With the pandemic still ongoing, it has become crucial to keep ourselves healthy with multivitamins. These supplements provide support for overall health and boost our immune system - a necessary requirement for us to avoid getting sick and to ward off COVID and other diseases. A balanced diet and exercise are key to a healthy body, but a little dose of multivitamins would certainly add a layer of protection.
While they should not be treated as the primary source of nutrients, they can help give us a sense of well-being by filling in any possible gaps in our nutrition. To help narrow down your choices, we've prepared a list of the best multivitamins in the market and a buying guide to help you know how to make the best choice. We also asked for some comments and tips from Dr. Siselle Fajardo, a licensed physician!
Currently practicing General Medicine and a Resident Physician to different hospitals located in Batangas City.
Our recommendation articles are carefully researched and crafted by the mybest Philippines team of writers and editors. To stay true to our company’s mission and vision to help users’ selection process easier, we also collaborate with experts from various fields to ensure that our content stays factual and useful.
Experts featured in this article only reviewed the content of our buying guide. They had no part in the selection or ranking of products or services listed.
The products and services listed are ranked independently by the editorial team based on the points mentioned in our thoroughly researched buying guide (as of 01-16-2023).
Multivitamins are supplements that contain vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients formulated to provide you 100% of the daily recommended intake of vitamins not found in your diet. This is helpful if you have a poor diet due to lifestyle or certain health conditions, or are simply needing more nutritional support, as in the case of pregnant and breastfeeding women.
Older adults would benefit from it due to their weakened immune system, which makes them more susceptible to disease. People on weight-loss, vegetarian, or vegan diets would also benefit from multivitamins, as some nutrients and minerals can only be sourced from animals. Pregnant, breastfeeding women, and women trying to conceive also need higher levels of vitamins as they are feeding for two now.
Lastly, people with chronic conditions that would prevent them from regularly absorbing nutrients would benefit from multivitamins. However, some supplements are not recommended for cancer patients, since they may interfere with chemotherapy. Patients should take the time to discuss with their physician first before taking any vitamin supplement.
Here are some key points to consider:
For more detailed information, read through our buying guide below.
Your supplements can come in different forms, and it is really a matter of preference as to what type you would want to take. Below are the most common formulations you'll find in the market.
Tablets and capsules are the most common forms, and they have a more stable shelf life than liquid or gummy vitamins. These are usually powder formulations compressed in a dense and solid form. They also contain more concentrated doses of active ingredients.
Aside from the hard type of capsules, multivitamins are also available as softgel capsules. These are oil or liquid formulations that come encased in a gelatin-like shell or casing. Because they are flexible, they are easier to swallow than hard capsules.
Powders that must be dissolved in liquid are ideal for those who have difficulty consuming whole tablets. It could contain large doses of active ingredients but must be added with other ingredients to prevent clumping.
One of the most common types of powders you'll find are those that come as effervescent tablets. This is a formulation that breaks apart when you drop it in a liquid, such as water or juice. Once the powder has dissolved, you can then drink it like any other beverage.
Chewable tablets and gummies are easy and pleasant to consume because they come in different fun flavors. These are best for those who have a hard time swallowing hard tablets or capsules. However, compared to the other types of formulations, these do not contain as many nutrients to make room for the sugar or flavoring that masks the medicinal taste.
Not all multivitamins are made equal. Some could contain a wide range of vitamins and minerals, while others might have more concentrations of a specific nutrient. To give you an idea, here are some of the essential nutrients your supplements should contain.
B complex is comprised of 8 B vitamins; B-1 Thiamine, B-2 Riboflavin, B-3 Niacin, B-5 Pantothenic Acid, B-6 Pyridoxine, B-7 Biotin, B-9 Folic Acid, and B-12 Cobalamin. This is essential for your overall health, since it helps prevent infection and promotes and supports your body’s functions. It also helps the body to unlock energy from food and utilize it efficiently.
Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is needed to grow and repair tissues in your body. It has been known to boost immunity and is a vital antioxidant that blocks cells from the damage done by free radicals. Studies have also shown it can shorten a wound’s healing time because it aids in the production of white blood cells that protect the body against infection.
Concerned about your eyesight? Take Vitamin A! Retinol found in vitamin A creates the pigments found in your eye’s retina and is essential in giving you good vision, night vision, and overall eye health. It also aids in preventing age-related problems regarding eyesight, such as macular degeneration.
Vitamin D is also known as the sunshine vitamin, as the body produces it when exposed to sunlight. It is known for regulating calcium and phosphorus in the body. This essential nutrient keeps bones, teeth, and muscles healthy. A lack of vitamin D can lead to bone abnormalities such as osteoporosis or soft and fragile bones.
Another vital nutrient is Vitamin E, an antioxidant that protects your cells from damages caused by free radicals. It also helps cells fight infection as well as protects your eyesight. It is also responsible for the production of prostaglandins, which regulate body processes such as blood pressure and muscle contraction.
Lastly, Vitamin K plays an essential role in blood clotting, thereby helping your wounds heal properly. It is helpful in preventing internal bleeding, reducing heavy menstrual flow, and regulating blood sugar. It works with vitamin D for the proper absorption of calcium in the body, making it important in promoting bone health.
Multivitamins should contain a range of minerals that are needed to promote overall health. For one, calcium maintains strong bones and teeth, circulates blood, moves muscles, and releases hormones. Another mineral, iron, is found in red blood cells and is needed for the transport of oxygen from your lungs throughout your body. Women typically need more iron because of menstruation.
Magnesium is another mineral involved in various biochemical reactions in your body, including protein formation, muscle movements, and nervous system regulation. It has been known to boost mood and fight depression and anxiety, as well as prevent migraines.
Potassium helps your body regulate fluids to prevent dehydration. It can help maintain a healthy blood pressure, which is essential especially if you consume high amounts of sodium. It can also protect against strokes and kidney stones.
Finally, zinc is needed in the activity of 300 enzymes involved in healthy digestion, nerve function, and metabolism. Simply put, it helps the body heal by building proteins, healing damaged tissues, and supporting cell membrane repair. It has been thought to improve your body’s immune function as well.
The right dosage varies from person to person and depends on the daily value recommended for our specific needs. As mentioned earlier, be sure to check the dosage/amount per serving and % daily value in your multivitamins in order to ensure proper intake.
Keep in mind, too, that your body will also absorb nutrients from the food you eat, so it's best not to overdo it. Some vitamins and trace minerals such as vitamin A, iron, fluoride, and zinc can have toxic effects and can cause liver damage if consumed in excess. When in doubt, remember to ask your physician first for advice.
Make sure you buy from trusted brands or sellers to ensure the authenticity and quality of the product. It may be tempting to buy vitamins at a low cost, but you might end up with a product not compliant with regulatory and safety standards and which could be dangerous to your health.
For imported products, you could check if it has been USP verified. For local products, you could check if it has been prohibited by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on their website.
Kirkland’s multivitamins are USP-verified and specially formulated to support your overall health by addressing nutrient gaps so your body will meet the recommended daily intake. Aside from the essential vitamins and minerals, it contains calcium and vitamin D to keep your bones and teeth healthy, and vitamin C to support your immune system.
It also contains lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that improves heart health and protects against certain types of cancers. It also includes lutein, to maintain eye health. This supplement is appropriate for all adults and can be consumed at any time of the day, though it is recommended to be taken with your meal.
From ₱305
This product aims to provide whole-body health with its 30 essential nutrients to fill in nutritional gaps in your body. Boasting 10 powerful antioxidants and immunity boosters, such as Vitamins C, E, zinc, and more, it can keep you well-protected against fatigue and sickness. It contains B vitamins and iron to aid your body’s metabolism and provide daily energy to support your needs.
Centrum has key micronutrients to feed your cells and support your energy, immunity, and metabolism. It has also been verified as a non-GMO and gluten-free multivitamin, and it's easy to swallow. If you're looking for a supplement for adults under 50, this is an ideal choice.
As people age, the body’s defense mechanism also declines. Kirkland’s multivitamins are specially formulated to address these concerns and target nutrient gaps in adults over the age of 50. It contains higher doses of vitamin D and calcium to ensure the body’s bone health, as well as vitamin B12 to support energy production.
Kirkland Mature multivitamins also include a higher dose of vitamin E to provide adequate antioxidant support. Another important thing to note is that this supplement has no iron, which is good for those on anticoagulants or medications that could be affected by iron. It is advised to be taken during breakfast.
Aside from having a wide range of vitamins and minerals, this supplement also contains copper, which works with iron to form red blood cells. It also has manganese, which helps reduce inflammation, regulate blood sugar, and lower incidences of epileptic seizures. People with thyroid issues would also benefit from its iodine content, which promotes thyroid health and reduces the risk of goiter.
It is developed to correct nutritional deficiencies as well as promote proper growth and development and improves brain function. You'd be happy to find out it doesn’t contain artificial flavors, sweeteners, and preservatives, too. This supplement is ideal for adults who are in need of their daily dose of multivitamins and at an affordable cost as well.
From ₱67.5
Enervon Activ aims to provide you with leveled-up energy, immunity, and mental focus. It contains antioxidant vitamins such as A, C, and E, and minerals such as zinc to fight free radicals and enhance your body’s immune system. This supplement is ideal if you need a little boost to help concentrate at the office and keep your energy level up.
This is mainly thanks to the ginseng in its formulation, which boosts stamina, powers up your brain, and reduces blood pressure. It also contains royal jelly to support a healthy brain function, aid in skin repair, and lower cholesterol levels. These two main components work with the other vitamins and minerals in order to maintain the healthy state of your body’s functions.
From ₱547.6
This supplement is a great way to incorporate greens into your diet. With its premium plant-based formula, it aims to provide you with optimum antioxidant support to fight free radical damage and boost your immune system. It is perfect for vegans, picky eaters, and people who want a plant-based and iron-free multivitamin.
You'll get to enjoy the benefits of the bioflavonoids in greens like kelp, alfalfa, algae, and wheatgrass, as well as a combination of orchard fruits, among others. It also has a cardio blend, which includes hawthorn berry, Japanese knotweed, and coenzyme. Aside from that, it's packed with B-vitamins to convert food into energy and help your body utilize it effectively.
This is specifically formulated to provide daily nutritional support and fill in nutrient gaps in women. It has vitamin D and calcium, which are essential for healthy bones, teeth, muscle, and immune health to prevent osteoporosis as they age. It also contains all 8 B vitamins and chromium, which help promote energy production.
Pregnant women and those of childbearing age can also benefit from the folic acid content, as well as heart-healthy nutrients like vitamins B6, B12, C, and E. It also promotes healthy skin, hair, and nails with biotin, copper, and zinc.
On top of that, you'll get an immune boost with vitamins A, C, E, and selenium. And if you're looking for a supplement for the male members of your family, One a Day also has a multivitamin formulated for men.
From ₱250
This supplement might be different from the rest on this list, mainly because it does not have as wide a range of vitamins as the others. But that doesn't mean this one is a lightweight. In fact, this berry-based supplement has garnered tons of great reviews because of its powerful antioxidant and immune-boosting powers.
The formulation is composed of mangosteen, plus 8 other berries - acai, bilberry, raspberry, cranberry, grapeseed, wolfberry, hawthorn berry, and acerola - that contain anti-tumor, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. Not only do they support the immune system, they also promote heart health, improve digestion, raise energy levels, and support better circulation.
Many of its users vouch for its effectivity, especially in lowering blood sugar. They also find that it really aids in healing wounds faster. Some users even claim that they rarely get sick ever since they started taking this supplement.
This supplement from Health Fusion is ideal if you have difficulty swallowing a whole tablet or capsule. It comes in the form of gummy vitamins that are safe and easy to take, even for children. It contains vitamin C, E, iodine, and zinc to support the immune system, and inositol and choline to aid in brain development. It also has B vitamins to stimulate energy production.
Aside from these, it also contains biotin for keep your nails and hair healthy, as well as vitamin A and D for bone health. These gummies are made from natural ingredients and have a delicious strawberry flavor. However, they are not as concentrated as tablet formulations, so the recommended dosage is about 3-4 gummies for adults.
Wary of stepping out of the house and getting exposed to germs? Take a Berocca tab if you want an extra boost in energy and immunity to protect you from COVID-19. It contains essential vitamins and minerals to help your body release maximum energy from the food you eat, making you feel your best and ready to face the day's challenges.
This comes in the form of an effervescent tablet, which means it would have to be dissolved in water. When absorbed by the body, it improves your mental sharpness and physical energy. This tablet sure packs a punch, as it is equivalent to the vitamin C of six oranges giving you that much-needed immunity and energy boost, especially on stressful days and late nights at work.
Below are some of the most asked questions on the web answered by our expert, Dr. Siselle Fajardo.
Although acid reflux along with nausea and gastrointestinal distress have been reported in cases, studies have little evidence that multivitamins may have directly caused them. In some cases, multivitamins may actually aggravate present gastrointestinal conditions such as gastroesophageal reflux disease and peptic ulcers.
When taking vitamins, it would be best to take it with a full stomach in the morning in small doses instead of taking 2-3 supplements altogether. Remember that you can always get it in your diet.
Anecdotally, some say they experience instantaneous changes, but this is when you have severe deficiency of that vitamin, while some would see the effects after 2-6 weeks. However, this depends on the dosage of the supplement you're taking and the frequency, but remember: do not take this in excess just to "rush" the supplement's effects.
Although this has not been fully studied, and there is a lack of evidence that would support this, they may not cause weight gain since they hardly contain any calories. It neither can cause weight loss because our bodies would always depend on the calories on how much we consume every day. However, if you're deficient in these vitamins and take them to replenish the deficiencies, it may increase your appetite and cause weight gain.
See what multivitamins Dr. Siselle recommends and why!
Can’t get enough of energy supplements? Or maybe you just need something to perk you up? Here are some of our picks that can help give you an energy boost the healthy way.
Author: Justine Cuizon
Our buying guide was carefully researched and crafted by the mybest team of writers and editors, in collaboration with the expert featured in this article. We used the buying guide as a basis for choosing and ranking the product recommendations, and we looked at reviews and ratings from different E-commerce sites like Lazada, Shopee, and more.
When you purchase products mentioned in the article, part of the sales may be returned to mybest.
The descriptions of each product is referenced from the content available from the manufacturer, e-commerce sites etc.
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