As people have begun to take more interest in their personal health and nutrition, the number of supplements available for purchase has skyrocketed. There are thousands of multivitamins out there, all claiming to be the best of the best. Picking the right family multivitamin can feel like an overwhelming task, especially if you’re new to family nutrition and not sure what to look for on a label. In this article, we will outline 5 of the most important features of any family multivitamin in order to help you narrow down your search and pinpoint the perfect formula to fit the needs of your family.

1. Antioxidants

The main role of antioxidants in the body is to balance out free radicals, which are reactive molecules that can cause cell damage. Antioxidants work alongside your body to combat free radical damage and reduce the effects of oxidative stress. Your multivitamin should contain vitamins A and E along with selenium, all of which have powerful antioxidant qualities. Studies have shown that antioxidants may also be able to boost immune responses, especially in response to free radicals, which can cause chronic conditions like cancer (1).

2. Vitamin D

Although you are able to gain vitamin D from your diet, it is less common than other nutrients, mainly appearing in fatty fish, egg yolks, mushrooms, and foods that have been fortified with it. Your main source of this key nutrient is from sunlight exposure, during which your body produces vitamin D. If you are not spending enough time in the sun, then you may be at risk for a vitamin D deficiency, which can be dangerous to bone health. Healthy bones are built and maintained by calcium, and vitamin D is necessary for the absorption of calcium by your intestines (2). For this reason, you may want to seek out a supplement that contains your daily amount of vitamin D. 

3. B Complex Vitamins

The B complex vitamins are involved in various systems throughout your body, but they are perhaps most notable for their ability to assist your metabolism. Many of the B complex vitamins, like B6 for example, help cells break down proteins, carbohydrates, and fats, generating the energy your body needs to keep all your systems humming (3). Thanks to this metabolism boost, you may also experience a small burst of energy when taking B complex vitamins, somewhat akin to the feeling you have when drinking coffee or other caffeine sources.

4. Zinc

Zinc is a trace mineral that plays an important role in your body’s overall wellness. Particularly important to the immune system, it helps immune cells develop and function while assisting in the defense against invading bacteria or viruses (4). It also has anti-inflammatory properties that make it an essential component in wound healing as well as reducing irritation caused by skin conditions like acne and eczema.

5. Organic Ingredients

Since you will likely be consuming your multivitamin on a daily basis, you want to make sure it utilizes the best quality ingredients available. Organic ingredients tend to be of higher quality than synthetic ones, as they put your body at less risk for harm while also being much more bioavailable. Better bioavailability means that your body will be able to absorb organic ingredients more effectively, ensuring that you take advantage of your full dosage. If you want a truly organic supplement, then you should look for those sporting the USDA organic seal because they will have at least 95% organic ingredients, while those stating that they are “made with organic ingredients” will only contain 70% or more (5). For those curious, in order for an ingredient to be considered organic it must have been raised in accordance with the standards of organic farming, which prohibit the use of pesticides, insecticides, and GMOs.

The Best Choice: Liquid Daily

Better Family’s Liquid Daily is an excellent family multivitamin. Our diverse blend of nutrients is certified USDA organic and includes the B complex vitamins along with vitamins A, E, D, and K, as well as important minerals like zinc, iodine, chromium, and selenium. It also contains an organic fruit blend that packs a powerful punch of antioxidants and adds a rich, reddish color that your kids are sure to love. We utilize only the highest quality micronutrients and have taken the time to pick out the best forms of each type of vitamin or mineral so you can rest easily knowing that you and your loved ones are putting the best of the best into your bodies.

Resources

1. Bendich, A. “Physiological Role of Antioxidants in the Immune System.” Journal of Dairy Science, September 1993, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8227682.
2. Vitamin D for Osteoporosis.” WebMD, 25 October 2020, https://www.webmd.com/osteoporosis/guide/vitamin-d-for-osteoporosis.
3. “Vitamin B6.” Harvard School of Public Health, 2022, https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/vitamin-b6.
4. “Zinc Fact Sheet for Consumers.” National Institutes of Health, 8 December 2021, https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Zinc-Consumer.
5. McEvoy, Miles. “Organic 101: What the USDA Organic Label Means.” USDA, 13 March 2019, https://www.usda.gov/media/blog/2012/03/22/organic-101-what-usda-organic-label-means.