The Best Vitamin Brands for 2022

• Brand credibility: Thorne’s formulas are thoroughly tested in clinical trials, says Dana James, MS, CNS, CDN, and the brand collaborates with independent research organizations including the Cleveland Clinic, Johns Hopkins University and the National Institute of Health. , to scientifically confirm the effectiveness of their vitamins.

“B vitamins are essential for the creation of energy, neurotransmitters and hormones,” says James. “But in stressful situations, we use them more.” Thorne’s complete formula contains all eight B vitamins that have been methylated (i.e. retained in their active state) to help increase absorption and bioavailability, she says.

• Brand credibility: California-based Jarrow Formulas began producing vitamins and supplements in the 1970s, first in health food stores. They have developed a reputation for carefully controlled innovative blends based on scientific data. Their formulas are “well reliable and high quality,” says Stephanie Middleburg, MS, RD, CDN.

“Vitamin B-12 is important to consider if you’re vegetarian or vegan since B12 is found in animal protein,” says Middleburg, adding that methyl B-12 “is better absorbed and retained” than its manufactured form (cyanocobalamin ).

• Brand credibility: Nature’s Bounty is an affordable brand that doesn’t sacrifice safety. Ingredient suppliers meet strict quality assurance standards, says Lisa R. Young, PhD, RDN, CDN, and end products are tested for purity and potency in a microbiological laboratory as well as by the US Pharmacopeia and STR, an independent dietary supplement review company.

“Vitamin C is an antioxidant that supports immune health,” says Young, who recommends healthy adults take 500 milligrams daily to boost their defenses and protect cells against free radical damage that can play a role in many diseases.

• Brand credibility: Pure Encapsulations scientifically tests raw material potency, microbial contaminants, heavy metals (including mercury, arsenic, lead) and common allergens, says Lauren Slayton, MS, RD. They also have strict manufacturing protocols to avoid cross-contamination and inspect capsules every 15-20 minutes.

“Omega-3 fatty acids reduce inflammation, which is the cause of most diseases, from diabetes to heart disease,” says Slayton, who prefers ONE Omega. “Omega 3s are also helpful for mood and joint health – that’s the brand my clients take.”

• Brand credibility: California-based Nordic Naturals specializes in omega-rich supplements sustainably sourced from the Arctic, near where founder Joar Opheim grew up. The family brand has expanded to probiotics, vitamins and seaweed, all non-GMO and third-party tested with Certificates of Analysis for each product.

Algae Omega is a good vegan option for omega 3s, says Young. It’s made from fairly harvested microalgae, and each dose contains 715 milligrams of total omega-3s to support vision, heart and brain health, and immunity.

• Brand credibility: Determined to develop potent, hypoallergenic nutraceuticals, scientist Claire Ferr founded Klaire Labs in 1969. The brand focuses on pharmaceutical-grade raw ingredients with high levels of bioavailability, especially probiotics, live microorganisms that help balance the gut microbiome for overall health.

Ther-Biotic is Middleburg’s top choice because it contains multiple strains of probiotics, which provide the most benefit, and have been validated with 16S rRNA gene sequencing. The capsules are then coated with an acid-stable gel-like matrix that protects the probiotic bacteria from stomach acid so they can be released intact into the body.

• Brand credibility: Founded in Germany in the 1970s, Hech Functional Nutrition set out to translate the health benefits of the country’s agriculture and herb gardens into vitamin and mineral supplements. Today, they are best known for their marine amino acid and collagen peptide supplements, which are free of bovine or porcine ingredients and come with unique tracking codes to verify product authenticity.

“Collagen Ruby Elixier Caviar contains collagen in a delicious blackcurrant juice, which not only tastes great, but aids in collagen synthesis in skin, hair and bones,” says James. Each travel ampoule contains 11 grams of protein, making it “a quick and portable snack,” she says.

• Brand credibility: MegaFood formulas are extremely well controlled, says Middleburg. Each product is certified by multiple third-party organizations, and the brand sources more than 700,000 pounds of farm-fresh vegetables, fruits, and whole grains each year for supplements that capture the synergistic nutrients found in whole foods.

Middleburg swears by the Baby & Me 2 prenatal multivitamin, which she took during her own pregnancies. It’s formulated by Dr. Tieraona Low Dog, MD, the brand’s chief medical advisor, and contains iron and vitamin B12 paired with real foods (organic oranges and broccoli) plus methylated folate, the form activates folic acid.

• Brand credibility: “Douglas is one of the brands I recommend most often,” says Slayton. All products are GMO-free (PCR tests are performed to confirm the absence of genetically modified material), free of the eight major allergens (milk, wheat, fish, shellfish, egg, peanut, tree nut, soy) and rigorously controlled by clinical advisors.

Brain Calm contains gamma-amino butyric acid and lycine to calm the nervous system and relax the passion flower, says Slayton. “Many of my clients get a ‘monkey mind’ before bed, when anxiety can increase, and taking it at night can help.”

• Brand credibility: “I have an affinity for companies that focus on one primary ingredient,” says Slayton. SeabuckWonders specializes in sea buckthorn, a bright orange berry high in omega-7 fatty acids, sourced from their organic farm in Tibet. The family business emphasizes fair trade practices and sustainability.

Slayton recommends Omega-7 Complete year-round for overall health, but especially in the winter to combat “dry skin, dry hair,” she says, adding that the capsules are kosher and made with an extraction method. to supercritical CO2 to preserve the power of the bay. healing nutrients.