Best Multivitamins: How to Recognize the Right Supplements?

Let's start by explaining to you what a multivitamin really is.

But besides, wouldn't "multivitamins" be feminine plural?

But no, there is no doubt about it: we do say “a multivitamin,” and we fully intend to enlighten you on the subject.

Rest assured, the following information is not a grammar lesson. 😉

Now that you know what these supplements are for, it's high time to get to the most important (and most anticipated) part of this article: how to choose the best multivitamin .

A multivitamin may contain a large amount of nutrients, but these nutrients may not be easily absorbed by the body. 🤔

We will explain this to you in more detail.

This ease of assimilation is called bioavailability , that is, the body's ability to absorb and use nutrients efficiently. The higher the bioavailability, the more positive the vitamins and minerals provided will have.

But in terms of bioavailability, not all vitamins are equal. Some require additional conversion by the body.

It is therefore necessary to favor bioactive forms . These are those that the body can use directly without modifying them. As examples, here are the bioactive forms for the most common vitamins:

• Vitamin A : Retinol or retinyl palmitate (easier to use than beta-carotene, which must be converted by the body).

• Vitamin B9 : 5-MTHF (5-methyltetrahydrofolate) , more effective than synthetic folic acid.

• Vitamin B12 : Methylcobalamin , better absorbed than cyanocobalamin.

• Vitamin C : Ascorbic acid , which is the natural, bioactive form of vitamin C.

• Vitamin D : Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) , more powerful and better absorbed than vitamin D2.

In addition to bioavailability, the quality assessment of a multivitamin also includes excipients, i.e., ingredients that facilitate the manufacture and preservation of the supplement, but which do not affect its nutritional effectiveness. Some components are likely to cause adverse effects or impair the absorption of nutrients. For information, the French National Agency for the Safety of Medicines and Health Products (ANSM) has published the list of excipients with known effects .

⛔ To choose the best multivitamin , check that these unwanted excipients are not included in the composition of your food supplement:

• artificial colors;

• sweeteners (such as aspartame);

• chemical preservatives (such as BHT or sodium benzoate);

• fillers (such as hydrogenated oils or microcrystalline cellulose).

The best multivitamins must offer an optimal balance of the different nutrients in the product's composition. Yes, it's not just a simple cocktail of vitamins: the dosage must be carefully studied. 💡

Indeed, when consumed in excess, certain vitamins can interfere with the absorption of other nutrients, or even cause adverse effects. For example, too much zinc can reduce the absorption of copper, or too much vitamin A can become harmful in the long term. To find out if your dietary supplement is well-balanced, you can study the labels and check whether the recommended daily doses correspond to the daily intakes recommended by the French National Agency for Food and Occupational Safety (ANSES).

To determine whether a dietary supplement is one of the best multivitamins , the question of synergies is also worth considering. To be effective, one nutrient generally works in combination with another. This is the case, for example, of vitamin D, which aids in the absorption of calcium, essential for strong bones. Similarly, vitamin C promotes the absorption of iron and increases its effectiveness.

Certain nutrients are essential. For this reason, they must be included in the composition of the best multivitamins .

Grab your magnifying glass 🔍 and get ready to decipher the list of essential nutrients!

Also known as the sunshine vitamin, it is produced by our body, which synthesizes it from the sun's rays. It contributes to the normal absorption and utilization of calcium and phosphorus. These actions, of course, have the consequence of preserving bone strength .

Beyond this role, vitamin D also has a role to play when it comes to muscles. 💪Yes, it also contributes to the maintenance of normal muscle function.

And let's not forget your teeth! 🦷 Vitamin D also helps you maintain healthy teeth. It's no coincidence that the best multivitamins are rich in this precious nutrient!😉

A sports enthusiast's friend, vitamin C has the benefit of boosting the immune system, especially during and after a workout. Speaking of immunity, consider trying the Organic Ashwagandha Formula , which also has the ability to reduce stress and improve concentration.

Far from being content with this role, it also participates in the formation of collagen, which is essential for bone and cartilage well-being. 🦴

It also helps maintain normal energy balance and the proper functioning of the nervous system.

No, it's not over, vitamin C is truly the best student of all these nutrients.

It also promotes iron absorption, which is especially important if you follow a vegetarian diet.

If you find this nutrient on the ingredient list of your supplement, chances are it's among the best multivitamins.

We have also prepared this article for you to find out when and in what form to take vitamin C to optimize its effects .

And here is the darling of vegans and vegetarians!

Vitamin B12, also known as cobalamin, plays a key role in the functioning of the nervous system. In other words, it ensures that your brain stays sharp and in good shape. 🧠

It also contributes to the normal metabolism of homocysteine, an amino acid known for its effects on cardiovascular well-being.

Additionally, it's involved in psychological functions, which can be very useful for maintaining morale and staying focused. In fact, regarding the latter, these 10 simple and effective tips for staying focused may be of great help to you.

Did you also know that this vitamin is a major player in the overall formation of red blood cells, the cells that carry oxygen in the blood?

Finally, it plays a role in the process of cell division, which is essential for the body's regeneration.

So if your supplement is packed with vitamin B12, chances are it's one of the best multivitamins!

It is the ultimate anti-fatigue ally!

The best multivitamins all contain it. Not only does it help reduce fatigue, but it also helps maintain electrolyte balance, which regulates mineral levels in the body.

It even participates in energy metabolism and also contributes to maintaining normal muscle function. Finally, it is involved in protein synthesis, the process that contributes to tissue renewal.

By avoiding these mistakes, you maximize your chances of buying one of the best multivitamins .

One of the most common mistakes is not paying attention to the ingredient list. However, some supplements contain ingredients that are sometimes unnecessary or even potentially toxic.

Unfortunately, the cheapest supplements are rarely the best multivitamins . While price is important, a product that's priced at a bargain basement price should raise your suspicions. Cheap multivitamins may contain lower-quality nutrients, insufficient doses, or ingredients that aren't bioavailable.