintain a healthy nervous system, among many other benefits.*
• Vitamin C: The well-known “superhero of immunity,” vitamin C is involved in many important bodily functions and is a powerful antioxidant that supports the body’s production of collagen, absorption of iron, and much more!*
• Bioflavonoid Complex: The antioxidant properties of bioflavonoids have been found to support joint, immune, cognitive, and overall health.*