How We Review Multivitamins

Our reviews are independent, unsponsored, and based on a transparent scoring methodology developed with input from registered dietitians and nutrition researchers.

Our Scoring Criteria

30%

Ingredient Quality & Forms

We prioritize active, bioavailable forms: methylcobalamin over cyanocobalamin, methylfolate over folic acid, D3 over D2, and chelated minerals over oxides. We penalize proprietary blends that hide individual doses.

20%

Third-Party Testing & Certification

Products certified by USP, NSF International, Informed Sport, or Informed Choice score higher. These certifications verify that what's on the label is in the bottle, and that no contaminants are present.

20%

Completeness & Dosage

We evaluate whether the formula covers the key micronutrients at meaningful doses. We check against current Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDAs) and Dietary Reference Intakes (DRIs) from the Institute of Medicine.

15%

Value Per Serving

We calculate cost per day and assess whether the price is justified by the ingredient quality and certifications. A $50/month premium multi should offer meaningfully more than a $15 drugstore brand.

10%

Serving Size Convenience

One-a-day formulas score higher than 3-4 tablet servings for adherence. We also note whether capsules are easy to swallow and whether gummies have excessive sugar.

5%

Brand Transparency

We assess whether the brand publishes full supplier sourcing, manufacturing practices, and clinical testing. Brands that hide information score lower.

What We Do Not Do

  • ✗We never accept payment, free products, or other compensation in exchange for reviews.
  • ✗We never use affiliate relationships to influence ratings — our scores are determined before any monetization decision.
  • ✗We never publish reviews for products we cannot independently verify exist and are currently sold.
  • ✗We never use 5.0/5 ratings — every product has genuine drawbacks.

Update Policy

Every review displays a “Last Updated” date. We re-review products when formulas change, new certifications are added or removed, or prices shift significantly. We aim to review each product at least annually.

Affiliate Disclosure

This site contains affiliate links to Amazon and other retailers. If you click a link and make a purchase, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. This commission helps fund our research and keeps the site free to use. It does not influence our ratings or recommendations — we would write the same review whether or not an affiliate program existed.