5 Multivitamin Must-Haves: What to Look For in a Multivitamin

Taking a multivitamin is a great way to get the nutrients you need while not overcomplicating your vitamin routine. However, in a world filled with an overwhelming array of multivitamin options, finding the perfect one to suit your unique needs can feel daunting. Whether you’re on a quest for better health, enhanced energy, or simply want to cover your nutritional bases, finding the right multivitamin begins with making informed decisions.

Let’s take a look at some of the most important things to look for in a multivitamin, as well as some of the best multivitamins for men and women.

1. It has the appropriate daily values of ingredients

The first factor to consider when selecting a multivitamin is making sure that it delivers the appropriate daily value of ingredients. The daily value represents the amount of a specific nutrient that the average person needs daily to maintain good health.

You should choose a multivitamin with 100% of the daily value of its ingredients. Different multivitamins may contain different amounts of certain vitamins and minerals, so it is worth checking the labels carefully.

Solgar® Multis include 18+ vitamins and minerals at 100% or above the recommended daily value.

2. It’s formulated specifically for your age & sex

The health needs of a woman in her 20s will be very different than those of a man in his 50s, and so their multivitamins should look different as well.

For example, women in their childbearing years may benefit from higher iron and folic acid content, while men might require more zinc and certain B vitamins. Seniors may need additional nutrients such as calcium and vitamin D for bone health.

Solgar® Women’s Multi offers nutrients that support reproductive and breast health, while Solgar® Men’s Multi offers nutrients that support muscle & bone health.†

Solgar® Women’s Multi 50+ & Men’s Multi 50+ include higher levels of vitamin D for bone health, and B12 — because the body’s ability to absorb vitamin B12 decreases with age.†

By selecting a multivitamin designed for your age and sex, you can make sure that you’re getting the right nutrients in the right proportions, optimizing your overall well-being and supporting your body’s unique needs.

3. It has essential nutrients

If you’ve decided to take a multivitamin, it’s probably because you’re struggling to get adequate micronutrients from your diet. So when choosing a multivitamin, it’s important that you’re actually getting the right vitamins and minerals, and not just a lot of fillers.

Important vitamins and minerals to look for in a multivitamin:

• Vitamin D: Vitamin D is essential for bone health and immune health. According to a study published in Science Direct, over 40% of Americans don’t get enough vitamin D, and it’s also hard to come by in food, so this should be the first thing you look for in a multivitamin.¹
• Zinc: Zinc supports your immune system and helps the body turn carbohydrates, protein, and fats into energy. According to a study published in the National Library of Medicine, zinc deficiency is common in older people, especially those over the age of 75.²
• Iron: A recent study found that nearly 40% of young women ages 12-21 are low in iron.³ Women of childbearing age are at a higher risk of low iron levels because of the blood that’s lost during menstruation. Those who eat a plant-based diet may also want to look for iron in a multivitamin, especially if they aren’t substituting meat with other iron-rich foods.
• Folate: Folate (or folic acid) is best known for supporting reproductive and breast health. Women need 400 mcg of folate a day, so it’s important to look for this when choosing a multivitamin.
• Vitamin B12: Vitamin B12 helps support energy production, nerve health, and more. Vegans and vegetarians are more prone to low vitamin B12 levels because most food sources are animal-based, like meat, poultry, or fish. The body’s ability to absorb vitamin B12 also decreases with age, so people over the age of 50 may also want to look for higher levels of vitamin B12 in their multivitamins.⁴

4. It has nutrients in a bioavailable format

Bioavailability refers to how easily a nutrient can be absorbed and used by the body. When choosing a multivitamin, it’s important to note the form of the nutrients. For example, there are many different forms of magnesium, but magnesium citrate tends to have a higher bioavailability.

Many supplement companies will choose the cheapest form of the nutrients, which your body won’t be able to use. Instead, look for a multivitamin that has high bioavailability — such as Solgar® Men’s & Women’s Multis.

5. It’s free from common allergens

The final step to choosing a multivitamin is making sure it suits your dietary restrictions and needs. For example, Solgar® Men’s & Women’s Multis are all non-GMO, kosher, gluten-free, dairy-free, and soy-free.

How Solgar® Multis stack up:

Best multivitamin for women under 50

SOLGAR® WOMEN’S MULTI

Supports…

• Reproductive & breast health†
• Energy & stress†
• Bone & heart health†
• Immune health†

With 18 highly bioavailable vitamins & minerals including folate, D3, and iron.

Best multivitamin for women over 50

SOLGAR® WOMEN’S MULTI 50+

Supports…

• Healthy hair, skin, & nails†
• Energy & stress†
• Bone & heart health†
• Immune health†

With 18 highly bioavailable vitamins & minerals including biotin, vitamin B12, and vitamin E.

Best multivitamin for men under 50

SOLGAR® MEN’S MULTI

Supports…

• Muscle & bone health†
• Energy & stress†
• Heart health†
• Immune health†

With 19 highly bioavailable vitamins & minerals including vitamin A, D3, and zinc.

Best multivitamin for men over 50

SOLGAR® MEN’S MULTI 50+

Supports…

• Prostate health†
• Muscle & bone health†
• Energy & stress†
• Heart health†
• Immune health†

With 20 highly bioavailable vitamins & minerals including selenium, and vitamins A, B12, and D.

Summing it up

Now that you’re armed with the information you need, choosing your next multivitamin should be a breeze. Just remember to choose a multivitamin that delivers the recommended daily values, is formulated for your specific age and sex, contains essential nutrients in bioavailable formats, and aligns with your dietary restrictions. Solgar® Multis, whether for women, men, those under 50, or over 50, meet all these criteria. By making the right choice, you can enhance your overall well-being and provide your body with the support it deserves.

†These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

The information provided on this site is intended for your general knowledge only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment for specific medical conditions. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. The information on this website is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Never disregard medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on the Solgar® site.