Multivitamins

Daily multivitamins for men, women, seniors and children, in tablets, capsules, gummies and liquids. Brands include Designs for Health, AOR, Jamieson, Webber Naturals, Centrum, One A Day and Nature's Bounty. Shipping across Canada.

Do you need one?

An honest answer: many people eating a varied diet don't. A multivitamin is insurance against gaps rather than a requirement, and it won't compensate for a poor diet. It tends to be more useful if you eat restrictively, are over 50, are pregnant or planning to be, follow a vegan diet, or have absorption issues.

If you already know your specific gap — vitamin D over winter, iron with a confirmed deficiency, B12 on a plant-based diet — a targeted single supplement usually makes more sense than a broad multi at low doses of everything.

What separates a good multi from a cheap one

• Nutrient forms. Methylfolate rather than folic acid, methylcobalamin rather than cyanocobalamin, chelated minerals rather than oxides. This is the main quality difference and the main price difference.
• Once-daily vs. divided dose. Two- and three-per-day formulas can hold more than fits in a single tablet, and spacing intake improves absorption of water-soluble vitamins. Less convenient, generally better delivered.
• Iron or no iron. Formulas for men and post-menopausal women usually omit iron deliberately. Don't take an iron-containing multi unless you need the iron.
• Gummies are easier to take but typically carry fewer nutrients at lower doses, contain added sugar, and rarely include iron. Fine as a habit-builder, weaker as nutrition.

Getting the most from it

Take it with food — the fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E and K) need some dietary fat, and taking a multi on an empty stomach is a common cause of nausea. If you take thyroid medication, separate it by several hours, as calcium and iron interfere with absorption.

Related categories

All Vitamins & Minerals · Vitamin D · Vitamin B · Iron · Children's vitamins

Prenatal formulas differ meaningfully from standard multivitamins in folate and iron content — if you're pregnant or trying to conceive, use a prenatal and confirm the choice with your healthcare provider. Check with your provider before starting a multivitamin if you take prescription medication.