The question of who created the First Day vitamins is a modern one with a clear answer: Alice Li is the founder and CEO. However, the phrasing of the question can lead to historical misunderstandings, confusing the contemporary 'First Day' brand with the much older 'One-A-Day' brand or the broader history of multivitamin development. To provide a complete picture, it is essential to explore both Alice Li's specific journey and the wider context of multivitamin history.
The Inspiration and Creation of First Day Vitamins
First Day was founded by Alice Li, with a co-founder named Andy, to fill a perceived gap in the supplement market for high-quality, transparently-sourced multivitamins for families. Li's motivation is deeply personal, stemming from her Chinese American heritage and her grandparents' survival of the Great Chinese Famine of the 1950s. Her grandparents' lack of vital nutrients during this critical time impacted their health as they aged, which served as a powerful lesson for Li about the long-term effects of nutritional gaps.
This experience shaped First Day’s mission, emphasizing clean, non-GMO ingredients and avoiding artificial fillers common in older vitamin formulations. The brand's focus on family health, particularly children's nutrition, resonates with modern parents who prioritize ingredient quality and transparency. The brand's success is built on these foundational values, contrasting sharply with the mass-produced, broad-spectrum vitamin approach of earlier generations.
The Evolution of Multivitamin Marketing
While First Day represents a newer, more personalized approach to supplements, the history of the multivitamin is much longer and involves several key players. Understanding this history helps clarify why a user might confuse the 'First Day' brand with more historic names.
The Pioneering Work of Carl Rehnborg
Before mass-market brands became ubiquitous, Carl F. Rehnborg developed a multivitamin/multimineral supplement in the 1930s. Rehnborg's time in China exposed him to the link between diet and health, and after returning to the U.S., he began selling his products through his company, which would eventually become Nutrilite. His work laid crucial groundwork for the supplement industry that would explode decades later.
Miles Laboratories and the Rise of One-A-Day
The confusion often arises with the One-A-Day brand, a historical pillar of the multivitamin market. It was Miles Laboratories that introduced the popular One-A-Day multivitamins in 1940. This brand pioneered the idea of a simple, single-tablet daily supplement to ensure a baseline of nutrition. Later, in 1978, the company was acquired by the German giant Bayer AG, who continues to own the brand today. Miles Laboratories also famously sponsored shows like the Flintstones and introduced Flintstones Vitamins in the 1960s, a testament to its long history in consumer health.
The Modern vs. Historical Multivitamin Approach
The differences between a modern brand like First Day and a legacy brand like One-A-Day can be broken down into several key areas, reflecting the changing priorities of consumers over time.
| Feature | First Day Vitamins | One-A-Day Vitamins (Historical Context) |
|---|---|---|
| Founder | Alice Li, with co-founder Andy. | Miles Laboratories, originally founded by Franklin L. Miles. |
| Year Founded | More recently, based on contemporary searches and brand presence (e.g., founded around or after 2022). | 1940. |
| Target Audience | Modern families, with a strong focus on children and parents seeking transparent, clean-label products. | Broad mass market, aiming to provide a basic multivitamin for the general population. |
| Formulation | Emphasizes organic, non-GMO, and clean ingredients; often sold as gummies. | Traditional tablets; formulations have evolved over time to include more vitamins and minerals. |
| Brand Mission | Values-driven, focusing on preventing nutritional trauma and prioritizing transparency. | Functional and preventative, providing 'nutritional insurance' against deficiencies. |
A Timeline of Significant Moments in Multivitamin History
- Early 1900s: Scientists, including Polish biochemist Casimir Funk, begin to identify and isolate specific compounds essential for health, which he termed 'vitamines'.
- 1930s: Carl Rehnborg develops and sells one of the first multivitamin/multimineral supplements in the U.S. under his company, which becomes Nutrilite.
- 1940: Miles Laboratories introduces the One-A-Day brand, aiming to provide a simple, daily supplement for the average person.
- 1941: Spurred by President Franklin D. Roosevelt, the first government-sponsored Recommended Daily Allowances (RDAs) for key nutrients are established in the US, providing a benchmark for supplement makers.
- 1968: Miles Laboratories leverages popular culture by introducing Flintstones Vitamins, further cementing the multivitamin's place in American households.
- 1978: German company Bayer AG acquires Miles Laboratories, taking control of the One-A-Day brand.
- Present Day: Modern brands like First Day emerge, catering to consumers demanding clean ingredients, transparency, and a mission-driven approach to wellness.
Conclusion: The Modern and Historical Creators
The simple answer to who created the First Day vitamins is Alice Li, but a more thorough understanding involves acknowledging the separate legacies of the First Day and One-A-Day brands. While Miles Laboratories pioneered the daily multivitamin concept, contemporary companies like First Day are reshaping the market with an emphasis on ingredient quality and brand storytelling. The journey from broad 'nutritional insurance' to targeted, transparent supplementation reflects a significant evolution in consumer health awareness. To learn more about the broader history of dietary supplements and government regulations, you can refer to the National Institutes of Health.
What to Look For in a Multivitamin
When choosing a multivitamin, it's helpful to consider several factors based on your personal needs and values:
- Formulation: Decide between traditional tablets, easy-to-take gummies, or other forms. Gummy multivitamins, like those from First Day, appeal to many, especially children.
- Ingredients: Check for the quality and source of ingredients. Look for non-GMO, organic, and avoid artificial fillers if that is a priority.
- Dietary Needs: Consider your specific dietary requirements, as some formulas cater to different ages, genders, or dietary restrictions.
- Brand Mission: Evaluate if the company's values align with your own, as with First Day’s emphasis on transparency and family wellness.
Ultimately, the best multivitamin is one that fits your lifestyle, dietary preferences, and nutritional goals. The creators of brands like First Day and One-A-Day have both played their part in shaping this complex and ever-evolving market.
