You can find a range of multivitamins on the nutritional supplement market, catering to different ages and genders, as well as varying wellness and lifestyle concerns.
Some of the most popular multivitamins are available in convenient, one-a-day formulas that contain an excellent spread of essential vitamins and minerals.
Aside from traditional tablets, multivitamin formulas are also provided in chewable tablets – often specifically designed for children – or effervescent tablets, which are popular amongst those who struggle to swallow tablets.
Here, we take a closer look at the different types of multivitamins
What are multivitamins?
A broad-spectrum multivitamin formula typically contains a range of vitamins and minerals that support normal physical and emotional health. It may also include amino acids, plant compounds, herbs, and fatty acids.
Why should I take a multivitamin?
Even if you eat a well-balanced, healthy diet, it can be difficult to hit every nutritional note all the time. And although taking a multivitamin should never justify poor eating habits or replace a balanced diet, it simply serves as a buffer when life gets in the way of meeting your needs.
At what age should I start taking vitamins?
Taking a multivitamin can be a helpful insurance policy at every life stage, supporting health from childhood to adulthood. Children can take a chewable multi from the age of 4, such as while teenagers can start taking specialist multis from 13 years, like .And from 18, it’s safe to supplement with a multivitamin suitable for all adults.
Multivitamins for kids
A good multi for children contains essential vitamins and trace minerals, especially those needed for normal development and growth, including vitamin A, vitamin D, calcium, magnesium, and iodine. It also provides plenty of zinc, iron, and vitamin C for immune support, as well as a comprehensive spread of B vitamins to balance energy levels.
Since many children struggle to swallow tablets, manufacturers often produce chewable multis. However, some chewable formulas may contain high amounts of sugar, so try to look for a product that contains xylitol instead of sugar. We recommend Multi-Max® Kids, which is delicious-tasting, aspartame-free, and tooth-friendly.
Effervescent multivitamins, like Multi-Max® A-Z Fizzy, are another excellent choice for children who prefer drinking in their nutrition.
Multivitamins for teenage girls
Multivitamins for teenage girls support the hormonal, emotional, and physical changes associated with the menstrual cycle, providing plenty of iron to replace monthly loss via menstruation and vitamin B6 for the regulation of hormonal activity. They also deliver good levels of vitamin A, biotin, zinc, and iodine to support skin changes, alongside B vitamins for energy and vitamin D3, selenium, and vitamin C for immunity.
You can find all these nutrients and more in Multi-Max® Teen Her.
Multivitamins for teenage boys
Multivitamins designed for teenage boys provide essential vitamins, minerals, and other plant extracts to cover any nutritional shortfalls encountered in adolescence. A good multi will deliver plenty of B vitamins to support the reduction of tiredness and fatigue, vitamin C, selenium, and vitamin D3 for immune function, and biotin, vitamin A, and zinc to support issues with skin health. They may also provide good levels of magnesium for bones and muscle function, as well as iodine to support growth and development.
Multi-Max® Teen Him is an excellent choice to complement the lives of teenage boys.
Multivitamins for women
Multivitamins for young women provide all-round support to the areas of health most relevant to women. They contain generous amounts of vitamin B6 for the regulation of hormonal activity and magnesium to support psychological, nervous system, and muscle function, including the uterine muscle. They also deliver high-strength iron to replace monthly loss via menstruation for the formation of haemoglobin and red blood cells.
Aside from this, a good multi should provide an excellent spread of B vitamins for energy balance, vitamin C and selenium for immune support, and vitamin D3 and vitamin K for bones. They may also provide vitamin A and zinc for the maintenance of normal skin.
All of these nutrients are well-represented in Multi-Max® Woman.
Multivitamins for men
Multivitamins for young men generally contain a useful spread of B vitamins, iron, and magnesium for normal energy-yielding production. They also tend to include plenty of vitamin C and vitamin D3 to support immune function, vitamin B1 for the normal functioning of the heart, and vitamin A for vision. Additionally, these formulas often provide generous amounts of zinc for normal fertility, reproduction, and testosterone levels, along with selenium for sperm health.
If you’re looking for comprehensive coverage, we recommend Multi-Max® Man.
Multivitamins for women 50+
A comprehensive multi for women 50+ often contains a blend of vitamins, minerals, herbs, and plant extracts to support their health as they enter the next chapter of their lives. A good formula provides high-strength vitamin B1, folic acid, vitamin B6, and vitamin B12 to support heart health, an important consideration in menopause. It also delivers relevant amounts of B vitamins and magnesium for energy production, vitamin D3 and magnesium for the maintenance of normal bones, and zinc and iodine for cognitive function. Vitamin C is included at a relevant level as it contributes to normal collagen formation for the normal function of skin, cartilage and bones.
Multi-Max® Woman 50+ is a popular choice for women.
Multivitamins for men 50+
Multivitamins for men 50+ provide targeted health support, focusing on heart function, energy, immunity, and vision. They generally contain generous amounts of B vitamins, including vitamin B1, folic acid (also known as vitamin B9), vitamin B6, and vitamin B12 for heart function. They also deliver good levels of vitamin D3, vitamin C, and selenium for immunity, vitamin E for the protection of cells from oxidative stress, and magnesium and iron for energy balance. Aside from this, you’ll find plenty of vitamin A for vision and zinc for normal testosterone levels.
Multi-Max® Man 50+ provides an excellent spread of these nutrients.
Multivitamins for 70+
Multivitamins for the over 70s are carefully designed to support immune, cognition, and cardiovascular function. Many formulas are iron-free – as women and men require less as they get older – and iodine-free, making it a popular choice for those with thyroid issues or on medication.
These multis tend to provide excellent amounts of vitamin C and selenium for immune function, as well as vitamin B6 and zinc for cognition. They also deliver high-strength B vitamins to support the heart and nervous system. Additionally, they may contain generous levels of magnesium, vitamin D3, and calcium for bones, zinc and vitamin B2 for vision, and chromium for the maintenance of blood glucose levels, which helps balance energy reserves between meals.
You can find all of these nutrients and more in Multi-Max® 70+. These tablets are generally smaller than usual, which is great for those who struggle with larger sizes. If, however, you want to avoid tablets altogether, you can also find effervescent multivitamins for those over 70, such as Multi-Max® A-Z Fizzy.
Multivitamins for specific health concerns
If you have a specific health concern, you may wish to try a specialist multivitamin, which has been carefully formulated by leading nutritional experts to provide targeted support for everything from hair health, active lifestyles, energy balance, and pregnancy.
Want to learn more about multivitamins for men and multivitamins for women? Reach out to our team of expert Nutrition Advisors. Just click the 'Nutrition Advice' button located at the bottom right-hand corner of our website to start a live chat with a member of our Nutrition Team.
Alternatively, you can also head back to our dedicated blog for more information.
Related Posts
Disclaimer: The information presented by Nature's Best is for informational purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. Self-treatment is not recommended for life-threatening conditions that require medical treatment under a doctor's care. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over the counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications.
Keri
Keri Filtness has worked in the Nutrition Industry for 19 years. She is regularly called upon for her professional comments on health and nutrition related news. Her opinions have been featured by BBC3, Prima, Vitality, The Mirror, Woman’s Own and Cycling Weekly, amongst others. She has also worked one to one with journalists, analysing their diets and health concerns and recommending changes and additions, where appropriate.
