Complete Multivitamin
Equate
Complete Multivitamin
4.7
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
(1278 ratings)
Vitamin A 3500 IU
Vitamin D 400 IU
Vitamin K 25 mcg
Niacin 20 mg
Iodine 150 mcg
Selenium 55 mcg
Potassium 80 mg
Score 5.0
A very affordable multivitamin that attempts broad coverage, but its dangerously high stated chromium dosage and inclusion of less bioavailable nutrient forms severely undermine its safety and efficacy.
Quantity: 200 Tablet(s)Servings size: 1 Tablet(s) (200 servings)
Selected goals:
Other goals:
General Health
Immunity
Vision Support
Skin Health
Bone Health
leaderboard Score 5.0
A very affordable multivitamin that attempts broad coverage, but its dangerously high stated chromium dosage and inclusion of less bioavailable nutrient forms severely undermine its safety and efficacy.
insights Analysis
Equate's Complete Multivitamin attempts to cover a broad spectrum of health goals at a very low price point. However, its formulation raises serious concerns, chiefly the stated 35.00mg of Chromium Picolinate, which is a dangerous overdose. If this is not a typo in the data and truly reflects the product, it renders the product unsafe for consumption. Aside from this major issue, the multivitamin utilizes less bioavailable forms for several key nutrients, such as Magnesium Oxide, Zinc Oxide, and Cyanocobalamin for B12, which can reduce their effectiveness. The Vitamin D dose (400 IU) is considerably low compared to current general health recommendations, and Vitamin A (7000 IU combined) is on the higher side, potentially risking toxicity with prolonged use or other sources. While it does provide a wide array of basic vitamins and minerals, the dosages for some essential electrolytes like Potassium and Magnesium are quite minimal, and the inclusion of non-essential trace minerals like Nickel and Tin adds little to no proven benefit. The product's affordability is its only notable advantage, but it is overshadowed by its significant formulation flaws and safety risks.
- Extremely affordable per serving, making it accessible for budget-conscious consumers.
- Provides a wide range of essential vitamins and minerals, offering broad foundational nutritional support.
- Contains an alarmingly high 35mg of Chromium Picolinate, posing a significant risk of toxicity.
- Many key nutrients are in less bioavailable forms (e.g., Magnesium Oxide, Zinc Oxide, Cyanocobalamin), which may limit absorption and effectiveness.
- Provides sub-optimal dosages for crucial vitamins and minerals like Vitamin D (400 IU) and Magnesium (50mg).
- Includes trace minerals like Nickel and Tin which have no established human dietary requirement in supplement form, potentially taking up space from more beneficial ingredients.
- The stated dosage of 35.00mg of Chromium Picolinate is extremely high and potentially toxic. This level of chromium can lead to severe adverse effects, including kidney and liver damage, and should be considered a critical safety concern. Consult a healthcare professional immediately if you have consumed this product or are considering it.
- The high combined dose of Vitamin A (7000 IU from acetate and beta-carotene) could lead to Vitamin A toxicity with prolonged daily use, especially if consuming other Vitamin A-rich foods or supplements.
$9.77($0.04 per serving)
 Walmart | $ 9.77 |
bolt Effectiveness for goals
Folic Acid (Folate) and Vitamin B12 work together in several bodily processes, including red blood cell formation and DNA synthesis. They are both crucial for healthy neurological function. The metabolism of one depends on the other, making their co-supplementation common.
Iodine is an essential trace mineral required for the production of thyroid hormones. These hormones regulate metabolism, growth, and development. Adequate iodine intake is crucial for maintaining normal thyroid function.
A multivitamin and mineral supplement aims to provide a broad range of essential nutrients that may be lacking in the diet. It supports various bodily functions, including energy metabolism, immune system health, and bone maintenance. The combination of nutrients helps cover potential dietary gaps.
Vitamin D is crucial for the absorption of calcium from the gut, which is then used to build and maintain strong bones. Without adequate Vitamin D, the body cannot effectively utilize dietary calcium. Both nutrients are essential for supporting bone density and structure.
Vitamin C significantly enhances the absorption of non-heme iron, which is found in plant-based foods and some supplements. It converts iron into a more absorbable form in the digestive tract. This interaction is beneficial for maintaining healthy iron levels in the body.
schedule Dosage, timing & forms
Taking a multivitamin with food, preferably with breakfast or lunch, is generally recommended. This can improve the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins and reduce the likelihood of stomach upset from certain minerals. Consistency in timing each day can also be beneficial for establishing a routine.
It is generally advised to take multivitamin supplements with a meal. Food helps with the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K) and can minimize potential gastrointestinal discomfort that some minerals, such as iron and zinc, might cause on an empty stomach. Taking it with your largest meal can further aid absorption.
Ferrous fumarate is an iron salt commonly used in supplements, providing a good concentration of elemental iron. It is generally well-absorbed, especially when taken with food and alongside Vitamin C, which can enhance its uptake. Some individuals may experience mild gastrointestinal effects.
Including both Vitamin A acetate (preformed Vitamin A) and Beta-Carotene (a provitamin A carotenoid) provides a comprehensive approach to Vitamin A intake. Vitamin A acetate is directly active, while beta-carotene converts to Vitamin A as needed, offering flexibility. This blend helps ensure adequate levels while reducing the risk of toxicity from excessive preformed Vitamin A.
Calcium and iron can potentially interfere with each other's absorption if taken simultaneously in very high amounts, as they may compete for absorption pathways. However, the amounts typically found in a balanced multivitamin are usually not high enough to cause significant interaction for most healthy individuals. Taking the supplement with food can help mitigate this.
health_and_safety Safety & interactions
This supplement contains 35mg of chromium, which is significantly higher than typical daily recommended amounts for adults, usually measured in micrograms. Exceeding recommended mineral intakes can potentially lead to adverse effects, and consultation with a healthcare professional is advisable. The Tolerable Upper Intake Level (UL) for chromium has not been established due to insufficient data, but such a high dose warrants caution.
The total Vitamin A content from both acetate and beta-carotene forms is 7000 IU, which exceeds the established Tolerable Upper Intake Level (UL) of 3000 IU for adults. High chronic intake of preformed Vitamin A can lead to adverse effects, including liver issues. Smokers should also be aware that high doses of beta-carotene have been associated with increased risk of lung cancer.
The supplement contains Vitamin K, which can interfere with the action of anticoagulant medications like warfarin. Individuals taking such medications should consult their healthcare provider before use. It is important to maintain consistent Vitamin K intake if on these medications.
Iron can interfere with the absorption of certain antibiotics, such as tetracyclines and fluoroquinolones, and thyroid hormones. It may also cause gastrointestinal upset, constipation, or dark stools in some individuals. Taking it with food can help mitigate stomach discomfort.
Taking multiple supplements simultaneously can lead to exceeding the Tolerable Upper Intake Levels for certain nutrients, potentially causing adverse effects. It is generally advisable to consult a healthcare professional before combining supplements to avoid overconsumption of specific vitamins or minerals. Over-supplementation can be harmful.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount per serving |
|---|---|
Vitamin A | 3500 IU |
Vitamin C | 60 mg |
Vitamin D | 400 IU |
Vitamin E | 30 IU |
Vitamin K | 25 mcg |
Thiamine | 1.5 mg |
Riboflavin | 1.7 mg |
Niacin | 20 mg |
Vitamin B6 | 2 mg |
Folic Acid | 400 mcg |
Vitamin B12 | 6 mcg |
Biotin | 30 mcg |
Pantothenic Acid | 10 mg |
Calcium | 200 mg |
Iron | 18 mg |
Phosphorus | 20 mg |
Iodine | 150 mcg |
Magnesium | 50 mg |
Zinc | 11 mg |
Selenium | 55 mcg |
Copper | 0.5 mg |
Manganese | 2.3 mg |
Chromium | 35 mg |
Molybdenum | 45 mcg |
Chloride | 72 mg |
Potassium | 80 mg |
Boron | 75 mcg |
Nickel | 5 mcg |
Silicon | 2 mg |
Tin | 10 mcg |
Vanadium | 10 mcg |
Categories
Iodine 70.0
Providing 150mcg of Iodine (Potassium Iodide) is a good and standard dosage, meeting the daily requirements for healthy thyroid function. This is a well-considered inclusion that many individuals may benefit from, as iodine deficiency can be a concern.
Vitamin B5 65.0
Providing 10mg of Pantothenic Acid (Vitamin B5 as D-Calcium Pantothenate) is a standard and generally sufficient dose for a multivitamin. It supports energy metabolism and adrenal function. This is a reasonable inclusion compared to many alternatives.
Manganese 65.0
The multivitamin provides 2.30mg of Manganese (Manganese Sulfate), which is a standard and appropriate dose for this trace mineral. Manganese is essential for bone formation, metabolism, and antioxidant defense. This is a well-dosed component within the multi.
Goals
Skin Health 35.0
Key nutrients for skin health like Vitamin A (a high 7000 IU blend of acetate and beta-carotene), Vitamin C, Vitamin E, and Zinc are present. While these nutrients are beneficial, the high Vitamin A content could be a concern with prolonged use, and the doses of other skin-specific vitamins are standard rather than optimized for significant improvements.
Hair Health 35.0
Biotin (30mcg) and zinc (11mg) are included, which are important for hair health, although the biotin dose is quite low compared to what is often found in dedicated hair supplements. Vitamins A, C, and E also offer general antioxidant support for scalp health, but without targeted ingredients, its impact may be limited.
Nail Health 35.0
Similar to hair health, biotin (30mcg), zinc (11mg), and other general vitamins and minerals contribute to healthy nail growth. However, the biotin dosage is low for significant improvements often sought for nail strength, and the overall formulation is not specifically optimized for this goal.