The question Each morning, the model Bella Hadid drinks a shot of ‘gut-support liquid’, swallows 14 supplements and vitamins, slugs a packet of ‘sea moss gel’ and downs a glass of fulvic acid. If that sounds like a bit of a faff, why not pop a single multivitamin instead? These little pills can improve health and boost our nutrient intake. But which ones really work?
The basics Which? tested 26 multivitamins: the cheapest were 4p-per-dose pills from Superdrug and the priciest were 67p-per-dose tablets from Dr Vegan.
The method Which? deployed a nutritionist and registered dietitian to analyse the supplements. The whizzy duo assessed each product’s bioavailability (how well it is absorbed by the body), checked the dosage and number of nutrients in every pill, and noted if they contained any undesirable additives. Then they sent the multivitamins to independent labs who use hi-tech tests such as ‘spectroscopy’ (where a ‘light-based scanner’ measured the pills’ ingredients with total accuracy).
The thing to remember Which? buys the products it tests. That means no relying on freebies, and no biased results.
For the full range of expert reviews, visit which.co.uk/multivitamins
BEST VALUE
Cost per dose 5.5p
What works? Plenty. Testers found these contained all 23 key nutrients you want in a multivitamin and they provide 100% of your recommended daily intake for all ingredients, bar calcium (25%) and magnesium (27%).
What’s the catch? They contain food-grade talc as a filler and an anti-caking agent. This isn’t risky to consume but some people might prefer not to.
BEST MID-RANGE
Cost per dose 50p
What works? Again, lots. Testers found these absorbed very easily, contained minimal fillers, and provided 19 of the 23 key ingredients at the right dose. The pills also contain CoQ10 and lutein, which the brand says help with a healthy heart and eyes
What’s the catch? They don’t contain calcium, magnesium, iron or copper – all key nutrients. Also the pills are quite big; some people might find them tricky to swallow.
BEST BLOWOUT
Cost per dose 67p (for two pills)
What works? Eco-fans rejoice! These are 100% plant-based, come in plastic-free, compostable packaging and contain barely any fillers. They also absorb well, contain all 23 key nutrients, and have good levels of B12, iron and vitamin D.
What’s the catch? The level of calcium is low (containing just 8% of your daily dose).
