Do multivitamins actually work in the UK?

December 6, 2025 •

3 min read

According to NHS guidance, most people can get all the nutrients they need from a varied and balanced diet, but specific groups are advised to take supplements. This raises a critical question for many consumers: Do multivitamins actually work in the UK, or are they an unnecessary expense?

Quick Summary

The effectiveness of multivitamins in the UK depends on individual circumstances and diet. While they act as a nutritional safety net, a balanced diet is always the priority. Targeted supplementation is more beneficial than general use for most healthy adults, with specific recommendations for certain demographics.

Key Points

Diet is key: For most healthy UK adults, a balanced, varied diet provides all necessary vitamins and minerals, as advised by the NHS.
Supplements are not a shortcut: Multivitamins cannot replace the complex nutrients and benefits found in whole foods and offer little preventative benefit for major diseases in healthy individuals.
Targeted approach is best: Supplements are most effective when used to address specific deficiencies or life stage needs, as is the case for pregnant women (folic acid) and the elderly (vitamin D).
UK market is growing: The UK supplement market has seen significant growth, with a large proportion of the adult population taking supplements, influenced by health awareness and lifestyle trends.
Consult a professional: Before starting any supplement, consult a doctor or healthcare provider, especially if taking medication, to avoid interactions and unnecessary expense.
Risk of overconsumption: High doses of certain vitamins, especially fat-soluble ones, can be harmful. Always adhere to recommended doses and be aware of intake from other sources.

The NHS perspective: Diet first, supplements second

For the majority of the UK population, the National Health Service (NHS) maintains that a healthy, balanced diet is the best way to get all essential vitamins and minerals. Consuming a wide range of foods provides the complex mix of micronutrients and other beneficial compounds that supplements cannot fully replicate.

Targeted recommendations for specific groups

The NHS and other health bodies acknowledge that some groups have higher needs that may require supplementation. These include:

Children: The NHS advises children aged six months to five years to take supplements containing vitamins A, C, and D.
Pregnant and breastfeeding women: Folic acid is recommended for those trying to conceive and during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. Vitamin D is also often advised.
Elderly and housebound: These individuals may have limited sun exposure, making vitamin D supplementation important year-round.
Individuals with restricted diets: Those following strict vegetarian or vegan diets may need to supplement certain nutrients like Vitamin B12 and potentially calcium.
Those with limited sun exposure: Due to the UK's climate, the NHS recommends all adults consider a daily 10 microgram vitamin D supplement during autumn and winter.

Are multivitamins a reliable nutritional safety net?

For healthy adults with a balanced diet, evidence for widespread health benefits from multivitamins is inconsistent. Studies have often found they do not reduce the risk of major chronic diseases. In some instances, high doses of certain vitamins have been linked to potential harm. A review involving 450,000 people concluded that multivitamins did not reduce the risk of heart disease or cancer.

The potential risks and downsides

Overconsumption of fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K) can lead to toxicity. Relying on multivitamins can also lead to neglecting a balanced diet. Supplement regulation in the UK is less stringent than for medicines, meaning potency may vary.

UK multivitamin market trends

The UK dietary supplements market is growing, influenced by increased health awareness. A 2021 survey showed significant supplement use, with Vitamin D and Vitamin C popular. The market is also seeing growth in targeted and personalised nutrition products.

Comparison of Supplement Strategies


Feature	Multivitamin for General Health	Targeted Single-Nutrient Supplement	Balanced Diet First	Personalized Supplementation
Primary Goal	General nutritional insurance	Address specific, identified deficiency	Obtain all nutrients from whole foods	Optimise nutrient intake based on personal needs
Target User	Healthy adult with potential gaps	Individual with diagnosed deficiency	Anyone seeking optimal, long-term health	Specific demographics (e.g., elderly, pregnant) or those with complex needs
Cost	Relatively low to moderate	Can be very low for common deficiencies	Cost of healthy food, potentially higher	Varies widely, can be very high
NHS Recommendation	Not typically recommended for general use, with exceptions	Recommended when deficiency is identified	Strongly recommended as the primary source	Recommended for at-risk groups (e.g., pregnant women, elderly)
Risk of Overdose	Low risk with standard doses, but possible with combined supplements	Higher risk if taken without advice, especially fat-soluble vitamins	Very low risk, as nutrient amounts are moderated by food intake	Lower risk if managed by a healthcare professional
Overall Effectiveness	Inconsistent evidence for chronic disease prevention in healthy individuals	Highly effective for correcting specific deficiencies when needed	Most effective for overall health due to complex nutrient profile	Potentially highly effective for specific health goals

The crucial takeaway for UK consumers

Ultimately, whether a multivitamin works for you in the UK depends on your individual health status, diet, and lifestyle. For most healthy adults, a balanced diet is the most effective approach. For specific populations like pregnant women, young children, vegans, or the elderly, targeted supplementation is often necessary and effective.

Consulting a healthcare professional is recommended to identify any deficiencies and get personalised advice. While multivitamins can be a beneficial 'top-up', they should not replace a poor diet.

For more detailed information, the NHS website is an excellent resource: NHS Vitamins and minerals guide.

Conclusion: Diet is the foundation, supplements are the support

For the average healthy UK adult, the idea that multivitamins are a 'cure-all' is largely unfounded. Most nutritional needs should come from food. However, for certain high-risk demographics and those with identified deficiencies, targeted supplements are important for health. The key is a personalised, evidence-based approach.

Frequently Asked Questions

The NHS recommends supplements for certain groups, including pregnant and breastfeeding women (folic acid and vitamin D), children aged six months to five years (vitamins A, C, and D), the elderly, and housebound individuals (vitamin D).

For most healthy people with a varied and balanced diet, it is possible to get all necessary nutrients from food. However, in the UK, vitamin D is an exception, as many people don't get enough sunlight exposure year-round.

Yes, taking excessive amounts of certain nutrients, particularly fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K), can be harmful as they accumulate in the body. This risk is higher if you combine multivitamins with other supplements or fortified foods.

Common side effects can include an upset stomach, nausea, diarrhoea, or constipation, especially if taken on an empty stomach. These are often mild, but more serious issues can arise from overconsumption.

For healthy individuals with no specific deficiencies, taking a multivitamin may not provide significant health benefits beyond what a good diet offers, potentially making it a waste of money. For at-risk groups, however, they are a valuable tool.

If you decide a multivitamin is right for you, look for one tailored to your specific needs (e.g., age, gender, pregnancy). Choose a reputable brand and, if possible, look for products verified by a third-party lab to ensure quality and potency.

Yes, multivitamins can interact with certain medications. For example, Vitamin K can interfere with blood thinners. It is crucial to consult your doctor or pharmacist before taking supplements, especially if you are on prescription drugs.