Why multivitamins?

It can be hard to get all the vitamins you need from your diet alone. Fortunately, The Vitamin Shoppe carries a wide selection of multivitamins to help fill in the nutritional gaps. Multivitamins contain a combination of different letter vitamins, minerals, and nutrients in a supplement form. These supplements can help with nutritional intake and support overall health and well-being.

What to look for in a multivitamin

There is a basic group of vitamins the human body needs for healthy function and development: 

• Vitamin A: Helps maintain teeth, bones, soft tissue, mucous membranes, and skin.
• Vitamin C: Supports immune health and helps in collagen production and iron absorption.
• Vitamin D: Helps the body absorb calcium and support strong teeth and bones.
• Vitamin E: Helps with immune support and the formation of red blood cells.
• Vitamin K: Supports bone and heart health.
• B Vitamins: Contribute to a wide range of body functions.

Most multivitamins contain these basic ingredients, but formulas may vary to help meet different needs.

What are the different types of multivitamins?

The Vitamin Shoppe carries a large selection of multivitamins geared toward specific needs and life stages with added minerals, herbs, and other nutrients.

• Men’s Multivitamins: Men may need more vitamin E, increased magnesium, and zinc. A multivitamin geared for men could contain these nutrients to promote balanced nutrition for men.
• Women’s Multivitamins: Women have different nutritional needs than men. Women’s multivitamins can have added calcium for bone health, added iron for red blood cells, and added biotin for strong hair, skin, and nails.
• Children’s Multivitamins: Children’s bodies need different amounts of nutrients than adults to maintain healthy function and support growth. Shop chewable or gummy options to make it easier for your kids to swallow.
• Senior Multivitamins: Multivitamins designed for seniors may have added vitamin E to support immune function and vitamin B12 to support cognitive health.
• Prenatal Vitamins: Pregnant women may need more folic acid and iron than a standard multivitamin offers. Prenatal vitamins provide higher doses of these nutrients to promote the health of both mom and baby.

How to choose the right multivitamin

Choosing a good multivitamin depends on your age, gender, lifestyle, and health goals. Here are a few tips to guide your selection:

• Age & Life Stage: Children, adults, seniors, and pregnant individuals have different nutritional needs.
• Dietary Restrictions: If you follow a vegan, gluten-free, or keto diet, look for formulas that align with your lifestyle.
• Health Goals: Whether you're focused on energy, immunity, or bone health, choose a multivitamin that supports your priorities.
• Format Preference: Multivitamin gummies, capsules, and liquids offer different experiences—pick what works best for your routine.

Top multivitamin picks by goal

Shop name-brand multivitamin supplements

At The Vitamin Shoppe, we’re stocked full of the industry’s top labels so you can find the best multivitamin options for your needs.

Multivitamin FAQs

Are multivitamins good for you?

Some people may benefit from taking a multivitamin supplement if they are not getting enough of those nutrients from food alone. Multivitamins may not be necessary for everyone, so you should consult a health professional to discuss whether taking a multivitamin would be helpful to you.

What multivitamin should I take?

There are many multivitamin supplements available on the market, so choosing which one to take can be a challenge. Since different formulas target different goals/needs, you should consult with your doctor or health professional to decide which options would be the right fit for your unique requirements.

When is the best time to take multivitamins?

Taking your multivitamin supplement with food may help promote better absorption. Refer to the manufacturer's instructions for each product and/or consult a professional for specific directions.

Do multivitamins expire?

Yes, over time, multivitamins can lose their potency. The packaging for each product should contain a best-by or expiration date for you to reference. If it’s past the date printed on your product, consider throwing it away and replacing it with a fresh one.

How long does it take for multivitamins to start working?

There’s not necessarily a set amount of time for multivitamins to “work”. You may or may not feel a difference, and it could be a matter of days, weeks, or months if you do. The solubility and bioavailability of the nutrients will impact how soon you may be able to notice changes.

Do I need any vitamins other than multivitamins?

The vitamin supplements needed will vary by individual, the current state of their health, and any conditions they may have. For this reason, a multivitamin alone may or may not be enough to support their needs. You should consult a health professional to address your unique needs.

What is the difference between synthetic and natural multivitamins?

Natural multivitamins are derived from whole food sources, while synthetic multivitamins are created in labs to mimic natural compounds. Some people prefer natural options for better absorption, but both types can support nutritional needs depending on the formulation.

Can I take multivitamins with other supplements?

Yes, but it’s important to avoid duplicating nutrients. For example, if your multivitamin already contains iron, you may not need an additional iron supplement. Always check labels and consult your doctor to avoid overconsumption.

Are there multivitamins for specific health goals?

Absolutely. Some multivitamins are formulated to support energy, immunity, stress management, or heart health. Look for targeted blends that include adaptogens, antioxidants, or specific vitamins like B12, C, or D3.

What’s the best multivitamin for vegetarians or vegans?

Look for multivitamins labeled as vegan or vegetarian, which exclude animal-derived ingredients and often include nutrients like B12, iron, and omega-3s from plant-based sources.