In order to function properly, a human body needs adequate amount of nutrients like a whole range of vitamins, proteins, minerals, calcium and many other minerals on a daily basis. For meeting these requirements, we are supposed to eat a well balanced diet which includes healthy proportion of all the nutrients like carbohydrates, fats, proteins and fruits and vegetables. Somehow, due to our increasingly hectic lives, we tend to avoid eating the well proportioned meals and end up feeling weak, tired and irritable. Since, we can\’t change our lifestyles drastically, given various constraints in our lives, the best way out is to pop up some multivitamins on regular basis and meet the nutritional requirements of the body. Here, the biggest confusion that a layman faces is which multivitamin to take since the market is full of various brands of multivitamins available in the form of tablets, capsules and syrups, etc.
To avoid this confusion and bring forth the best multivitamins available in the market, we present you here a comprehensive list of ten best multivitamins available in the market. These food supplements have a proven record of being effective and they have been manufactured after adequate research and development practices by their respective companies.
1. Vitapril
Price: $59.99
Vitapril is one of the most comprehensive doses of multivitamins and minerals required by a human body. It contains 23 essential nutrients and essence of 10 super foods required by a human being. It is a power dose full of antioxidants and nutrients that revitalize your body fast. If you take Vitapril on regular basis, very soon you will realize that your mental agility has increased many folds and you are able to concentrate well on those complex official matters easily. The powerhouse of essential nutrients, Vitapril, helps you in enhancing your cardiovascular health, lowers cholesterol level, strengthens your immune system and revitalizes your body systems in a completely new way.
USP: The best part about Vitapril is that it is a blend of 10 super foods like Alfa Alfa, Buckwheat, Barley, Flaxseed and many such foods. You need not eat and drink these 10 super foods at different points of time in a day. You can simply take Vitapril and in a nanosecond, you have actually taken 10 super foods in one go.
Pros: The most benefitting quality of Vitapril is that it\’s nutrients get absorbed in the body fast and your body gets maximum benefits from all the vital nutrients and antioxidants and hence you begin to sense the improvements in your health fast.
2. Centural Total Multivitamin
Price: $29.35
Centural Total Multivitamin is a great nutritional supplement as it is packed with a lot of useful vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. The supplement is intended for both – men and women and hence if you buy a pack than both you and your wife can take this powerhouse of energy and vitality. Centural Total Multivitamin not only keeps you fit and fab, it also prevents you from diseases and provides a protective shield to your body against diseases and ailments. If you take the multivitamin on a regular basis than bvery soon you will begin to feel better energy levels, better mood and better strenght levels.
USP: The drug is designed for both men and women.
Pros: Centural Total Multivitamin fulfills all your body\’s nutritional needs.
It is designed in such a way that it is a complete foundation for a total nutritional program.
Fulfills all the vitamin and mineral needs of a human body.
3. Organic Life Vitamins Maximum Bioavaliability
Price: $29.99
Organic Life Vitamins Maximum Bioavailability is a multivitamin syrup which is packed with a host of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and everything else that your body requires. it comes in a fruity flavor and hence one can easily take the medicine. Since it is a syrup based supplement and contains special ingredients which make absorption of the nutrients easier, it is far more effective than regular nutritional supplements. The syrup has almost all the nutrients required by an active adult person and can help one fare better in work and sports as it helps strengthening strength and stamina.
USP: The syrup based multivitamin contains all the essential nutrients required for body, muscles and bone health.
Pros: The drug helps you in getting rid of joints pain also along with other health benefits.
4. Vitamin Code Women’s
Price: $ 39.95
It is a well established fact that women need a different set of nutrients than men as they have unique nutritional needs. Vitamin Code Women\’s understands this fact and hence it is a multivitamin designed especially for women. It is a comprehensive dose, which takes care of all the nutritional needs of women. The ingredients used in the supplement are RAW Food – Created nutrients which are cultivated with their genetic codes, helping your body to absorb them faster. Our body recognizes the nutrients better when they go in natural form along with their codes intact, but in chemical processing of nutrients these codes are removed. Vitamin Code Women\’s is made up of such ingredients that have their codes intact and hence they are absorbed by the body faster and consequently give better results.
USP: The supplement has natural codes of various natural foods intact, which helps body in recognizing the nutrients and consequently absorb them faster.
Pros: The supplement is especially beneficial for heart health, bone health and breast health.
5. Just Once Multiple Vitamins
Price: $8.94 for 30 tabs
Just once Multiple Vitamins is one of the most comprehensive multivitamin tablets sans iron in it. It is created for those individuals whose diet provides them enough iron but lacks in other vital nutrients like post – menopausal women, young men, etc. The multivitamin is available in 30, 60 and 120 tablets packing and users can buy the supplement as per their requirements.
USP: SInce the tablets do not contain iron and have all other nutrients in it, they are particulary useful for people who have good hemoglobin levels but lack in other nutrients.
Pros: The tablet comes in various packing and the user can buy one as per the needs and budget.
6. Pregnancy Plus Prenatal Multi
Price: $16.95
Pregnancy plus Prenatal multi, as the name suggests, is designed for pregnant women. Pregnant women have special nutritional needs and this supplement contains all the nutrients required by pregnant women in adequate proportions. for example the tablet contains 600 mcg of Folic Acid and 27 mg of iron, the dose required by a pregnant woman on daily basis. The tablets contain Vitamin A only in the form of beta Karotene, as prescribed by the doctors for the pregnant women. Pregnancy Plus was also approved by several independent researched who tested the drugs for their suitability. Some people feel a strong smell of vegetables when they take this drug but many other people have not experienced any kind of smell and are satisfied with the supplement.
USP: The drug contains all the nutrients required for a pregnant women in adequate proportions.
Pros: In an independent research the drug was found to have least levels of lead in the daily dose, which is good for pregnant women.
The drug does not contain gelatin or any other animal products and hence is suitable for vegetarians also.
7. Centrum Silver
Price: $ 11 for 100 tablets
Centrum Silver is specially designed for men and women above 50 years as it contains a good amount of B group of vitamins and does not contain iron as elderly people do not need extra iron. Researches suggest that as we grow older, our bodie\’s ability to absorb Vitamin B 12 from food goes down and consequently we get meager amount of vitamin B 12 which is very vital for proper functioning of our bodies, for muscular health and for general energy levels. Centrum SIlver has been approved by many independent tests and has also garnered positive reviews from a cross section of people. The drug is safe in all ways and hence is quite appropriate for the elderly people.
USP: The multivitamin contains 25 mcg of vitamin B12 , the dose needed to an elderly person on the daily basis.
Pros: The suplement was recommended in two independent studies.
It contains more vitamin B12 and vitamin K than other supplements.
8. Flintstones Gummies
Price: $12.05
Flintstone Gummies are designed for meeting the nutritional needs of children and come in the flavors and colors which children love to take. The gummies therefore dont feel like any \’medicine\’ to kids and they enjoy taking their daily supplement. The nutritional needs of kids are different from that of adults and hence they need to be given different nutritional supplements which meet the requirements of their growing bodies.
The supplement was also tested by FDA once along with other 324 multivitamins designed for kids and women. The test indicated that all the supplements had traces of lead in them, but few of them had far less than the others. The only reassuring thing was the fact that none of the multivitamins had more levels of lead than allowed/approved by the FDA. Flinstones Gummies had the lowest levels of lead at 0.0167 whereas the permissible limit is 6 micrograms per day. Somehow the gummies do not contain any kind of calcium and hence parents need to look for other options to meet the calcium needs of their children.
USP: The only multivitamin designed for kids that doesn\’t exceed the tolerable upper levels of Vitamin A as retinol.
Pros: Age appropriate nutritional levels for kids.
Kids friendly taste and flavor.
Got approval in several independent testing.
9. Target Up&Up Men\’s Daily Multivitamin
Price: $7.50 for 210 tablets
Though this is a store brand but Target Up&Up Daily Multivitamin is as good as any other company branded multivitamin. AN independednt test found that the multivitamin contains all the nutrients that are printed on the bottle and it also dossolves well. Besides, the supplement does not exceed the lead contamination limits and neither does it contain more than the upper limit for niacin. In fact, Target Up&Up is the only men\’s multivitamin that does not excedd the niacin limit. A bottle of supplemnt which contains 210 tables comes at a cheap price of less than eight dollars and hence is quite affordable.
USP: Designed for men with no iron.
Pros: Cheaply priced.
Contains all the nutrients as proclaimed.
10. Cold and Flu Day/Night
Price: $16.95
Cold and Flu Day/Night has all those ingredients that support our immune system in fighting against the flu and cold and protect us from catching the infection. The drug is designed to help a person suffering from headaches, blocked nose, body aches, pains, mild fever, etc. The drug also helps the person sleep well without any disturbances. If taken regularly, the drug can help in shortening the duration of cold and flu symptoms. The drug contains a lot of herbs that are useful in reliving the symptoms of cold and flu like Basil, Eucalyptus, Echinacea and Willow Bark.
USP: A herbal formulation, made with well proved herbs.
Pros: Supports the immune system fight against cold and flu.
Though we have tried to compile a list of test best Over -the- Counter multivitamin supplements to you but still it is highly recommendable that you should start these supplements only after discussing about them with your medical practitioner. SOmetimes these drugs can be counter effective in some particular cases and sometimes they may not meet your nutritional requirements due to a host of factors like your lifestyle, your medical history, your special needs and many other things. The best way out is to first consult a doctor about them and then take them on a regular basis. Also, it is important to take a break after taking these multivitamin for some time on a regular basis. Your doctor will be able to suggest you the right time duration and breakups.
11 Foods that work as natural multivitamins
If you are looking for safest multivitamin supplements, then how can you leave the 100% natural source? Yes, there are also foods that contain a good dosage of what you might find in multivitamins. Let’s take a look at some of these foods and what they offer.
1. Organic alfalfa greens
Usually, alfalfa is classified as a grass, but actually it belongs to the legume family i.e. beans and peas. It is well known for its great root system because it can grow to the 100 feet depth where untapped nutrient rich soil is available. Alfalfa is rich in beneficial minerals, vitamins, digestive enzymes and amino acids because of its extensive root system.
Organic alfalfa is bursting with all vital minerals like phosphorus, potassium, calcium, chlorine. Sodium, magnesium, sulfur, copper, cobalt, molybdenum, zinc, boron, and manganese, and vitamins A, B1, B2, B6, B12, C, D, K, U, pantothenic acid, niacin, biotin, folic acid and inocitole. It helps in improving liver functions and strengthening immune system. Alfalfa is also beneficial for seniors as it provides relief from arthritis.
2. Whole grains
Whole grains are rich with fiber that’s why they are known as natural cleanser. In fact, whole grains are known as one of the best foods for kids. They also provide carbohydrates and protein required in kids to stay energetic and active. Whole grain foods include popcorn, whole grain corn, oatmeal, whole rye, brown rice, triticale, millet, bulgur, wild rice, whole grain barley, buckwheat, sorghum, quinoa, 100% whole wheat flour, etc. whole grains are also rich in vitamin B, vitamin E and minerals.
Whole grains are widely available in the market in different variations. You can easily incorporate whole grains into your diet by simply replacing regular bread with multi grains, whole wheat and oats.
3. Broccoli
Usually, kids hate broccoli. It is quite difficult to encourage kids to eat broccoli, but it is worth to give a try. It is a great source of calcium and other nutrients like potassium, B vitamins and beta carotene that is best for every growing kid. You should make an early feeding habit for broccoli to your kids because some kids like to eat steamed broccoli. In case they won’t, then you can try some tempting recipes to make broccoli exotic. For instance, puree broccoli into the tomato sauce of pasta or melt grated low fat cheese on the top of the broccoli. Truly! Broccoli is a super food that is loaded with nutrients and disease fighting chemicals.
4. Nuts
It is quite difficult to convince picky eaters for eating tuna and salmon. Therefore, you can go for nuts like walnuts, flax seed and almonds that are rich in omega 3 fatty acids. You can mix flaxseed oil in smoothies and flaxseed meal in the pancake better so that kids can easily consume it. Sunflower seeds are favorite among kids and they are rich source of iron, magnesium, vitamin E, folate, phosphorous, zinc and fiber. Sunflower seeds are also great source of good fats like monounsaturated fats and polyunsaturated fats. Other types of nuts such as walnuts, macadamia nuts, almonds, peanuts and Brazil nuts are also rich with omega 3 fatty acids. You can easily include nuts in cookies or cupcakes, if your kids don’t like to eat handful of nuts.
5. Vegetables and fruits
Vegetables and fruits are very important in the dietary chart of a kid. There are numerous merits of eating fruits and vegetables. A variety of vegetables should be considered that must include broccoli, spinach, carrots, celery, asparagus, and red peppers. You can dip vegetables in low fat and sugar free vegetable dip so that kids love to eat them. Fruits like kiwi, apples, blueberries, oranges and cantaloupe are rich in vitamins and minerals and healthy for kids. There is one more option available for you i.e. dried fruits that have high iron. Dry fruits help in boosting mental alertness and energy.
6. Fish: tuna and salmon
Fish is a well known source of omega 3 fatty acids. Fish like salmon, tuna, mackerel, etc. are incredibly fantabulous for heart health and brain development. But, it is a little bit difficult to sell it with kids. In case, you are successful in convincing your kids to eat twice a week then it is a great thing. According to several studies, those kids who get regular dosage of omega 3 fats have higher IQ level. Lack of omega 3 fats can cause vision or nerve problem in kids. You can serve tuna with whole grain bread, a piece of romaine lettuce and of course, low fat mayonnaise. Kids will love it!
7. Natural butter
Almond, cashew or peanut butter is an excellent source of healthy fats and proteins, but few people have allergies from peanut, other can take its advantages. You should go for the natural butters that contain only nuts and salt. In the food processor, you can make your own nut butters. It is a popular choice among kids. You can serve peanut butter with sandwiches or it can be served as dip for fruits like bananas, apples and vegetables like celery. It is highly recommended to go only for natural butter that has only two ingredients: the nuts and salt, if desired.
8. Eggs
Eggs are a great source of vitamin B, vitamin E, zinc and protein. Eggs are also rich in choline that is essential for producing neurotransmitter acetylcholine by the human body. Eggs are also a good source of omega 3 fats. There are specific omega 3 eggs that contain around 350 mg of omega 3 fatty acid whilst a regular egg has 63 mg omega 3 fats. Omega 3 fats have a very positive impact in improving skin, brain function and mood in kids as well as prevent allergies. Often there is a deficiency of omega 3 fats in kids suffering from Attention Deficit Disorder. Other signs of its deficiency include brittle nails, allergies, asthma, eczema or dry skin patches and poor digestion. Therefore, you can easily add eggs to the daily servings of your kids.
9. Yogurt
Yogurt is an excellent source of calcium and protein for your kids. In fact, a cup of yogurt contains 447 mg of calcium and 13 grams of protein. Now, yogurt can be found in dairy product shops with acidophilus that is a good bacteria. It helps in promoting healthy digestion as well as proper immune system functioning. Calcium rich foods like yogurt helps staying more active and make bones and teeth stronger. Calcium rich breakfast also contributes in the positive behavior and learning among kids. Yogurt rich in live and active cultures should be selected to improve the digestive system of kids. You can mix fruits and some honey in plain yogurt to make it delicious for kids as well as healthy. There are some yummy flavored yogurts available in the market but they are high in sugar. Therefore, look for the brand that is less in sugar.
10. Berries
Berries, especially blueberries are the sweetest way to get antioxidants without adding refined sugar. According to USDA Human Nutrition Center (HNRCA) researchers, blueberries stand at the first rank in the test taken between 40 fresh fruits and vegetables for antioxidant activity. Antioxidants are helpful in neutralizing harmful by-products like free radicals that can cause cancer and several other age related diseases. You can serve it in the breakfast shake, or as the topping on yogurt or cereals. Fruits rich in antioxidants also help in improving brain function and memory. Berries like blueberries and strawberries are quite effective on improving concentration power, short term memory loss problem and coordination among kids. Even they are known as the perfect super food for kids that are loaded with vitamin C, vitamin K and antioxidants.
11. Avocados
Avocado is a creamy vegetable or fruit that is a terrific source of monounsaturated fat known as good fat. It is also rich in vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E and potassium. They contain antioxidants and folate. Regular consumption of avocados is utmost beneficial for the kids. It has 30 percent more potassium than a banana that prevents circulatory diseases and regulates blood pressure. It can be served instead of cream cheese or mayonnaise for kids. Avocado is also rich in fiber. Even a one-fifth piece of avocado has two grams of dietary fiber that is quite beneficial against constipation (common among kids). Vitamin B6 is essential for proper functioning of immune system and nervous system as well as for red blood cell metabolism. Avocado is also a good source of vitamin B6 and vitamin K.