The Roots of the Multivitamin: Scientific Discovery
The journey of the multivitamin began with foundational scientific discoveries in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Previously, scientists believed that only macronutrients and minerals were necessary for health. However, researchers observed certain diseases were linked to dietary shortcomings. In 1881, Russian doctor Nikolai Lunin demonstrated that mice could not survive on a diet of purified proteins, fats, carbohydrates, and salts alone, suggesting that other unknown substances were essential. In 1912, Polish-born biochemist Casimir Funk coined the term "vitamine" (from "vital amine") to describe these accessory factors. This established the 'vitamin hypothesis,' asserting that a lack of certain nutrients caused specific diseases like scurvy and beriberi. This era saw the isolation of numerous individual vitamins, setting the stage for combining them into a single supplement.
Early Vitamin Research and Deficiency Diseases
- Beriberi: Caused by a lack of vitamin B1, this condition was observed in populations consuming a diet of polished white rice. The correlation was identified by Christiaan Eijkman in 1897.
- Scurvy: Long known to be prevented by citrus fruits, James Lind's 1747 experiments proved its dietary origin, although vitamin C was not isolated until the 1930s.
- Pellagra: A disease caused by a niacin (vitamin B3) deficiency, common in the early 20th century in the American South.
- Rickets: A vitamin D deficiency disease that causes bone deformities. The therapeutic effect of cod-liver oil was recognized long before vitamin D was fully understood.
The Birth of the First Commercial Multivitamin
The first commercially available multivitamin is attributed to Carl F. Rehnborg, who founded the Nutrilite brand. While living in China between 1915 and 1927, Rehnborg observed the connection between diet and health. After extensive experimentation, he created his first multivitamin/multimineral supplement in 1934 for sale in the United States. Initially sold by his California Vitamin company, the venture was renamed Nutrilite Products, Inc. in 1939. Rehnborg's product was a significant leap, combining multiple essential nutrients into a single, accessible supplement for the first time.
World War II and the Rise to Mass Popularity
The onset of World War II served as a major catalyst for making multivitamins a mainstream commodity. Concerns about the nutritional status of military inductees, many of whom were found to have diet-related disabilities, prompted government action. In response, President Franklin D. Roosevelt convened the National Nutrition Conference for Defense in 1941, which established the first Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDAs) for key vitamins and minerals. This government push normalized the concept of supplementing a diet to prevent deficiencies. The first 'one-a-day' multivitamin hit the market in 1943, and by the 1950s, mass production and clever marketing campaigns had firmly established multivitamins in American households.
The Shift to a Supplementation Mindset
Following WWII, the public's perception of vitamins shifted from a remedy for specific diseases to a form of "nutritional insurance" for general well-being. The food industry embraced this trend, heavily marketing fortified foods and supplements. This period saw the rise of what some called "vitamania"—a cultural preoccupation with supplementing diets. As research progressed, the composition of multivitamins evolved to reflect new scientific understanding and consumer demands, from basic formulas to targeted blends for different life stages and health goals.
Comparison: Early vs. Modern Multivitamins
| Feature | Early Multivitamins (1940s) | Modern Multivitamins (Today) |
|---|---|---|
| Nutrients Included | A, B1, B2, B3, C, D, calcium, iron. | Expanded list: A, B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B7, B9, B12, C, D, E, K, choline, plus a wider range of minerals and added ingredients like lutein or CoQ10. |
| Sourcing | Often derived from natural sources, such as yeast-extract or cod-liver oil, which were difficult to obtain and purify. | Primarily synthetic, mass-produced chemicals, though some brands use plant-based extracts for specific nutrients. |
| Target Audience | Broad population, primarily focused on preventing widespread deficiency diseases. | Highly specialized for different ages, genders, and health goals (e.g., prenatal, 50+, vegan). |
| Marketing Focus | Preventing serious deficiency illnesses (e.g., rickets) and promoting general 'health'. | Positioning as 'insurance' to fill dietary gaps, enhancing specific functions (cognition, immunity), and catering to lifestyle choices. |
Conclusion
The question of when multivitamins became a thing is complex, tracing a path from isolated scientific breakthroughs to mainstream household products. Spurred by Carl F. Rehnborg's innovation and accelerated by World War II government initiatives, the multivitamin transitioned from a clinical solution for deficiency diseases to a widely adopted wellness tool. The evolution reflects not only scientific advancement but also changing cultural attitudes towards diet and health. While modern versions offer a far broader spectrum of nutrients, the core impulse—to supplement a diet to improve health—remains a powerful and enduring legacy of the early 20th century.
The Authority of Supplements and Regulation
For more detailed information on multivitamin and mineral supplements, including their definition, use, and regulation in the United States, an authoritative resource is the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Office of Dietary Supplements. Their fact sheet provides comprehensive, evidence-based guidance for professionals and consumers alike. ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/MVMS-HealthProfessional/
