Multivitamins are a great addition to anyone's daily routine as they help you to round out your daily vitamin intake. We usually get the majority of our vitamin intake from the food we consume, but for whatever reason, sometimes our bodies don’t get everything they need vitamin-wise to thrive.
"A successful vegan diet from a long-term health perspective relies on obtaining nutrients from supplements to avoid any shortfalls in these crucial nutrients.", says Lola Biggs, Dietitian at Together Health.
Multivitamins are a combination of several key vitamins in one convenient capsule. Taking one a day with whichever meal you choose can help fill any nutritional gap you might have and give your immune system a big boost. There are lots of multivitamins on the market, so it can be hard to pick the best for you and your body.
Specific vegan multivitamins do now exist, which is fantastic for those living a plant-based lifestyle. When something is vegan, it means that no animal product was used to make it, which is ideal for multivitamins. The more natural the better, we say. With so many vegan multivitamins out there, we've found a few of the absolute best there is to buy.
Keep reading for full FAQs from our expert in the field.
The best vegan multivitamins UK
Best vegan multivitamins:
1. Vegan Multivitamins & Minerals with High Strength
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Best all-round vegan multivitamin: Even though this has been designed with vegans and vegetarians in mind, these vitamins will help anyone who takes them. They support a plant-based diet with high quality, super strength vitamins and minerals and it's really everything you need in one bottle. You get half a year's supply in one bottle, so it's amazing value for money, too. Amount: 180 tabletsIncludes: B12, D3, K2, zinc, iron, plus other vital vitamins and minerals.
2. Holland & Barrett Vegan Multivitamin & Mineral Tablets
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Best vegan multivitamin for immune system support: These tablets will support nutritional requirements that your body needs, plus contribute to the normal function of the immune system. They'll be ideal if you're prone to colds or are low on iron. Who doesn't want to say goodbye to horrible winter sniffles? Amount: 120 tabletsIncludes: Calcium, iron, zinc, folic acid, vitamin D and vitamin B1.
3. Phizz Apple & Blackcurrant Multivitamin & Hydration Effervescent
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Best water multiplier vegan multivitamin: If you find taking tablets difficult, then this is a perfect alternative. Pop one into your glass of water and take it like that. You'll get all the benefits of taking a multivitamin, plus electrolyte replenishment and a hydration boost. If you're someone who lacks energy day to day then this could add some much-needed pep in your step. It's also good for post-workout or a hangover cure (FYI).Amount: 20 tabletsIncludes: Vitamins A, B, C, E, plus copper, zinc, biotin and folic acid.
4. Haliborange Multivitamins Strawberry Fruit Softies
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Best vegan multivitamin gummies for kids: Children need a strong vitamin intake as they grow just like we do. These yummy, fruity, easy to chew gummies will give them the essential vitamins they need daily so they can carry on being our favourite troublemakers. These will be a godsend if your child is going through the 'veggies are the enemy' phase. They're suitable for children aged 3-12 years. Amount: 60 gummiesIncludes: Vitamins A, C and D plus omega 3.
5. Together Health Vegan Multi
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Best whole food vitamin: This Vegan Multi from Together Health is made from whole foods and ocean-sourced ingredients. Our bodies absorb vitamins and minerals better when they're in whole food form, so it's great for getting all the additional vitamins you need. The capsules are easy to swallow, can be split and mixed with water if you'd prefer, and are free of any additives.Amount: 60 capsulesIncludes: Lithothamnion calcareum seaweed providing calcium, yeast concentrate providing: iron, zinc, iodine and vitamin B12, tapioca extract, lichen providing vitamin D3, plant cellulose, chickpea providing vitamin K2.
6. Vegan Wholefood Based Women's Daily Multivitamin
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Best vegan multivitamin for women: These supplements are made for the changing female body. You'll get the nutrients, and antioxidants that your diet might be lacking, plus bone and immune support. They can even serve as energy and menopause support. They're gentle enough to take anytime of the day and what makes them unique is they include superfoods for added benefits. They're even gluten-free. If you're an active woman, you'll love these. Amount: 90 capsulesIncludes: Vitamin D, C, A, B6, B9, B12, and zinc.
7. Vitafusion Men's Gummy Vitamins
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Best vegan multivitamin for men: Rich in vitamins but with no sugars, these will be the perfect natural addition to any man's diet. They support your muscles and metabolism and are made with high-quality ingredients. They also absorb easily into the body for quick effects. If you're a chap who needs a boost then these are worth a go. The fruity flavour is a fun bonus, too. Amount: 150 gummiesIncludes: Vitamins A, C, D and D3.
8. Nourished Vitamins
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Best personalised vitamins:If you lead a plant-based lifestyle, you could be missing out on some key nutrients from your diet. Not only does Nourished have a Plant-based Power Stack, which is packed with daily essentials such as iron, B12, zinc and D3, but you could also opt for a personalised stack which will target your specific lifestyle needs. 3D printed as a tasty, vegan, sugar-free gummy, these vitamins can be delivered to your home every month on subscription.
9. TERRANOVA Prenatal Multivitamin Complex
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Best vegan multivitamin for pregnant women: When you're pregnant, your health and wellbeing becomes even more important so a prenatal multivitamin can help put your mind at ease if you're worried about what nutrition you're lacking. The formula of these multivitamins are made for pregnant and lactating women and they're full of essential vitamins, minerals, botanicals and superfoods. There's no filler or nasties included, just the good stuff your body needs whilst you're growing a new life. Always speak to a doctor before taking any supplements while pregnant.Amount: 100 vegicapsIncludes: Calcium, magnesium, iron, zinc, vitamin c, B1, B2, B4, B12, and folate, plus frozen kale for more iron intake.
10. Sugarbearhair Women's Multi Gummies
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Best vegan multivitamin for healthy skin: These yummy gummies helps with the normal collagen formation in your skin, making it feel and look healthier. You will also get a handful of great vitamins in each gummy to boost your overall health. Amount: 60 gummiesIncludes: Vitamins B12, C, D2, E, 16 micronutrients, amino acids, folate and omega-3.
11. DEVA Vegan Multivitamin & Mineral Supplement Tablets
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Best vegan multivitamin for supporting a plant-based diet: If you're a vegan who wants a complete, balanced diet full of the right nutrients, then these could get you on your way to that. Vegans are more likely to be deficient in iron and B-12, so this formula focuses on those. It's also an enriched source of special herbs that will support the vegan diet. They're super natural and easy to swallow, too. Amount: 90 tabletsIncludes: Vitamin A, B-12, B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, C, D2, E, iron, folic acid, calcium, iodine (kelp), magnesium, zinc, selenium copper, manganese, chromium, molybdenum, boron and choline.
12. CBDfx Hemp Multi-Vitamins Her Gummies
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Best vegan multivitamins with CBD: Coming in delicious gummy form, these vegan multivitamins combine your daily vitamin and CBD intakes in one. You'll get all the health benefits from the vitamins, but also the many benefits from CBD which can complement a healthy lifestyle. These are the gummies for women, but there is a version for men, too.Amount: 60 gummiesIncludes: CBD, calcium, phosphorus, vitamin A, B3, B6, B12, C, E, hemp extract, zinc, biotin, folic acid, and iodine.
13. STARPOWA women's energy multivitamin
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Best vegan multivitamin gummies for women: Start your morning with this incredible, powerful energy booster packed with high quality ingredients including B vitamins to enhance your energy ready for a busy day in the life! These gummies also provide all daily essential vitamins needed to help with immunity, metabolism, muscle function and much more. Each gummy is infused with a natural sweet raspberry and cranberry flavour.
Vegan Multivitamin FAQs
Are all vitamins vegan?
Not all vitamins or multivitamins are vegan. Some are animal-derived and lots, especially gummies, use gelatin. Always check the label when looking to see if something is vegan.
Dietician, Lola Biggs, says, "In their original chemical form yes, however, to be certified vegan within a supplement, the origin and final formula must be free from using or containing sources directly and indirectly derived from animals."
Are there multivitamins for vegans?
As previously mentioned, there are lots of vegan multivitamins on the market. These are all perfectly suitable for non-vegans and vegans trying to round out their plant-based diet. There are also lots of vitamins specifically made for vegans so they can keep their vitamin intake balanced.
Lola explains, "Yes! Look for a blend that has considered the nutrients that can be difficult to obtain from a fully plant-based diet. Together Health’s Vegan Multi, £12.99, is certified vegan, like all vitamins and supplements from Together Health, and offers a broad spectrum of whole food, good quality food-based, and naturally sourced vitamins and minerals including D3, B12, K2, Iron, Zinc, Calcium, and Iodine. All of these are essential nutrients for vegans and are combined in one easy-to-swallow capsule format."
Do vegans need multivitamins?
For those who aren’t in the know about vegan diets and lifestyles, there's some concern about vegans not getting everything they need to stay healthy from their plant-based diets.
The reality is that you can still get everything you need from a vegan diet, as long as you explore the right food groups. Vegans can benefit from multivitamins but so can non-vegans. Multivitamins are a healthy addition to anyone’s supplement intake.
Our expert added "A vegan diet has the potential of offering a great bounty of nutrients if varied and wholefood based. The quality of the diet is not just about omitting animal-derived foods but making sure it surrounds eating lots of fruits, vegetables, and wholefoods. This can be tricky all the time, so choosing a targeted blend vegan multivitamin can support this lifestyle choice."
What multivitamins should vegans take?
Lola notes, "Certain nutrients that are essential for our daily wellbeing can be more challenging to obtain through plants solely. Therefore, looking for a supplement that provides bioavailable sources of Vitamin B12, Omega 3 fatty acids, Iron, Zinc and Calcium is key."
"Vegans can lack a number of vitamins from their diet so it can be a good idea to top up daily with a vegan formulated vitamin supplement. Key vitamins to include are:"
Vitamin B12
What it does
"Vitamin B12 contributes to normal cell differentiation/division, normal function of the immune system, normal energy-yielding metabolism, and normal red blood cell formation."
Where it’s found
"Predominantly found in meat, fish, and dairy, vitamin B12 is an essential micronutrient that can only be reliably obtained in fortified food and supplements if following a vegan diet. It is possible to obtain vitamin B12 in a vegan diet by consuming certain foods such as nori seaweed but the amounts available in these foods are extremely small and unpredictable and are not considered an effective way to obtain B12."
Deficiencies
"A lack of B12 can cause many health problems that may only manifest over time, it is possible that over 50 per cent of vegans are deficient in this essential nutrient."
Calcium
What it does
"Calcium contributes to the maintenance of bones and teeth, muscle function and neurotransmission, blood coagulation, energy-yielding metabolism, the function of digestive enzymes and maintenance of normal blood pressure."
Where it’s found
"The main dietary source of calcium is dairy foods, but it can also be found in vegan foods such as green, leafy vegetables and tofu."
Deficiencies
"One of the most extensive studies of vegetarians and vegans in the world found that vegans had the lowest intakes of calcium as well as other nutrients.
"Other studies tend to agree that most vegans don't get enough calcium."
Iron
What it does
"Iron contributes to the normal function of the immune system and normal cognitive function."
Where it’s found
"The most reliable source of iron is found in animal-based foods, but it can also be found in plant-based foods including cruciferous vegetables, beans, peas, dried fruit, nuts, and seeds."
Deficiencies
"A comprehensive literature review study concluded that due to deficiencies and anaemia concerns, iron is rightly considered a nutrient of concern for vegetarians (and vegans)."
Iodine
What it does
"Iodine contributes to normal thyroid function, nervous system and cognitive function, normal energy-yielding metabolism, and the maintenance of normal skin."
Where it’s found
"The best source of iodine is in fish and dairy foods. It is possible to obtain iodine on a vegan diet from seaweed such as nori, but nutrient levels are unpredictable."
Deficiencies
"One study showed that 80 per cent of the vegans suffer from iodine deficiency."
Omega 3
What it does
"DHA helps to maintain normal vision and brain function."
Where it’s found
"The most reliable sources of Omega-3 are animal-based foods, but it can also be found in plant-based foods including cruciferous vegetables, beans, peas, dried fruit, nuts, and seeds."
Deficiencies
"Omega-3 fatty acids can be split into two categories."
• Essential omega-3 fatty acids: Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) found in foods such as flax seeds, chia seeds, walnuts, hemp seeds, and soybeans.
• Long-chain omega-3 fatty acids including eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) found in foods like fatty fish.
"Vegan sources of Omega 3 (ALA) are converted to EPA & DHA to be utilised by our major organs, theoretically a vegan should be able to maintain adequate EPA and DHA levels with a high intake of ALA. However, studies estimate that the conversion of ALA to EPA may be as low as 5–10%, while its conversion to DHA may be near 2–5 per cent.
"Additionally, research consistently shows that vegetarians and vegans have up to 50 per cent lower blood and tissue concentrations of EPA and DHA than omnivores.
"As well as the poor conversion from ALA to EPA & DHA, vegan diets are usually richer in Omega 6. Too few Omega 3’s and too much omega 6 has been shown to cause inflammation in the body and long term can be extremely detrimental for our health.
"Interestingly, fish only contains EPA & DHA because they eat algae, so the best and most direct source of Omega 3 and 6 on a vegan diet is algae oil - also a more sustainable and environmentally friendly source."
Vitamin D3
What it does
"Vitamin D contributes to the normal function of the immune system and inflammatory response, maintenance of normal muscle function and maintenance of normal cardiovascular function."
Where it’s found
"Vitamin D3 (also known as cholecalciferol) is the body’s preferred and most readily absorbed form, as opposed to the vegetarian form of D2 which is found in foods such as mushrooms but in limited supply on a vegan diet. Other than our body's conversion of sunlight into vitamin D3, the only dietary sources are animal ones such as fish and dairy. Studies suggest that vitamin D3 is more effective at raising blood levels of vitamin D than vitamin D2 from vegetarian sources."
Deficiencies
"There are worldwide reports of vitamin D deficiency among vegans and omnivores alike."
"Our baseline recommendation for new vegans includes our Vegan Multivitamin, Algae Omega 3 and Plant-based Vitamin D3 bundle.
"Whilst the above deficiency studies may suggest that a vegan diet is not complete or balanced, it is important to note that many deficiencies for these and other nutrients can also be seen in non-vegan diets. The important factor here is to do the research and be conscious that you’re eating the right foods to achieve a balanced and healthy diet."
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