13 Best Multivitamins for Bodybuilding & Strength (2024)

Supplements Considered 22
Supplements
Considered
Hours of Research 175
Hours
of Research
Reviews Examined 40
Reviews
Examined
Experts Interviewed 6
Experts
Interviewed
Benedict Ang, CPT, PN1-NC
Published by Benedict Ang, CPT, PN1-NC | Staff Writer & Senior Coach
Last updated: October 18, 2024
FACT CHECKED by Dr. Kristy Dayanan, BS, MD
We personally test every product featured in our reviews and guides. By ordering products anonymously and getting a group of independent testers, we are able to get first-hand experience and provide data-driven recommendations. Learn more.

Let’s face the truth; many multivitamin supplements on the market suck.

Very often these multivitamin products fail to contain the nutrition values claimed on the labels, or they use unsafe and toxic filler ingredients.

Luckily, you’re in the right place to learn what complex vitamins and minerals are best for bodybuilding. I've gone through hundreds of reviews, consulted other fitness experts, and together with a group of my clients, tried the best multivitamins for bodybuilding.

Here's a comprehensive list of strong competitors on the market, so let's dive in.

The Best Multivitamins for Bodybuilding

Editor's Choice
Ritual Multivitamin
Rated 4.8/5
Click For Best Price
2nd Best Choice
ONNIT
Rated 4.6/5
Click For Best Price
3rd Best Choice
Transparent Labs
Rated 4.7/5
Click For Best Price

Our Top 13 Multivitamins For Bodybuilding (November 2024)

1 - Ritual Multivitamin (Best Overall for Men and Women)

Rated 4.8/5
4.9
Ingredients
4.6
Price
5.0
User Ratings
4.8
Product Effectiveness
  • Price per serving : $1.10
  • Key vitamins and minerals : Vitamin A, D, E, K2, Folate, Magnesium, Zinc, Omega-3 DHA, Boron
  • Form : Capsule
  • Third-party tested : Not specified

Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Available as a female and male-specific formula
  • Includes important minerals and trace nutrients for an overall health boost
  • Ideal for long-term use and boosted immunity throughout the year
  • Good dose of B12 for increased energy levels

Cons

  • It’s not the cheapest option but worth the quality you get

Who is it for?

Who is it for?

  • Men and women seeking balanced nutrition
  • Individuals looking for long-term immunity and energy boosts

Who is it not for?

  • Those seeking budget options

Final Verdict

Ritual Multivitamin provides a comprehensive blend of essential nutrients tailored for both men and women, making it ideal for sustained daily use. It's an investment in quality, albeit at a higher price point.

The reason we have picked the Ritual Multivitamin (for men and women) is that it strikes a great balance between the most important vitamins and minerals, providing a comprehensive solution and some critical minerals as well.

This gave me a great combination to maximize my energy levels, immune system functionality, bone health, and general well-being.

It’s also available as a separate formula for both men and women to get the ideal amount of nutrients.

Vitamin content:

Get Ritual Essential Multivitamins For Women.

For men, click the link below:

2 - ONNIT Total Human (Best Natural Multivitamin)

Rated 4.6/5
4.8
Ingredients
4.3
Price
4.7
User Ratings
4.6
Product Effectiveness
  • Price per serving : $4.39
  • Key vitamins and minerals : Various, including B12 and minerals like Zinc
  • Form : Capsules (day and night packs)
  • Third-party tested : Not specified

Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Pre-dosed packs make it easy to fit into your daily routine
  • All-natural ingredients enhance cognitive function, immunity, and general well-being
  • Stron Bone formula supports bone strength and structural integrity

Cons

  • Day pack contains seven capsules, and the night pack contains six, 13 capsules per day is a lot.

Who is it for?

Who is it for?

  • People needing cognitive and physical enhancement
  • Those preferring natural ingredients

Who is it not for?

  • Those unwilling to take multiple capsules daily

Final Verdict

ONNIT Total Human offers a convenient, all-natural approach to supplementation with its pre-dosed packs. It's excellent for cognitive and physical support, though taking numerous pills might be a deterrent.

ONNIT Total Human comes with pre-dosed packs that you take in the morning and at night. Because each pack contains ONNIT’s most popular supplements, you will take 13 capsules daily, which may not appeal to everyone.

As indicated by our tests, the day pack boosts cognitive function with its flagship Alpha Brain formula and energy and endurance with the addition of B vitamins. ONNIT’s Stron Bone formula promotes structural integrity, which is essential to support muscle gains.

Mental and physical rest is vital for bodybuilders and the night pack promotes relaxation and recovery from the day. Valerian root and lemon from ONNIT’s New Mood formula promise to benefit stress response, and many users report getting a great night's sleep.

Vitamin content:

3 - Transparent Labs Multivitamin (Best Mineral Content for Older Men)

Rated 4.7/5
4.7
Ingredients
4.6
Price
4.8
User Ratings
4.7
Product Effectiveness
  • Price per serving : $0.25
  • Key vitamins and minerals : Chromium, Magnesium, Copper
  • Form : Capsule
  • Third-party tested : Yes

Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Contains a wide range of vitamins and minerals
  • Increases energy levels and mental focus
  • The iron-free formula ensures a gentler effect on the stomach

Cons

  • Need to take 4 pills daily

Who is it for?

Who is it for?

  • Older men focusing on muscle growth
  • Individuals looking for mineral-rich formulas

Who is it not for?

  • Those who prefer fewer pills per day

Final Verdict

Transparent Labs Multivitamin is optimized for older men seeking to maintain muscle mass and mental focus. Its comprehensive nutrient profile supports rigorous physical activity but requires multiple daily dosages.

I've been using Transparent Labs Multivitamin for a few months now, and it's become a staple in my supplement regimen. The extensive vitamin and mineral content has noticeably improved my energy levels during workouts.

This product features an advanced formula that ensures proper absorption of essential micronutrients to optimize your performance and recovery.

Personally, it helped me feel more energized and focused during my workouts. This one is also free of iron, so it’s suitable for people with sensitive stomachs.

Vitamin content:

4 - Performance Lab NutriGenesis Multi

Rated 4.5/5
4.6
Ingredients
4.2
Price
4.6
User Ratings
4.5
Product Effectiveness
  • Price per serving : Not available
  • Key vitamins and minerals : Not specified
  • Form : Capsule
  • Third-party tested : Not specified

Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Doesn’t contain synthetic or isolated nutrients
  • Specifically calibrated gender-specific formulas needed for muscle growth, function, and hormonal balance
  • Safe for long-term daily use
  • No additives, preservatives, artificial colorants, allergens, and GMOs

Cons

  • Available only at the official website with a hefty price-tag

Who is it for?

Who is it for?

  • Athletes needing hormone and muscle support
  • Those valuing non-synthetic nutrients

Who is it not for?

  • Shoppers looking for the lowest cost

Final Verdict

Performance Lab NutriGenesis is designed for athletes who need a boost in muscle function and hormonal balance. While highly effective, it comes at a premium price exclusive to its official site.

Having tried various multivitamins over the years, Performance Lab NutriGenesis Multi stands out. I noticed a significant improvement in my recovery times and overall energy levels after just a few weeks of consistent use.

These multivitamins enable you to top up your intake of a wide range of vital vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients in the right dosages for the purpose of supporting your optimum nutrition goals and overall health.

Your body should be able to absorb these vitamins and minerals more easily because they replicate natural nutrients, thanks to the groundbreaking manufacturing process.

Vitamin content:

5 - Animal Pak Multivitamin

Rated 4.4/5
4.5
Ingredients
4.1
Price
4.6
User Ratings
4.4
Product Effectiveness
  • A 1,780 mcg
  • C 1 g
  • D 100 mcg
  • E 150 mg
  • Thiamin 76 mg

Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Almost all the necessary micronutrients included
  • Provides you with BCAAs, carnitine, carbs, and 3g of protein per serving
  • Supports your digestive and liver health

Cons

  • May be pricey and hard to take 11 large pills per one dose

Who is it for?

Who is it for?

  • Hardcore trainers needing extensive nutrients
  • Individuals looking for digestive and liver support

Who is it not for?

  • Those who dislike taking many pills at once

Final Verdict

Animal Pak is suited for serious athletes requiring comprehensive nutritional support, including amino acids and digestive aids. It's less suited for casual users due to its high pill count and price.

When I first started bodybuilding, my mentor recommended Animal Park Multivitamin. After using it consistently, I can vouch for its effectiveness. The blend of vitamins, minerals, and amino acids gave me that extra push I needed during intense training sessions.

However, Animal Pak Multivitamin doesn’t contain all the essential vitamins and minerals like iron, optimal forms of the B vitamin complex, and magnesium [1]. It may also have exceeded doses of some vitamins, so check the ingredients list before you make any decisions.

Our investigation demonstrated that the company and many bodybuilding users as well say it gives that extra boost in energy, performance, and muscle development while maintaining good liver health.

Vitamin content:

6 - Garden of Life Vitamin Code Multivitamin (Best Vegan-Friendly)

Rated 4.6/5
4.6
Ingredients
4.5
Price
4.6
User Ratings
4.6
Product Effectiveness
  • Price per serving : $0.40
  • Key vitamins and minerals : Vitamin A, C, D, E, B-Complex, Zinc
  • Form : Capsule
  • Third-party tested : Yes

Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Contains raw, organic fruit and vegetable blend
  • Contains CoQ10, antioxidant and immune support complex to fight free radicals and help a speedy recovery
  • No GMOs, binders, or fillers

Cons

  • One serving includes four capsules, but their size is good

Who is it for?

Who is it for?

  • Vegans and vegetarians
  • Those needing added digestive support

Who is it not for?

  • People preferring fewer daily supplements

Final Verdict

Garden of Life offers a vegan-friendly solution with added probiotics for enhanced digestion. It's a potent formula, but the four-capsule serving might be inconvenient for some.

These comprehensive, raw, whole food multivitamins for men are particularly suitable for all the active vegetarians [2].

It is regarded as the best multivitamins for bodybuilding (and for men in general) because the added digestive enzymes and probiotics ensure your body absorbs most ingredients and keeps your stomach free of irritation.

The manufacturer claims that the product also includes zinc, selenium, and Vitamin E to help your prostate health, which is the best multivitamins selection for men’s health.

After trying it myself, I definitely felt a boost in energy and focus. However, a word of caution: taking it late in the evening, kept me up all night.

Vitamin content:

7 - MuscleTech Advanced Daily Multivitamin (Cheapest Option)

Rated 4.4/5
4.3
Ingredients
4.6
Price
4.4
User Ratings
4.2
Product Effectiveness
  • Price per serving : $0.12
  • Key vitamins : Vitamin A
  • Vitamin C
  • Vitamin D
  • Form : Tablet
  • Third-party tested : No

Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Well-balanced content
  • A variety of excellent additional compounds and plant extracts for heavy lifters and athletes
  • Trusted brand and affordable

Cons

  • ​Contains some fillers

Who is it for?

Who is it for?

  • Athletes and heavy lifters
  • Budget-conscious users

Who is it not for?

  • Those concerned about filler ingredients

Final Verdict

MuscleTech provides an affordable and effective option for athletes who need an energy boost and muscle support. Despite its value, the presence of fillers might turn away the more health-conscious.

This advanced complex of highly potent men’s multivitamins contains some pre-workout and fat-burning ingredients.

These include ingredients like green tea leaf extract, green coffee bean extract, saw palmetto, ginkgo, turmeric, creatine, and key amino acids for higher energy, better support, reduced inflammation, and many other health benefits [3].

However, the doses of minerals like copper and zinc may be slightly lower. The multivitamin product also misses vitamin K which supports bone health and building [4].

Drawing from our experience, you get a 30-day supply in one package as three tablets per day is the recommended dosage for this multivitamin.

Vitamin content:

8 - Vintage Base Probiotic Multivitamin

Rated 4.3/5
4.4
Ingredients
4.1
Price
4.3
User Ratings
4.3
Product Effectiveness
  • Price per serving : $0.29
  • Key vitamins : Vitamin D3
  • Vitamin C
  • Zinc
  • Form : Capsule
  • Third-party tested : No

Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Includes a methylcobalamin form of B12 in the formula for better absorption of the nutrients
  • Doesn’t contain synthetic additives, preservatives, or other artificial substances
  • It’s a vegetarian and keto-friendly product

Cons

  • You need four pills per one serving, which makes it a bit pricey, but at least they’re small and easy-to-swallow.

Who is it for?

Who is it for?

  • Individuals interested in probiotic benefits
  • Those looking for easy-to-swallow options

Who is it not for?

  • Budget seekers due to higher price per serving

Final Verdict

Vintage Base Probiotic Multivitamin combines essential nutrients with probiotics, aiding in digestion and nutrient absorption. It's effective but on the pricey side, particularly for daily use.

I was initially skeptical about Vintage Base Probiotic Multivitamin due to its lower concentration of certain vitamins. However, after giving it a shot, I was pleasantly surprised. The probiotics added a unique touch, helping with digestion, especially during my cutting phase.

Having tried it myself, I can say that this supplement feels like a balanced mix of vitamins, minerals, and probiotics.

Vitamin content:

9 - Evlution Nutrition VitaMode

Rated 4.2/5
4.2
Ingredients
4.4
Price
4.2
User Ratings
4.1
Product Effectiveness
  • Price per serving : $0.16
  • Key vitamins : Vitamin A
  • Vitamin C
  • Vitamin D
  • Vitamin E
  • Vitamin K
  • Form : Tablet
  • Third-party tested : No

Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Includes Vitamin D3 (Cholecalciferol), which has a higher bioavailability than commonly used D2
  • Added bioperine enhances the overall bioavailability of the ingredients
  • Good value for money

Cons

  • Large tablets with an unpleasant smell as some users reported

Who is it for?

Who is it for?

  • Users seeking enhanced bioavailability
  • Those valuing a comprehensive vitamin blend

Who is it not for?

  • Those sensitive to large tablet sizes

Final Verdict

Evlution Nutrition VitaMode is designed for users who appreciate a well-rounded vitamin profile with enhanced absorption. However, the large tablet size and smell may not appeal to everyone.

This trusted bodybuilding multi supplement provides users with well-balanced micronutrients, such as vitamins A, C, E, B complex, D3, zinc, copper, and other minerals for enhanced performance, better immune function, and improved overall health.

The core antioxidants, digestive enzymesm, and phytonutrient complexes included are great for supporting your metabolism, bone health, connective tissue health, nerve, skin, and eye health. This product is gluten-free, vegetarian, and provides 60 servings.

We determined through our tests that the main downside is that it falls short in magnesium, which is essential for building muscle mass.

Vitamin content:

10 - NOW Adam Men's Multivitamin

Rated 4.1/5
4.1
Ingredients
4.2
Price
4.1
User Ratings
4.1
Product Effectiveness
NOW Adam Men_s Multivitamin
  • Price per serving : $0.22
  • Key vitamins : Vitamin C
  • Form : Tablet
  • Third-party tested : Yes

Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Contains great ingredient quality and balance
  • Also has high amounts of antioxidants and some unique anti-aging ingredients
  • Affordable

Cons

  • Big tablets contain soy, and some people reported bad taste as well as migraines and stomach issues

Who is it for?

Who is it for?

  • Men looking for anti-aging properties
  • Those valuing antioxidant support

Who is it not for?

  • Individuals allergic to soy

Final Verdict

NOW Adam offers a broad spectrum of nutrients with unique anti-aging ingredients suited for men's health. It's affordable and comprehensive, although it contains soy, which may be a concern for allergies.

This quality multivitamin product from the popular brand NOW covers all the nutritional requirements of the active sportspeople. Besides standard ingredients usually found in a multivitamin for men, it boasts several unique components as well.

When it comes to finding the best multivitamin product, athletes are particularly interested in this one. For example, it contains antioxidants and anti-aging ingredients like CoQ10, lycopene, Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA), ginseng, aloe vera, grape seed extracts, and saw palmetto.

Our research indicates that these important ingredients, found in the best multivitamins for men, are designed to help improve your prostate health and sexual function.

Vitamin content:

11 - Legion Triumph Daily Multivitamin

Rated 4.3/5
4.4
Ingredients
4.1
Price
4.3
User Ratings
4.2
Product Effectiveness
  • Price per serving : $0.19
  • Key vitamins and minerals : Vitamin D, K, B12, Zinc, Magnesium, Iodine
  • Form : Capsule
  • Third-party tested : Not specified

Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Contains methylated B vitamins which typically get better absorbed
  • Some experts believe that added Cissus Q promotes fat loss
  • Offers a nice combination of phytonutrients and antioxidants for optimal health benefits

Cons

  • The price may be higher, and it contains soy

Who is it for?

Who is it for?

  • Bodybuilders needing high nutrient doses
  • Those interested in mood and fat loss support

Who is it not for?

  • People avoiding soy

Final Verdict

Legion Triumph is tailored for serious athletes requiring high concentrations of vitamins and support for mood and metabolism. It's potent but contains soy, which might not suit everyone's diet.

The company states that this daily multivitamin provides a wide range of essential micronutrients for both men and women, with optimal clinical doses for enhanced performance.

Secondary ingredients include CoQ10, as well as compounds like bacopa, ashwagandha, NAC, rhodiola, and lavender, which also help reduce anxiety [5].

Based on our observations, the recommended daily dose of this bodybuilding multivitamin is eight around tablets, which means you should take four tablets per serving.

Vitamin content:

12 - Life Extension Multivitamin

Rated 4.2/5
4.2
Ingredients
4.4
Price
4.1
User Ratings
4.2
Product Effectiveness
  • Price per serving : $0.12
  • Key vitamins and minerals : Vitamin A, C, E, D3, B12, B1, Zinc, Magnesium
  • Form : Capsule
  • Third-party tested : Not specified

Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Contains highly bioavailable forms of vitamin C, quercetin, vitamin B, carotenoids and other extras
  • No GMO or soy
  • Good price-quality ratio

Cons

  • No vitamin K needed for healthy bones and blood vessels

Who is it for?

Who is it for?

  • Those needing diverse antioxidants and bioactive substances
  • Health-conscious individuals

Who is it not for?

  • Those who need strong bone support (lacks vitamin K)

Final Verdict

Life Extension Multivitamin offers a science-backed, comprehensive formula with a focus on bioavailability and antioxidant support. Its omission of vitamin K, however, might not suit those specifically looking for bone health support.

According to the manufacturer, this science-based multi-nutrient formula contains a great variety of well-dosed vitamins, minerals, carotenoids, tocopherols, and other antioxidants and useful substances.

For example, a natural methylated folate form is used instead of synthetic folic acid, added Quercetin to improve immunity functions, and bioactive chromium to keep your glucose levels healthy [6].

I found it easy to digest, and one bottle provided me with a two-month supply of the multivitamin.

Vitamin content:

13 - JYM Sports Multivitamin

Rated 4.1/5
4.1
Ingredients
4.2
Price
4.1
User Ratings
4.1
Product Effectiveness
  • Price per serving : $0.50
  • Key vitamins and minerals : Vitamin A, C, B6, B12, E, K, Boron, Biotin, Potassium
  • Form : Tablet
  • Third-party tested : Not specified

Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Contains 25 key ingredients in highly absorbable forms
  • Has a good supply and forms of vitamin K for those who train hard
  • Easy to swallow tablets

Cons

  • May be expensive and doesn’t contain minerals to support vitamin absorption so you’ll need another supplement with it

Who is it for?

Who is it for?

  • High-performance athletes
  • Those looking for nutrient absorption efficiency

Who is it not for?

  • Budget-conscious buyers

Final Verdict

JYM Sports Multivitamin is ideal for athletes who need robust vitamin support, especially for recovery and performance. Its price and lack of certain minerals might deter those looking for a more comprehensive or affordable option.

I've always been particular about my micronutrient intake, so when I tried JYM Sports Multivitamin, I was a bit concerned about the absence of calcium, magnesium, and zinc. However, the inclusion of bioperine made a noticeable difference in how I felt post-workout, likely due to better nutrient absorption [7].

This multivitamin product includes beta-carotene, the safest form of Vitamin A in the right amount, as well as full amounts of chromium, selenium, and vitamin K forms crucial for high-training athletes.

My main concern about this multivitamin is the extremely high dose of vitamins B12 and B6, which can be toxic.

Vitamin content:

How We Tested the Best Multivitamins for Bodybuilding

Here's how we chose the best multivitamins for bodybuilding:

  • Ingredient quality. We kicked off by scrutinizing the ingredient quality, ensuring each multivitamin packed the right punch of key vitamins and minerals, like Vitamin D for bones and Zinc for testosterone. We also hunted for branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) crucial for muscle growth and preferred natural ingredients, checking their purity through third-party tests when possible.
  • Effectiveness. To measure effectiveness, we dove into scientific studies for the right dosages needed for bodybuilding and matched them against those in the multivitamins. We also weighed in on bioavailability – basically, how well your body can soak up these nutrients. Plus, we got the lowdown from bodybuilders who've been popping these vitamins for months, focusing on their energy, recovery, and performance.
  • Price. We compared the cost per serving among different brands, looking for the most bang for your buck – considering servings per bottle, nutrient range, and dosage. Those offering great value without skimping on quality topped our list.
  • Brand reputation and transparency. We also looked into each brand's reputation, customer reviews, and openness about their manufacturing. More points were given to brands that were upfront about their ingredient sources and manufacturing details.
  • User experience. Finally, we checked out user-friendliness, like taste and how easy the vitamins are to swallow. We considered tablet size, whether they're stomach-friendly, and if they come in different forms, like gummies or powders, to suit different tastes.

What Ingredients Should a Multivitamin for Bodybuilders Contain?

A multivitamin for bodybuilders should contain vitamins B, C, D, and E and minerals like magnesium, zinc, calcium, iron, and selenium, all essential for optimal performance.

​​Supplements are never a substitute for a balanced, healthful diet.
- ​Dr. JoAnn Manson

Still, bodybuilders can’t rely on food and diet only to get all the essential nutrients their body needs to stay in top shape, especially before competitions when they tend to skimp on foods (sugar from fruit or fat) to get better results. Optimum nutrition is key when it comes to diet and the health benefits.

B-complex vitamin consists of eight important vitamins, all found in the list below:

  • ​B1 - thiamin
  • B2 - riboflavin
  • B3 - niacin
  • B5 - pantothenic acid
  • B6 - pyridoxine
  • B5 - pantothenic acid
  • B6 - pyridoxine
  • B7 - biotin
  • B9 - folic acid
  • B12 - cobalamin (cyanocobalamin is cheaper but methylcobalamin has a higher bioavailability)

B vitamins deliver oxygen to your muscles, aid in faster tissue repair, turn carbs and fats from foods into energy, support your nervous and immune system function, help you produce steroid hormones, and many more.

Vegans are at risk of vitamin B12 deficiency as it’s typically found in animal products, such as meat and dairy. These vitamins below are water-soluble, so your body can’t deposit them and you need to take them every day.

Vitamin C

This strong water-soluble antioxidant boosts your immune system and decreases oxidative stress caused by intense workouts. It’s vital for the health of your connective tissue, joint health, as well as protein metabolism. The best vitamin C supplement we've found is from a brand called Nature's Bounty.

Vitamin D

This fat-soluble vitamin D typically derived from the sun is key to calcium and phosphorus absorption for healthy bones and your skeletal strength, and energy production. Vitamin D also helps cell growth and reduces inflammation [8]. The best vitamin D supplement we've found is from a brand called Transparent Labs.

Also Read: Best Vitamin D Supplements

Vitamin E

This is another fat-soluble antioxidant that protects your immunity and keeps your heart, arteries, and skin healthy. It provides support for heart health, brain health, and immune health.

It commonly appears as alpha-tocopherol but it consists of seven more compounds and it would be best to find a mix of them in one product if possible. The best vitamin E supplement for brain health is from a brand called Nature's Bounty.

Magnesium

Magnesium is vital for delivering oxygen to your tissues, reducing cramps, and increasing your endurance during heavy workouts and building muscle mass phase. Besides many other benefits, it helps your body regulate hormone levels and metabolize fat and protein. The best magnesium supplement we've found is from a brand called Transparent Labs.

Also Read: Best Magnesium Supplements

Calcium

Calcium is critical for bone strength and repair, muscle maintenance, hormones, healthy blood vessels, metabolism, and more. The best calcium supplement we've found is from a brand called Nature's Bounty.

Zinc

This trace mineral does a lot for faster muscle recovery, stronger immunity, as well as energy and testosterone levels production. The best zinc supplement we've found is from a brand called Solgar.

Also Read: Best ZMA Supplements

Iron

Iron delivers oxygen to your muscles for improved endurance, higher energy, and stronger immunity. Iron deficiency may lead to the red blood cells issues (inability to deliver enough oxygen through blood vessels), and other health issues. The best iron supplement we've found is from a brand called MegaFood.

Selenium

This antioxidant has many benefits for your thyroid gland, metabolism, cardiovascular system, and immune health. The best selenium supplement we've found is from a brand called Bronson.

Electrolytes

Sodium, potassium, and chloride are electrolytes particularly important for sportsmen who usually lose them through sweat. They regulate your body fluid level, blood pressure and pH balance, and help with muscle contraction. The best electrolyte supplement we've found is from a brand called Key Nutrients.

Related Articles:

Buyer's Guide for the Best Multivitamin for Bodybuilding

You should look for essential micronutrients, beneficial compounds, and proper dosing in a multivitamin for bodybuilding. Let's discuss each factor below.

Essential Micronutrients

Try to get most if not all of the 25+ essential vitamins and minerals from your multivitamin product in substantial amounts. Most of them interact with one another so you need a nutrient variety for the best effect.

​​Despite their differences, vitamins and minerals often work together. For example, vitamin D enables your body to pluck calcium from food that is passing through your digestive tract, rather than harvesting it from your own bones. Vitamin C helps you absorb iron. However, the interplay of micronutrients isn’t always cooperative. For example, too much vitamin C can block your body’s ability to assimilate the essential mineral copper.
- ​Harvard Medical School

Goes without saying, it'd be wiser to aim at getting a variety of active ingredients over a higher concentration of particular compounds.

High Beneficial Compounds for Bodybuilders

Top-quality multivitamin supplements for bodybuilders and fitness enthusiasts shouldn’t contain only vitamins. Make sure the list of ingredients contains other secondary yet equally essential compounds.

For instance, crucial minerals like magnesium or zinc are excellent for improving physical endurance and recovery. Omega-3s (like ones found in fish oil) and CoQ10 assist in fighting muscle inflammation and decreasing fatigue and soreness with both men and women bodybuilders and athletes.

These highly beneficial compounds or even added creatine could separate decent supplements from the great ones. Got the point? Good.

Concentration Relative to Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA)

Many people check whether the important ingredients are listed on the product labels but forget about ensuring their proper concentration is also included.

You should primarily get the essential vitamins and minerals from a healthy diet, but not all of them get absorbed through foods and you may risk deficiency.

So, multivitamin supplements containing 50% to 100% of your daily nutrient intake for every vitamin would suffice. No need for 300% to 500% of daily amounts for every nutrient, except for those vitamins that don’t absorb well like vitamin B12 or D.

Value vs. Pricing

Many fitness enthusiasts and athletes claim that you typically get what you pay for when you buy cheap multivitamins. So, they strongly advise avoiding such multivitamin products.

It doesn’t mean you should go for overpriced branded products, of course. Just find a credible brand that experts and users recommend.

Try to find bodybuilding supplements that contain all the high-quality ingredients your body needs in optimal doses, while also making sure you get the most bang for your buck.

How to Take Multivitamins?

There’s no general rule on how to take multivitamins. It all depends on the instructions written on the product package that users should follow for optimal nutrition intake.

Experts often recommend taking fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K) with meals to avoid stomach upset. These don't need daily intake as they hang out in your liver.

For better digestion, take B vitamin complexes on an empty stomach. Always down your multivitamin pills or tablets with water. Make sure to mix supplement powder into water, juice, or shakes until it's fully dissolved.

If you're not into capsules, liquid, gummies, and chewables are easy options. Lastly, check for any side effects or clashes with other meds you're taking.

If you're dealing with digestion issues, we advise you to check out the best probiotics on the market.

What’s the Best Time to Take Multivitamins?

There is no best time to take multivitamins. However, it may be a good idea to take your multivitamin supplement at the same time every day for better effect. But there’s no general rule for all, so it’s best to check and follow the labels.

Some people take it with the main meal or after breakfast, so they don’t forget and ensure they have enough nutrients and energy for the day ahead. It's especially important when the bodybuilding supplement only requires a minimal dosage since missing a dose could cause fatigue and other negative effects.

FAQs

Are Multivitamins Worth Taking?

Yes, multivitamins are worth taking. The correct dosage and high-quality ingredients may enhance the proper functioning of your body and reduce overall health risks.

Other Resources:

Do Multivitamins Have Side Effects?

Yes, multivitamins can have side effects if you take more than the recommended dose. You may experience allergic reactions, headache, hair loss, diarrhea, nausea, stomach cramps, irregular heart rate, increased risk of kidney stones, nerve damage, bleeding in the stomach or brain, and other injuries.

Why Do Bodybuilders Take Vitamins?

Bodybuilders take vitamins to prevent weakness, cramps, injuries, low bone density, and vitamin deficiencies. It also ensures they get enough energy, antioxidants, and other nutrients critical for muscle growth and recovery.

​Are Multivitamins Good for Muscle Building?

Yes, multivitamins are good for muscle building. Zinc plays an important role in testosterone support and production, and muscles need it to grow and stay firm. Calcium regulates muscle contraction, copper strengthens your tendons, and biotin (B7) is vital for the metabolism of protein, carbs, and fats. Many other vitamins and minerals can have a significant effect on your physical performance and well-being.

​What Vitamins Are Good for Muscle Repair?

Vitamins that are good for muscle repair include vitamins A, C, D, and E.

  • Vitamin A - supports protein synthesis, which is vital for muscle growth, strengthening, and repair.
  • Complexes of the vitamin B - aids in protein synthesis and processing amino acids, which is crucial for repairing tears.
  • Vitamin C - helps in collagen formation, which is important for connective tissue strengthening to prevent injuries.
  • Vitamin D - boosts tissue repair, and more.
  • Vitamin E - helps your body fight free radicals and reduces oxidative stress, damage, and soreness as a result of vigorous exercise.

What Are Multivitamin's Benefits for Bodybuilding?

Multivitamin's benefits for bodybuilding are boosted energy production, improved mood, reduced stress, maintained muscle strength, strengthened immunity, improved heart health, and enhanced prostate health.

Our Top Recommendation

After rigorously testing various multivitamins tailored for bodybuilding, I've found that Ritual Multivitamin stands out as the best overall choice.

Its balanced blend of essential vitamins and minerals perfectly complements a bodybuilder's nutritional needs, offering a significant boost to energy levels and overall well-being. Both the male and female-specific formulas cater to the distinct nutritional requirements, ensuring targeted support.

While it's not the cheapest option, the quality and effectiveness make it a worthwhile investment for anyone serious about bodybuilding. It's become a staple in my supplement regime, and I've personally experienced a noticeable difference in my training and recovery since incorporating it.

Our #1 Recommendation

Ritual Multivitamin (Best Overall for Men and Women)

Rated With Total Shape's Scoring System

4.9
Ingredients
4.6
Price
5.0
User Ratings
4.8
Product Effectiveness
Pros
  • Available as a female and male-specific formula
  • Includes important minerals and trace nutrients for an overall health boost
  • Ideal for long-term use and boosted immunity throughout the year
  • Good dose of B12 for increased energy levels
  • Get the BEST PRICE until the end of November
Cons
  • It’s not the cheapest option but worth the quality you get
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About The Author

Benedict Ang, CPT, PN1-NC
Staff Writer & Senior Coach
Benedict Ang, CPT, PN1-NC is an ex-National Soccer player turned MMA and Kickboxing champion, with ACE CPT and PN1-NC certifications. His advice is rooted in education and experience, ensuring that readers receive scientific and battle-tested insights. His mission is to empower his clients and readers to realize their potential and become the best versions of themselves.
Learn more about our editorial policy
Dr. Kristy June Dayanan, BS, MD is an author with a BS degree from University of the Philippines and an MD from University of Perpetual Help System. Her ability to simplify medical science complexities and dietary supplement jargon for the average reader makes her a valued medical fact checker and reviewer.
Learn more about our editorial policy
Dr. Harshi Dhingra, MBBS, MD is a published peer-reviewed author and renowned physician from India with over a decade of experience. With her MBBS from Bharati Vidyapeeth and an MD from Rajiv Gandhi University, she actively ensures the accuracy of online dietary supplement and medical information by reviewing and fact-checking health publications.
Learn more about our editorial policy

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2 thoughts on “13 Best Multivitamins for Bodybuilding & Strength (2024)

  1. Good list, but remember diet plays a major role in overall health & fitness. Multivitamins can supplement a balanced diet, not replace it.

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