Multivitamins Guide

Multivitamins combine essential vitamins and minerals in one supplement to support everyday nutrition. Learn what they can provide and how to choose a formula that fits your age, life stage, and routine.¹

✅ Reviewed by Jamieson's Science Team

Quick Answers

What does a multivitamin do?

A multivitamin provides a combination of vitamins and minerals that can support the maintenance of good health and normal body functions.¹

Do all multivitamins contain the same nutrients?

No. Nutrient amounts and combinations can vary based on age, sex, life stage, and the purpose of the formula.¹

Can nutritional needs change with age?

Yes. Health Canada’s recommended nutrient intakes vary by age, sex, pregnancy, and other life stages.²,³

Should you take a multivitamin with food?

Directions vary by product, but many Jamieson multivitamins are taken with a meal.

What is a multivitamin?

A multivitamin combines several vitamins, minerals, or both in one supplement. The exact nutrient mix and amounts can vary significantly between formulas.¹ 

Some provide broad daily nutritional support, while others are designed around specific ages, life stages, or nutritional needs. 

How do multivitamins support everyday health?

The benefits of a multivitamin depend on the nutrients it contains. Vitamins and minerals can support functions including energy metabolism, immune function, bone and teeth health, red blood cell formation, and antioxidant protection.¹ 

Multivitamins can provide several of these nutrients together in one daily routine, but they don’t replace a varied diet. 

Which health goals can multivitamins support?

Everyday Wellness

Multivitamins provide a range of essential nutrients that help support the maintenance of good health.¹

Energy Support

B vitamins and certain minerals help the body metabolize carbohydrates, fats, and proteins for energy.¹

Healthy Aging

Age-specific multivitamins can help provide nutrients that remain important as nutritional needs change over time.²,³

How can a multivitamin fit into your routine?

A multivitamin can provide convenient daily nutritional support when your diet doesn’t always cover everything. 

  • On busy days: It can help provide a consistent mix of essential vitamins and minerals. 
  • As needs change: Age, pregnancy, menopause, and other life stages can affect nutrient requirements.²,³ 
  • For different diets: Food preferences or restrictions may influence which nutrients deserve more attention. 
  • Keep food first: A multivitamin complements a varied diet rather than replacing one. 

*It is important to consult your trusted healthcare practitioner before adding any new natural health supplement to your routine.

What should you look for in a multivitamin?

Start with your age and life stage, then choose a formula that fits your needs.

  • Match your life stage: Look for adult, women’s, men’s, 50+, 65+, prenatal, menopause, or children’s formulas as appropriate. 
  • Compare nutrients: The vitamins, minerals, and amounts can vary widely between products. 
  • Check for overlap: Consider other supplements you already take so you don’t unintentionally double up. 
  • Choose a format: Tablets, gummies, and chewables can make daily use easier. 
  • Review added ingredients: Some formulas include nutrients such as lutein, lycopene, cranberry, or other targeted ingredients. 
  • Look for an NPN: Choose a licensed natural health product with an eight-digit NPN. 
  • Look for quality: Jamieson products are backed by the Jamieson 360 Quality Promise. 

For more than 100 years, Jamieson has combined scientific expertise with rigorous quality testing. Every product is backed by the Jamieson 360 Quality Promise. 

*It is important to consult your trusted healthcare practitioner before adding any new natural health supplement to your routine.  

FAQs

Do you need a multivitamin every day?

That depends on your diet, life stage, and individual nutritional needs. Multivitamins can help provide nutrients that may be harder to get consistently, but they’re intended to complement, not replace a varied diet.

What’s the difference between men’s and women’s multivitamins?

The nutrient mix and amounts may differ to reflect different nutritional needs. For example, Jamieson offers separate formulas for men, women, and different age groups.

Why are there different multivitamins for people over 50 or 65?

Recommended nutrient intakes can change with age, so age-specific formulas may adjust the amounts or mix of certain vitamins and minerals.²,³

Sources

1. Health Canada. Multi-Vitamin/Mineral Supplements Monograph. Natural and Non-prescription Health Products Directorate. Updated June 26, 2026.[Text Wrapping Break]https://webprod.hc-sc.gc.ca/nhpid-bdipsn/atReq?atid=multi_vitmin_suppl 

2. Health Canada. Dietary Reference Intakes Tables: Reference Values for Vitamins.[Text Wrapping Break]https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/food-nutrition/healthy-eating/dietary-reference-intakes/tables/reference-values-vitamins.html 

3. Health Canada. Dietary Reference Intakes Tables: Reference Values for Elements.[Text Wrapping Break]https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/food-nutrition/healthy-eating/dietary-reference-intakes/tables/reference-values-elements.html