In the quest for optimal performance and a well-sculpted physique, bodybuilders often turn to dietary supplements to enhance their training and recovery. One category of supplements that is often overlooked, but plays a crucial role in overall health and wellness, is multivitamins.
Multivitamins act as an insurance policy for our body, filling nutritional gaps and ensuring that we have the essential vitamins and minerals needed for optimal function. For bodybuilders, who push their bodies to the limit and have higher nutritional needs, choosing the right multivitamin can a beneficial step towards achieving the desired physique.
In this article, we’ll explore the importance of multivitamins in a bodybuilding regimen and highlight the best multivitamins for bodybuilding on the market today. Our aim is to provide you with evidence-based information to help you make informed decisions about your health and fitness journey.
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Best Overall Multivitamin for Bodybuilding
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Best Organic Multivitamin for Bodybuilding
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Best Bodybuilding Multivitamin for Men
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LV10 = 10% off Transparent Labs
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- Designed for men & women
- 22 ingredients
- Easy on the stomach (no iron)
- No artificial preservatives or coloring
- Designed for men & women
- Made from whole food ingredients
- 21 organic vitamins & minerals
- 3rd party tested for purity
- Vegan
- Designed for men
- All ingredients are traceable for transparency
- 3rd party tested for purity
- Vegan
Table of Contents
The 7 Top Recommended Multivitamins for Bodybuilding
Multivitamin – Transparent Labs
Best overall multivitamin for bodybuilding
Discount code:
LV10 = 10% off
Our number one pick for the best multivitamin for bodybuilding is the Multivitamin by Transparent Labs. This multivitamin is loaded with vitamin B complex for extra energy and is designed for men and women bodybuilders. It’s a personal favorite.
It has all the essential vitamins you need and an ultra-fast absorption rate. The fast absorption can improve your performance and speed up your post-workout recovery.
Transparent Labs’ advanced formula contains no iron, so it’s great if you have a sensitive stomach. Just bear in mind that you need to be getting iron elsewhere in your diet.
Key Ingredients:
- Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid) – 100 mg
- Vitamin D (Cholecalciferol) – 62 mcg
- Vitamin K (Phytonadione, Menaquinone) – 500 mcg
- Magnesium (Magnesium Bisglycinate Chelate) – 300 mg
- Zinc (Zinc Citrate) – 15 mg
- Copper (Copper Chelate) – 0.3 mg
- Manganese (Manganese Amino Acid Chelate) – 1.3 mg
- Chromium (Chromax Chromium Picolinate) – 67 mcg
- Sodium (Sodium Chloride) – 100 mg
- Potassium (Potassium Chloride) – 150 mg
- Boron (Boron Citrate) – 1 mg
Pros
- Suitable for men and women
- It contains added vitamin B complex
- Fast absorption
Cons
- Not vegan
Multivitamin – Kaged
Best vegan multivitamin for bodybuilding
100% of over 21 essential vitamins and minerals to keep you performing at your absolute best.
Our runner-up for best bodybuilding multivitamin is the organic Multivitamin from Kaged. Safe for vegans, this natural multivitamin is third-party tested and makes up 100% of your required daily dose of 21 separate vitamins and minerals.
If you want to keep it natural, this is a good pick.
Kaged’s Multivitamin is formulated for men and women and sources its essential nutrients from pure, whole food ingredients.
It’s one of the best multivitamins on the market for bodybuilders who follow a clean-eating diet.
In fact, we like Kaged’s Multivitamin so much that we also included it on our list of the best multivitamins for teens!
Key Ingredients:
- Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid) – 90 mg
- Vitamin D ( Ergocalciferol) – 20 mcg
- Vitamin E (Tocopherol) – 15 mg
- Vitamin K (Phylloquinone) – 120 mcg
- Magnesium (Aquamin Mg) – 96 mg
- Calcium (Aquamin F) – 60 mg
- Zinc – 11 mg
- Copper – 0.9 mg
- Manganese – 2.3 mg
- Chromium – 35 mcg
- Sodium – 10 mg
- Iron – 18 mg
Pros
- Vegan
- Third-party tested
- Daily dose of 21 vitamins and minerals
- Designed for men and women
Cons
- The ingredients contain a proprietary prebiotic
Huge Multi – Huge Supplements
Best bodybuilding multivitamin for men
If you’re looking for a bodybuilding multivitamin made exclusively for men, the Huge Multi multivitamin is one of the best. It’s filled with D vitamins and zinc, which are helpful for testosterone production. Plus, it’s the best multivitamin for high-performance and endurance sports.
Unlike many multivitamin supplements that are aimed at men, it contains B vitamins that are essential for muscle growth.
Key Ingredients:
- Vitamin C (ascorbic Acid) – 500 mg
- Vitamin D3 (Cholecalciferol) – 25 mcg
- Vitamin E (d-Alpha Tocopherol) – 75 mg
- Vitamin K1 (Phytonadione) – 120 mcg
- Vitamin K2 (Menatetrenone 7) – 120 mcg
- Magnesium (Magnesium Oxide) – 60 mg
- Calcium (Calcium Citrate) – 90 mg
- Zinc (Zinc Oxide) – 24 mg
- Copper (Copper Gluconate) – 84 mcg
- Manganese (Manganese Amino Acid Chelate) – 500 mcg
Pros
- Ideal for men
- Contains all the essential B vitamins
- Good for high-performance sports and athletes
Cons
- Need to take four capsules a day
Multi-Sport Men – NutraBio
High-potency multivitamin for bodybuilding
One of our favorite honorable mentions for best multivitamins is Multi-Sport Men. Packed with 33 different vitamins and minerals, it has fantastic bodybuilding and overall health benefits.
It’s filled will B vitamins and a powerful antioxidant. It helps to support athletes engaging in high-intensity sports and training like bodybuilding. Additionally, it fills any gaps in your diet to support immune and gut health.
Key Ingredients:
- Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid) – 250 mg
- Vitamin D3 (Cholocalciferol) – 75 mcg
- Vitamin E (natural D-Alpha-Tocopherol Succinate) – 180 mg
- Vitamin K – 160 mcg
- Magnesium (TRAACS Di-Magnesium Malate) – 50 mg
- Calcium (Calci-K Calcium Potassium Phosphate Citrate) – 85 mg
- Zinc (TRAACS Zinc Arginate Chelate) – 15 mg
- Copper (TRAACS Copper Bisglycinate Chelate) – 3 mg
- Manganese (TRAACS Manganese Glycinate Chelate) – 10 mg
- Chromium (TRAACS Chromium Nicotinate Glycinate Chelate ) – 200 mcg
- Potassium (Calci-K Calcium Potassium Phosphate Citrate) – 71 mg
- Boron (TRAACS Bororganic Glycine) – 3 mg
- Iron (Ferrochel Ferrous Bisglycinate Chelate) – 8 mg
Pros
- 33 different vitamins and minerals
- Good for sensitive stomachs
- Made for athletes and bodybuilders
Cons
- Not vegetarian-friendly
Opti-Men – Optimum Nutrition
Best value multivitamin for bodybuilding
Our pick for the best value multivitamin is Opti-Men by Optimum Nutrition. This supplement provides bodybuilders with a wide range of daily vitamins and minerals without breaking the bank.
With specialized formulae for men and women, it supports your body by boosting muscle growth and reinforcing your immune system. You can enhance its benefits by eating the correct diet – so you never run out of energy mid-workout.
Key Ingredients:
- Vitamin C – 225 mg
- Vitamin D – 10 mcg
- Vitamin E – 30 mg
- Vitamin K – 75 mcg
- Magnesium – 80 mg
- Calcium – 150 mg
- Zinc – 12 mg
- Copper – 2 mg
- Manganese – 2 mg
- Chromium – 120 mcg
- Boron – 2 mg
- Iron – 14 mg
Pros
- Affordable
- Available for men and women
- Supports mass muscle building
- Supports overall health
Cons
- Contains a proprietary blend
Men’s One Multivitamin – Rainbow Light
Personal favorite multivitamin
I've been happily using Rainbow Light's men's multivitamin for years.
This is a personal favorite of ours: Rainbow Light Men’s One Multivitamin. We think it may very well be the best multivitamin for bodybuilding on the market – but don’t take our word for it.
Made from superfoods, this multivitamin has clinically proven absorption for four essential nutrients. It even supports brain health! You’ll be getting more than you bargained for with this potent supplement.
Additionally, it’s non-GMO certified and uses clean and raw ingredients.
Key Ingredients:
- Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid) – 45 mg
- Vitamin D (Cholecalciferol) – 50 mcg
- Vitamin E (D-Alpha Tocopherol Succinate) – 15 mg
- Vitamin K (Phytonadione) – 120 mcg
- Magnesium – 50 mg
- Calcium – 25 mg
- Zinc (Zinc Citrate) – 11 mg
- Copper (Copper Amino Acid Chelate) – o.9 mg
- Manganese (Manganese Citrate) – 2.3 mg
- Chromium (Chromium Picolinate) – 100 mcg
Pros
- Non-GMO certified
- High absorption
- Boosts brain, bone, and immune health
Essential for Men – Ritual
A full month's supply of essential micronutrients for men, including vitamin D3, zinc, boron, and magnesium.
Our most versatile pick for the best multivitamins for bodybuilding is Essential for Men by Ritual. Don’t let the name fool you though – there are versions for men, women, and even teens!
This non-GMO and vegan multivitamin boosts your health by including essential minerals and micronutrients. It comes in a delayed-release capsule, so you can take it on an empty stomach without it being too harsh on your gut.
Key Ingredients:
- Vitamin D3 (Cholecalciferol) – 50 mcg
- Vitamin E (Alpha Tocopherol) – 6.7 mg
- Vitamin B12 (Methylcobalamin) – 8 mcg
- Vitamin K2 (Menaquinone 7) – 90 mcg
- Zinc (Zinc Bisglycinate) – 2.4 mg
- Boron (Calcium Fructoborate) – 0.7 mg
Pros
- Versions available for men, women, and teens
- Follows GMP (good manufacturing practice)
- Free from artificial additives
- Vegan
Cons
- Expensive
What To Look For When Buying A Bodybuilding Multivitamin
- Specific vitamin sources or types
- Quality ingredients
- Dosages
- Absorption
- Price
- Brand reputation
When you’re looking for the best multivitamins for bodybuilding, there are a few things to consider. Remember, you should choose your multivitamin supplements to suit you and your needs. Still, there are some key things to look out for when you’re shopping for vitamins that can help to narrow down your decision.
Specific vitamin sources or types
Look for a multivitamin with essential nutrients, vitamins, and minerals. The ingredient list should also be specific: rather than having ‘zinc’ as an ingredient, the product should specify the source of each vitamin and mineral. Zinc should be listed as zinc citrate, for example.
Quality ingredients
Look for high-quality multivitamins with high-quality ingredients. Multivitamins made in a GMP-certified facility and that go through third-party testing are usually the safest and best quality products on the market.
Dosages
Look for a multivitamin that provides your daily dose of essential vitamins and minerals. These are usually marketed at athletes and can help you achieve your bodybuilding goals.
Absorption
Consider buying multivitamins with vitamins and minerals that your body can absorb easily. This helps you get the most out of your supplements.
Price
Buy a multivitamin that suits your budget. Be careful of overly inexpensive vitamins, though, as these often contain lower-quality ingredients. Look for a good middle ground between what you can afford and high-quality ingredients.
Brand reputation
Look for multivitamins from reputable brands with a history of selling high-quality products. Brands should always be transparent about their ingredient list and manufacturing processes.
Vitamins That May Benefit Bodybuilders
Taking a multivitamin for bodybuilding is a bit different from taking any old supplement. You’ll want to find one that works for your body and helps you withstand stringent training sessions. The ingredients in your multivitamin are just as important as any other part of your bodybuilding regimen, so it’s essential to do your homework!
Vitamin B complex
A deficiency in B vitamins can lead to fatigue, impaired muscle growth, and lower muscle function. This makes these micronutrients crucial for bodybuilding supplements and vitamins.
Vitamin B complex plays an important role in several processes within the body. These processes are essential for muscle and overall health – this makes Vitamin B supplements an excellent choice for bodybuilders.
Vitamin B complex comprises several key vitamins that are involved in metabolizing carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. This can boost energy during workouts and facilitate the recovery process for your muscles.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is an important vitamin in a bodybuilding multivitamin for several reasons. First, it acts as an antioxidant, which helps to improve muscle growth and repair. It’s also fantastic for preventing oxidative stress.
Additionally, nothing is better for collagen synthesis than good old vitamin C! Collagen is a key protein for strengthening ligaments and tendons. In fact, it’s great for all-around connective tissue health.
Vitamin C lowers cortisol levels and boosts your immune health. This is extra important for bodybuilders who are constantly pushing their bodies to the limit.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D is an essential vitamin for everyone, not just bodybuilders. However, bodybuilders may get more benefits out of it for several reasons.
Not only does it work as an anti-inflammatory and support joint health, but it’s also fantastic for testosterone production. Testosterone is crucial for building muscles and helping them recover.
Over and above these benefits, it’s also good for bone health because it helps the body absorb more calcium.
Some bodybuilders are more prone to osteoporosis and other bone conditions because of the strain their bones endure during workouts. Luckily, this vitamin helps to strengthen bones and muscles to ensure your body stays in tip-top shape.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E is the key ingredient in some of the best vitamin supplements. This is because it supports brain health, cardiovascular health, and overall immune health. It also helps reduce inflammation and improve endurance, so you can keep your body going for longer.
You might stick to a strict and healthy diet, but cutting out energy sources like carbohydrates and sugars can take a toll on your body.
Your immune system will be in disrepair until you replace these macronutrients you’ve just spent at the gym. By using a vitamin like this, you can ensure your body stays healthy and is more able to ward off sickness.
Vitamin K
Bodybuilding has intense physical demands, so a supplement to support cartilage and send calcium to your bones for added strength is a must. That’s where vitamin K comes in. Vitamin K is essential for calcium metabolization, which improves bone health and prevents fractures, among other benefits.
Vitamin K is also responsible for blood clotting and reducing inflammation, which can help to prevent injury. Since bodybuilding demands a lot from your body, you need to keep your body’s storage of vitamins and minerals consistent.
Magnesium
Magnesium is involved in muscle contractions and relaxation, and adding this vitamin to your supplements can help to prevent muscle cramping. Plus, Magnesium gives you more energy and reduces fatigue, resulting in better endurance and more effective workouts.
Stress, both mental and physical, is an inevitable side effect of bodybuilding’s physical demands. Magnesium is linked to calming effects within the body that can minimize high levels of stress and psychological strain.
Calcium
We’ve already touched on bone health and why it matters. But other vitamins don’t deliver the same oomph as calcium does when it’s added to a multivitamin supplement. It’s the key ingredient for improving bone strength and health and helps maintain bone density for bodybuilders.
As bodybuilders put a lot of strain on their muscles and bones, they need a healthy dose of calcium in their diets or supplements.
Additionally, calcium helps to improve muscle and nerve function and regulates standard hormone balance for hormones like insulin.
Zinc
Zinc plays an important role in testosterone production and immune support. Of course, testosterone is crucial for building and maintaining muscle, which is why zinc is crucial. It’s also involved in protein synthesis, which is the process where new muscle tissue is built.
Because the strain of bodybuilding is more taxing for some, it’s helpful to note that zinc can aid with your wound recovery. Bodybuilders are at higher risk of injury and ‘wear and tear,’ which is why having a repair aid can boost your muscle-building efforts.
Copper
Copper is vital for the formation of red blood cells within the body. These cells carry oxygen to the muscles, which can help with muscle fatigue and recovery after strenuous exercise. It’s also a good energy booster and goes hand-in-hand with iron.
Copper helps to metabolize iron and has antioxidant properties, so it’s a fantastic vitamin when it’s packed into multivitamin supplements. Plus, it helps to build collagen for stronger tendons and ligaments.
Manganese
Most of the best multivitamins on the market contain manganese – and for good reason! Manganese is crucial for protein synthesis. This includes forming bone and connective tissue and repairing it after strain or injury.
This mineral is essential to prevent injury when you’re performing high-impact activities like weightlifting.
Manganese is also responsible for enzyme functions. It helps to break down enzymes formed during energy metabolism, which is important for fueling intense workouts.
Chromium
Chromium is often overlooked in health supplements and multivitamins, but it’s a great one to look out for if you’re bodybuilding. Chromium helps moderate blood sugar levels and offset insulin sensitivity, which is great for losing weight and maintaining lean muscle.
If you’re trying to stick to a strict diet while you’re building muscle, chromium can help as an appetite suppressant. It can help to control your appetite and cravings. In turn, this can aid with weight management and help you reach your goals.
Sodium
Sodium is a fantastic additive to any bodybuilding supplement. It has several functions within the body that can help bodybuilders achieve and maintain their health goals.
Firstly, sodium is an electrolyte that helps to regulate and balance fluids. This is important for maintaining muscle function and preventing dehydration during workouts.
Secondly, it helps with muscle relaxation and contraction for optimal physical performance and post-workout recovery.
Lastly, an appropriate amount of sodium is important for cardiovascular health. Consuming too much can raise blood pressure, but athletes like bodybuilders need to replace the sodium they lose in sweat. So you can keep pushing your limits without worrying as much about the after-effects.
Potassium
Potassium and sodium work hand-in-hand. Similar to sodium, potassium helps to regulate muscle contractions and blood pressure. It’s also perfect for balancing electrolytes and preventing dehydration during workouts.
Like sodium, an appropriate store of potassium helps to improve your heart health and function and maintains healthy blood pressure levels. Even when you’re regularly doing high-intensity exercise!
Boron
Boron is what we call a ‘helping vitamin.’ It works together with other essential vitamins and minerals to augment their health benefits and ensure you’re staying fit and healthy. This is true for bodybuilders whose bodies need more support.
Boron can aid in testosterone production and other hormone regulation. This helps to build muscle and regulate functions like blood sugar levels. It’s also essential for keeping bones healthy because it’s involved in the formation of bones and muscle tissues.
Iron
Last but not least, iron is our honorable mention within the beneficial vitamins category. Iron has a number of important functions within the body. It helps to form hemoglobin, which transports oxygen around the body. Plus, it helps energy production and muscle function during high-intensity workouts.
The most important function of iron is to boost your overall immune function. This will help to prevent illness, fight infection, and boost muscle recovery. These setbacks can impede your training, so it’s best to avoid them altogether and grab a bodybuilding supplement with plenty of iron!
FAQs
The best multivitamin for muscle building is Multivitamin by Transparent Labs. Vitamins B6 and B12 are essential for improving muscle mass and can also aid in recovery. These vitamins also play a role in protein synthesis and metabolization, which can help build muscle even more quickly.
Transparent Labs’ Multivitamin has well over 100% of the daily recommended value of both vitamins B6 and B12.
Multivitamins are fantastic supplements for muscle building if you’re not already getting the necessary vitamins for your diet. That is, provided they include the right vitamins, minerals, and micronutrients that you may be missing!
A multivitamin is also much easier to take than a handful of pills. So, instead of taking a vitamin D supplement with zinc or magnesium tablets, finding a multivitamin that works all at once is much more efficient!
Not only are multivitamins more efficient, but they ensure that all the necessary nutrients are working together to provide your body with everything it needs. From supporting muscle maintenance to aiding with digestive enzymes and building amino acids, multivitamins can do it all.
But remember – all the multivitamins in the world won’t make you Mr. Universe unless you put in the hours of training and fuel your body correctly with real food.
Pro bodybuilders usually take vitamins geared toward building and maintaining muscle mass. Vitamins like vitamin B complex, calcium, vitamin D, and many more all have unique benefits for bodybuilders.
However, your choice of vitamins will be influenced by your body and its needs. So it’s important to use vitamins that work for you.
No, multivitamins are not required for bodybuilding. If a sufficient amount of vitamins and minerals are consumed through a normal diet then there’s no need for additional supplementation.
While you don’t have to take multivitamins for bodybuilding, vitamin-rich supplements may be helpful if specific vitamins aren’t consumed through your regular diet. Bodybuilders put their bodies through a lot of strain, which can eventually take its toll on their physical and mental health.
To help keep their muscles, bones, and immune systems at their optimal level, most bodybuilders understand the importance of supplementing gaps in their diet. They do this with the necessary vitamins, minerals, and nutrients.
Final Thoughts
The best multivitamin for bodybuilding is the Multivitamin by Transparent Labs. Loaded with vitamin B complex, it’s one of the most nutrient-dense vitamins on the market to help you build muscle and reach your health goals. It also has fast absorption, which is great for ensuring your body is getting what it needs.
If you’re vegan, then we recommend Kaged Multivitamin. It can help you to reach these same goals while still maintaining your dietary needs. it is sourced from whole-food ingredients, providing a natural source of the nutrients needed to help maximize muscle growth and recovery.
