Multivitamins and minerals, 30 tablets

A multivitamin is a food supplement that puts several vitamins and minerals into one tablet or capsule. Vitamins are organic substances that people take in from food in small amounts. Some dissolve in fat (A, D, E and K), others in water (vitamin C and the B vitamins). Minerals are inorganic, for example calcium, magnesium, iron, zinc and iodine.

A multivitamin does not replace meals, and the pack says so. Its job is more modest: several nutrients in one tablet with a clearly stated dose. That is why it pays to check what exactly a tablet contains instead of assuming that the name covers everything.

The label lists 13 vitamins: A, B1, B2, niacin, pantothenic acid, B6, folic acid, biotin, B12, C, D, E and K1. There are 10 minerals: calcium, magnesium, iron, copper, iodine, zinc, manganese, selenium, chromium and molybdenum. Lutein is listed separately at 0.5 mg; it comes from a marigold (Tagetes erecta) flower extract with 5 % lutein.

The label also names the forms used. Vitamin C is L-ascorbic acid, vitamin E is D-alpha-tocopheryl acetate, niacin is nicotinamide, vitamin A is retinyl acetate, vitamin D is cholecalciferol, vitamin K1 is phylloquinone and vitamin B12 is cyanocobalamin. Iron is iron fumarate, selenium is L-selenomethionine, chromium is chromium picolinate and zinc is zinc oxide.

Vitamin C is found in citrus fruit, blackcurrants, peppers and cabbage, including sauerkraut. Vitamin A is in liver and eggs, vitamin D in oily fish and egg yolks, and vitamin E in vegetable oils, nuts and seeds. Vitamin K is found in green leafy vegetables.

B vitamins turn up in wholegrain foods, meat, eggs, dairy products and pulses. Calcium is in dairy products, magnesium in nuts, seeds and wholegrains, and iron in meat, pulses and dark green vegetables. Iodine comes from sea fish and iodised salt, zinc from meat and seeds, selenium from fish and eggs.

The label says: adults and children from 15 years, 1 tablet a day. It says nothing about meals or time of day, so pick one moment and keep the pack where you can see it. The tablet contains iron, so here is a practical tip: do not take it at the same time as tea or coffee.

The product is not recommended in case of individual intolerance to any component, or for women during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Do not exceed the recommended daily dose. If you take several products containing the same substance, add up the total amount and do not exceed the dose recommended on the label.

Keep out of the reach of children, in the original packaging, in a dry place at room temperature. Do not use a food supplement as a substitute for a complete and balanced diet.

NRV stands for nutrient reference value. The percentages show what share of that value one tablet provides, not how many tablets to take. In this product the figures run from 26.6 % (magnesium) to 142 % (vitamin B6).

Ingredients on the label are listed in order of quantity. Calcium carbonate comes first, followed by the bulking agent microcrystalline cellulose and magnesium oxide. Net weight is 39.3 g for 30 tablets.

The first two cost almost the same, so the label decides: compare which nutrient amounts matter more to you. We have no price per day for the soluble multivitamin, so only the pack price is given.

Can I take this multivitamin during pregnancy?

No. The label of Multivitamins and minerals says the product is not recommended for women during pregnancy and breastfeeding. If you are pregnant, planning a pregnancy or breastfeeding, ask a doctor or pharmacist before taking any supplement.

Is this tablet suitable for children?

Multivitamins and minerals is meant for adults and children from 15 years, at one tablet a day. It is not intended for younger children. Our range has a separate product, Kids multivitamins, 10 vitamins, 20 soluble tablets; check its own label for use.

Can I take the tablet with coffee or tea?

Better not to. Multivitamins and minerals contains 5 mg of iron, and iron products should not be taken at the same time as tea or coffee. Choose another moment, for example with a glass of water. The label does not say whether to take it with or without food, so go by whatever time suits you.

What should I do if I miss a dose?

If you miss a Multivitamins and minerals tablet, carry on the next day with the usual dose, which is one tablet. Do not take two tablets in one day to catch up. The label says not to exceed the recommended daily dose.

Is Multivitamins and minerals suitable for vegetarians?

The label lists no meat, fish or gelatine, but the product is not marked as vegetarian or vegan. It also does not say what vitamins A and D are derived from. If your dietary rules are strict, ask the seller before buying or check with a specialist.

Do the tablets need to be kept in the fridge?

No. The label of Multivitamins and minerals does not require refrigeration. It says to store in the original packaging, in a dry place at room temperature, out of the reach of children. There is no separate shelf life after opening, so follow the date printed on the pack.