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When it comes to supplements, multivitamins are considered the holy grail. And it's easy to see why too – with just one (or two) tablets, you can cover off a decent chunk of the essential nutrients and mineral supplements that support your overall health and make sure that your immune system works as intended. It doesn't get any more convenient than that.

Of course, in an ideal world, we would get all the essential vitamins from healthy eating and maintaining a balanced diet. In reality, this can often be harder said than done, especially if you follow a vegan or vegetarian diet. This is where some of the best multivitamins come in to help fill in the nutritional gaps.

Meet the experts:

• Stephanie Baker, registered nutritional therapist at Purolabs
• Dr Fiona Barry, health expert at Revive Active

"Multivitamins are supplements that contain a combination of vitamins and minerals. They are often taken to help fill nutrient gaps in an individual's diet," explains Dr Fiona Barry, health expert at Revive Active. 

However, Fiona notes that multivitamins are not a substitute for a healthy diet and should not be used to replace nutrients from whole foods. "It’s always best to get your vitamins and minerals from a balanced diet that is rich in vegetables, fruits, lean meats, fish, whole grains, nuts and seeds," she says.

What should you keep in mind when choosing a multivitamin? | What is the best time to take multivitamins? | What's the recommended dosage and are there any side effects to taking multivitamins?

Best multivitamins at a glance – our top picks:

But even taking into account all the benefits of dietary supplements, figuring out the right product for you can be a tad overwhelming to say the least. To help you make a decision, we've put together a comprehensive guide on all the best multivitamins that can help address your nutrient needs. We've also consulted with professionals to answer all your burning FAQs on the benefits of multivitamins as well as the best time to take them. Enjoy.

Bear in mind that this article is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Multivitamins are not a substitute for a healthy, balanced diet. We strongly recommend that you speak to your doctor, nutritionist and/or a dietitian to ensure that you're getting all the vitamins and minerals your body needs.

Looking for more health and wellness content? Head over this way for our guides on the best iron supplements, best vitamin D supplements and the best collagen supplements. 

Scroll down to check out our full list of all the best multivitamins available now…

Dosage: 1 gummy a day.

Vitamins and minerals: Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Pantothenic Acid, Vitamin B6, Vitamin A, Folic Acid, Biotin, Iodine, Vitamin D, Vitamin B12, Inositol.

Why we love it: Who said that multivitamins had to be boring old tablets? These chewable gummy vitamins are packed with 10 essential vitamins and minerals, all of which work together to support the maintenance of your skin and bone health. Did we mention that they're strawberry-flavoured too?

Dosage: 1 tablet a day.

Vitamins and minerals: Vitamin A, Vitamin E, Vitamin C, Vitamin K, Vitamin B1 (Thiamin), Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin), Vitamin B6, Vitamin B12, Vitamin D, Biotin, Folic Acid, Niacin, Pantothenic Acid, Calcium, Phosphorus, Magnesium, Iron, Iodine, Copper, Manganese, Chromium, Molybdenum, Selenium and Zinc.

Why we love it: This one-a-day multivitamin for adults contains 24 vitamins and minerals, including all 13 essential micronutrients. Its formulation is designed to be suitable for all adults, is non-GMO, gluten-free and free from common allergens such as milk, lactose, nuts and sugar.

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Dosage: 1 tablet a day.

Vitamins and minerals: Vitamin A, Beta Carotene, Vitamin D, Vitamin E, Vitamin C, Thiamin (Vitamin B1), Riboflavin (Vitamin B2), Niacin, Pantothenic Acid, Vitamin B6, Vitamin B12, Folic Acid, Biotin, Calcium, Chromium, Copper, Iodine, Iron, Magnesium, Manganese, Molybdenum, Selenium, Zinc, Betaine Hydrochloride, Choline, Citrus Bioflavonoids, DL-Methionine, Hesperidin Complex, Inositol, Lecithin, L-Cysteine, L-Lysine Hydrochloride, Natural Carotenoids, PABA, Papain and Rutin.

Why we love it: This specially designed multivitamin from Holland & Barrett features a high-strength formula. Each daily dose contains a selection of digestive enzymes, amino acids, lecithin and additional substances needed for nutritional support.

Dosage: 1 tablet a day.

Vitamins and minerals: Vitamin A, Vitamin D, Vitamin E 12, Vitamin K, Vitamin C, Thiamin (Vitamin B1), Riboflavin (Vitamin B2), Niacin, Vitamin B6, Folic Acid, Vitamin B12, Biotin and Pantothenic Acid.

Why we love it: When it comes to supplements, you can never go wrong with Boots brand-name items. This particular item is not only affordable, it contains all the key nutrients your body needs to maintain optimal eye health and heart health. A six-month supply for a bit more than £5? Yes please.

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Dosage: 1 capsule a day.

Vitamins and minerals: Vitamin A, Vitamin D, Vitamin E, Vitamin C, Vitamin B1, Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin), Vitamin B5, Vitamin B6, Folic Acid, Vitamin B12, Niacin, Calcium, Magnesium, Iron, Zinc, Copper, Manganese, Selenium, Chromium, Molybdenum, Iodine, Potassium, Biotin, Beta Carotene, Sodium, Choline, Inositol, Olive Leaf, Oleuropein, Para Aminobenzoic Acid, Co-Enzyme Q10, Lutein and Bilberry.

Why we love it: This vegan multivitamin complex is suitable for both men and women and contains 34 nutrients in their most absorbable forms. It plant-based and is free from botjh synthetic ingredients and additives.

Dosage: 2 capsules a day.

Vitamins and minerals: Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin D3, Vitamin E, Thiamine (vitamin B1), Riboflavin (vitamin B2), Niacin, Vitamin B6, Folate, Vitamin B12, Biotin, Pantothenic acid, Iodine, Magnesium, Zinc, Selenium, Manganese, Chromium, Molybdenum, Inositol, Alpha lipoic acid, Natural mixed tocopherols, Bio-Quercetin® phytosome, Marigold extract, Apigenin, Boron and Lycopene.

Why we love it: These two-a-day multivitamin capsules feature all 13 essential nutrients, including high doses of vitamin C, vitamin D and vitamin B to prevent any deficiencies and help build up your body's reserves.

Dosage: 2 capsules a day.

Vitamins and minerals: Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin D, Vitamin E, Thiamin, Riboflavin, Niacin, Vitamin B6, Folate, Vitamin B12, Biotin, Pantothenic Acid, Iodine, Magnesium, Zinc, Selenium, Manganese, Chromium, Molybdenum, Alpha Lipoic Acid, Mixed Tocopherols, Quercetin Phytosome, Apigenin, Boron, Lycopene and Zeaxanthin.

Why we love it: Produced in an FDA-approved facility, this 30-day supply of multivitamins and minerals has all the proper certifications as well as a high-potency formula. Each serving size also contains both zinc and magnesium, which helps support brain, muscle and nerve function.

Dosage: 2 tablets a day.

Vitamins and minerals: American ginseng, Biotin, Folate, Vitamin B5, Vitamin B6, Selenium, Vitamin B12, Vitamin C, Lavender and Magnesium.

Why we love it: This day-and-night multivitamin comes with two separate formulas, each for different times of the day. The morning tablet contains nutrients that support sustained energy release, while the evening ones have lavender to soothe your nerves and help you sleep.

Dosage: 1 capsule a day.

Vitamins and minerals: Vitamin A, Vitamin D, Vitamin E, Vitamin K, Vitamin C, Thiamin (Vitamin B1), Riboflavin (Vitamin B2), Niacin, Vitamin B6, Folic Acid, Vitamin B12 and Biotin.

Why we love it: This multivitamin pack is designed specifically for mature women, featuring nutrients such as Vitamin D, Vitamin C, Vitamin B1, Vitamin B12 and Biotin. It even comes with a separate pack of capsules that contains Omega-3 fatty acids that help promote healthy heart and brain function.

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Dosage: 1 tablet a day.

Vitamins and minerals: Vitamin A, Vitamin D3, Vitamin E, Vitamin K, Vitamin C, Thiamin, Riboflavin, Niacin, Vitamin B6, Folic Acid, Vitamin B12, Biotin, Pantothenic Acid, Potassium, Chloride, Calcium, Phosphorus, Magnesium, Iron, Zinc, Copper, Manganese, Selenium, Chromium, Molybdenum and Iodine.

Why we love it: GMO-free? Yes. Free from artificial colors and flavours? Sure. Filled to the brim with nature-made ingredients? Absolutely. This year's supply of vegan multivitamins contains 26 vitamins and minerals, is lab-tested and accredited to the highest standards.

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Dosage: 1 tablet a day.

Vitamins and minerals: Vitamin A, Vitamin D, Vitamin E, Vitamin C, Thiamin (Vitamin B1), Riboflavin (Vitamin B2), Niacin (Vitamin B3), Vitamin B6, Folic Acid, Vitamin B12 and Biotin.

Why we love it: These vegan tablets contain a healthy dose of Selenium, Vitamin E and Vitamin C, all of which work together to protect your cells from oxidative stress. It's also made to help reduce fatigue and support a healthy metabolism.

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Dosage: 1 tablet a day.

Vitamins and minerals: Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid), Dicalcium Phosphate Dihydrate, Vitamin B1 (Thiamine HCl), Zinc Citrate, Vitamin K2, Methylcobalamine, Co Enzyme Q10, Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine Hydrochloride), Vitamin B5 (Calcium-D-Pantothenate), Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin), Vitamin B3 (Nicotinamide), Lutein, Inositol, Vitamin D3 (Cholecalciferol), Stearic Acid, Vitamin E (D-alpha Tocopherol Succinate), Beta-Carotene (Dunliella Salina), L-Methionine, Magnesium Stearate, Silicon Dioxide, Manganese Citrate, Boron (Di-Sodium Tetraborate), Vitamin A (Retinyl Acetate), Pyridoxyl 5 Phosphate, Riboflavin 5 Phosphate, Chromium Polynicotinate, 5-Methyltetrahyrdrofolate, D-Biotin, Potassium Iodide, Sodium Molybdate.

Why we love it: Proven to increase energy, endurance and cardiovascular health, this vegan multivitamin is perfect for anyone who's into fitness. It's highly absorbable, allergy-friendly and contains the optimal nutrient levels based on science.

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Dosage: 1-2 gummies per day.

Vitamins and minerals: Vitamin A, Vitamin D, Vitamin E, Vitamin C, Niacin, Vitamin B6 and Vitamin B12.

Why we love it: These vitamin gummies are suitable for children between the ages of 3 and 12. Each gummy contains a generous dose of vitamin D as well as other essential supplements that help support normal vision and a healthy immune system.

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Dosage: 2 tablets per day, plus one omega-3 capsule.

Vitamins and minerals: N-Acetyl Cysteine, L-Arginine, Inositol, Betacarotene, Vitamin D, Vitamin E, Vitamin K, Vitamin C, Thiamin (Vitamin B1), Riboflavin (Vitamin B2), Niacin (Vitamin B3), Vitamin B6, Folic Acid, L-Methylfolate, Pteroylmonoglutamic Acid, Vitamin B12, Biotin, Pantothenic Acid, Calcium, Magnesium, Iron, Zinc, Copper, Manganese, Selenium and Iodine. Plus Omega-3 Fish Oil, DHA (Docosahexaenoic Acid) and EPA (Eicosapentaenoic Acid).

Why we love it: Specifically designed to be suitable for pregnant women, this multivitamin contains folic acid, vitamin D, omega-3 DHA and other essential vitamins and minerals needed to support both mums-to-be and their developing foetuses. Plus, Vitabiotics also has a great set of prenatal vitamins too.

Dosage: 1 tablet a day.

Vitamins and minerals: Siberian Ginseng Extract, Coenzyme Q10, L-Carnitine, Citrus Bioflavonoids, L-Arginine, L-Methionine, Silicon, Betacarotene, P.A.B.A, Vitamin A, Vitamin D, Vitamin E, Vitamin C, Thiamin (Vitamin B1), Riboflavin (Vitamin B2), Niacin (Vitamin B3), Vitamin B6, Folic Acid, Vitamin B12, Biotin, Pantothenic Acid, Magnesium, Iron, Zinc, Copper, Manganese, Selenium, Chromium and Iodine.

Why we love it: Formulated for men, this Vitabiotics multivitamin is made to help maintain general health and vitality. It's especially useful in supporting active lifestyles and male reproductive health.

What should you keep in mind when choosing a multivitamin?

It's important to make sure you choose a high-quality multivitamin supplement before adding it to your daily wellness routine. According to Stephanie Baker, registered nutritional therapist at Purolabs, you should try to avoid multivitamins that contain “carbonate, oxide and silicon dioxide” in their ingredient list. “Synthetic fillers and additives are, to put it bluntly, signs of a poor quality supplement," she explains. “Many companies will cut corners and compromise on the ingredient quality for larger profit margins.”

You also need to take into account your personal needs and goals. For example, during pregnancy, it's recommended to opt for multivitamins that contain sufficient levels of folate, iron and choline, as well as vitamin D, all of which are particularly helpful when it comes to foetal development. 

“Multivitamins are also a great option for those going through rapid growth stages such as adolescence and puberty, when the body requires particularly large doses of varying nutrients,” adds Stephanie. “Calcium, vitamin D and phosphorus for example are vital nutrients required for bone growth during these definitive years.”

What is the best time to take multivitamins?

"As most multivitamins contain fat soluble vitamins, it is best to take them with food, as
we require dietary fats to increase absorption of vitamins A, D, E and K," explains Stephanie. “Which meal you take them with doesn’t matter quite as much, however do ensure that the meal contains a source of healthy fat.”

However, it's important to take multivitamin supplements daily as instructed and to not exceed the recommended dose. “Taking multivitamins in excess may cause harmful side effects, and taking them in conjunction with other medications can also have unintended consequences. Therefore, it's always best to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any supplement regime,” shares Fiona.

Stephanie adds that how you store your vitamin supplements is equally as important as the dosage. "Fat soluble vitamins are powerful antioxidants and if exposed to UV light for lengthy periods will oxidise and produce free radicals – not good!" she shares. In order to prevent this, you should look to store your multivitamins in airtight contains – the dark glass bottles that each supplement comes in is always good choice.

What's the recommended dosage and are there any side effects to taking multivitamins?

Generally, multivitamins are a safe way of ensuring that you meet your nutritional needs. At the same time, it's possible to have too much of a good thing. For example, Fiona shares that taking more than the recommended dosage of multivitamins can sometimes result in nausea, headaches, diarrhea or constipation. 

If you're someone who suffers from allergies, you can also opt for an allergen-free complex. It's also important to consider how some vitamin and minerals can interact with certain medications such as blood thinners or birth control pills to avoid any complications.

For more shoppable beauty content from Glamour UK Commerce Writer Denise Primbet, follow her on Twitter @deniseprimbet and Instagram @deniseprimbet.

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