With multivitamins, gummies, tablets and liquid formulas to choose from, comparing vitamin and mineral supplements can quickly become difficult. A formula designed for women will not necessarily meet the needs of a man, a 50-year-old senior or a child aged 4 and over. Dosage, format and directions for use matter at least as much as the number of nutrients shown on the label.
A product listing 20 or 30 vitamins and minerals is not automatically right for your diet. Check the quantities given per daily dose and compare them with the NRVs, the Nutrient Reference Values used in the European Union. A formula may contain many different nutrients, some of which are present at very low doses.
Gummies are easy to take, but they often contain glucose syrup, sugar or a sweetener. Check the amount of sugar per serving, especially if the product is taken every day. Their texture can also be affected by heat and humidity : it is best to store them in a dry, closed cupboard at a moderate temperature.
A high dosage is not necessarily suitable for everyday use. This is particularly true of high-strength vitamin D3 K2, iron and biotin. Anyone taking medication, pregnant or breastfeeding women, children and people with a specific health condition should seek advice from a healthcare professional before use.
Start by identifying your main need :
Nutrition and health claims authorised in Europe should be understood as indications governed by regulations, rather than as a promise of individual results. For example, vitamin C contributes to the absorption of iron under the conditions set out in European regulations.
A tablet is suitable for people looking for a long shelf life and precise dosage. A gummy makes it easy to take without water, but you should monitor its sugar content and follow the recommended daily dose. A liquid food supplement is practical for people who find tablets difficult to swallow. However, it requires accurate measuring with the supplied cup and often needs to be refrigerated after opening.
Claims such as vegan, gluten-free or lactose-free should be checked against the ingredients list and allergen information. For children, only choose a formula that clearly states the minimum age and suitable dose. A product intended for adults, even if presented as a gummy, is not automatically suitable for a child.
Why this product suits this profile : Two gummies a day provide 13 vitamins and minerals in a strawberry flavour, with no tablets to swallow.
The composition and quantities are stated for a serving of 2 gummies, making it easier to compare them with the NRVs.
A pectin-based formula with 120 gummies and vitamins A, C, D3, B6 and B12, as well as zinc and iodine.
Why this product suits this profile : This liquid formula combines more than 30 nutrients. It is taken at a dose of 15 ml per day and has an orange flavour.
The daily dose, 500 ml volume and nutrient breakdown are clearly stated, unlike formulas that only provide general claims.
A vegan, gluten-free and lactose-free formula providing approximately 33 doses. Please note : each dose contains 63 mg of caffeine.
Why this product suits this profile : One tablet a day helps establish a consistent long-term routine, particularly for people looking for a B-vitamin complex.
The list details all 8 B vitamins, the methylcobalamin form of B12 and the quantity of each nutrient per tablet.
365 tablets, a vegan formula and 80 mg of vitamin C per tablet.
Why this product suits this profile : This formula is intended for children aged 4 and over, with one gummy per day under adult supervision.
The minimum age, dosage and choking risk are clearly stated. The gummy must not be swallowed whole.
A pectin-based, gelatine-free formula with vitamins A, C, D3, E, B6 and B12, as well as zinc and iodine.
We have put together a complete, real-time updated list of products that meet these strict selection criteria and the European regulations governing safety.
This is possible in some cases, but duplicate ingredients are common when combining a multivitamin with a vitamin C and zinc supplement, vitamin D3 K2 or a B-vitamin complex. Compare the total doses and seek advice from a healthcare professional if you are taking medication or have specific needs.
Shelf life depends on the format and storage conditions. Tablets and gummies can generally be kept in a cool, dry place. After opening, a liquid supplement may need to be refrigerated and consumed within the period stated by the manufacturer.
No. Check the minimum age, dosage and supervision instructions. A gummy intended for children aged 4 and over is not a substitute for medical advice and must not be left within reach : its appearance can easily be mistaken for that of a sweet.