Written by the Plenthera team (trained in orthomolecular nutrition). Scientifically reviewed in October 2026. Last updated: 6 October 2026.
A multivitamin is for many people the simplest way to supplement their diet broadly. At Plenthera you will mainly find the Elke Dag line from Vitals: complete formulas with active B vitamins, vegan vitamin D3, vitamins K1 and K2 and chelated minerals, in a basic, 50+ and Platinum version. We also stock a high-dose multivitamin from Doctor's Best.
Which multivitamin suits you?
| Product | Daily dose | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Vitals Elke Dag | 1 tablet | Basic formula with iron (4 mg); 25 µg vitamin D3, vitamin K1 and 75 µg K2, active B vitamins, 40 mg Q10 |
| Vitals Elke Dag 50+ | 1 tablet | Without iron and copper; 35 µg vitamin D3, 50 µg B12, 7.5 mg zinc, lutein, zeaxanthin and lycopene, 50 mg Q10 |
| Vitals Elke Dag Platinum | 2 tablets | Most comprehensive formula; 50 µg vitamin D3, 180 µg K2, 300 mg vitamin C, 300 mg potassium, grape seed extract, acetyl-L-carnitine, taurine |
| Doctor's Best Multivitamine met Vitashine D3 & Quatrefolic® | 3 capsules | High-dose, including 50 mg vitamin B6 and 1,500 µg vitamin A — see the explanation below |
What is a multivitamin?
A multivitamin combines several vitamins — often all thirteen: A, C, D, E, K and the eight B vitamins — and usually also minerals in a single daily dose. It is a supplement to a varied diet, not a replacement.
Food consumption surveys show that some adults remain below the recommended intake for certain micronutrients, for example vitamin D in winter, folate in young women, B12 in older people and vegans, and iodine in those who eat little bread made with iodised salt. A multivitamin is a practical way to lay a broad foundation for this.
The difference between multivitamins lies mainly in the form and dosage. The Elke Dag line uses, among others, folate as 5-MTHF (Quatrefolic®), vitamin B12 as methyl- and adenosylcobalamin, vitamin B6 as pyridoxal 5'-phosphate, natural vitamin E with mixed tocopherols and minerals as bisglycinate (TRAACS®).
Multivitamins and EFSA — what is scientifically recognised?
There is no claim for "multivitamins" as a whole. However, each vitamin and mineral has its own authorised claims in Regulation (EU) 432/2012, once a daily dose provides at least 15% of the reference intake. Examples that apply to the Elke Dag line:
- Vitamin D contributes to the normal function of the immune system.
- Vitamin C contributes to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue.
- Vitamin B12 contributes to normal energy-yielding metabolism.
- Vitamin A contributes to the maintenance of normal vision.
- Zinc contributes to the normal function of the immune system.
- Selenium contributes to the protection of cells from oxidative stress.
The MTHFR variant and active vitamins
The enzyme MTHFR converts folate into the active form 5-methyltetrahydrofolate (5-MTHF). A common variant of the MTHFR gene (C677T) makes the enzyme less active; in Europe, an estimated 10% of people carry two copies of this variant. Supplements with 5-MTHF provide folate directly in the active form.
Something similar applies to vitamin B12 (methyl- and adenosylcobalamin) and vitamin B6 (pyridoxal 5'-phosphate). For most people, ordinary folic acid also works well; the active forms are a choice, not a necessity. Read more under B vitamins.
Multivitamins at Plenthera and other forms on the market
Elke Dag line (Vitals) — at Plenthera
Elke Dag (90 tablets) is the basic formula: 1 tablet per day, with 4 mg iron, 25 µg vegan vitamin D3, vitamin K1 and 75 µg K2 (MK-7), active B vitamins, 160 mg vitamin C, 5 mg zinc and 40 mg Q10. Elke Dag 50+ (60 tablets, 1 per day) contains no iron or copper, but does contain 35 µg vitamin D3, 50 µg B12, 7.5 mg zinc, lutein, zeaxanthin, lycopene, 50 mg Q10, alpha-lipoic acid and pterostilbene. Elke Dag Platinum (60 tablets, 2 per day) is the most comprehensive version with 50 µg vitamin D3, 180 µg K2, 300 mg vitamin C, 300 mg potassium, grape seed extract, acetyl-L-carnitine and taurine. All three are suitable for vegetarians and vegans, not suitable for children aged 10 and under and not to be used with coumarin-type anticoagulants (acenocoumarol, phenprocoumon).
Multivitamine met Vitashine D3 & Quatrefolic® (Doctor's Best) — at Plenthera
A high-dose formula of 3 capsules per day with, among other things, 40 µg vitamin D3, 80 µg K2 (MenaQ7®), 400 µg folate (Quatrefolic®) and 1,000 µg B12. Please note: the daily dose contains 50 mg vitamin B6, above the safe upper limit of 12 mg per day that EFSA uses for adults, and 1,500 µg vitamin A as retinyl palmitate and 25 mg zinc, equal to the upper limit for zinc. Therefore, do not use this product long-term without consulting a doctor or therapist, not during pregnancy and not together with other supplements containing vitamin A, B6 or zinc.
Natural Vision Enhancers (Doctor's Best) — at Plenthera, last items
Not a multivitamin in the strict sense: per 2 softgels, 20 mg lutein and 4 mg zeaxanthin (Lutemax 2020®) with fish oil (200 mg DHA). While stocks last.
Organ capsules (Real Roots) — at Plenthera
In this category you will also find the freeze-dried organ capsules Schildklier & Lever and Bijnier & Lever from Real Roots. These are not multivitamins; liver naturally provides vitamins such as vitamin A and B12. Read more at Real Roots.
Other forms on the market
Prenatal multivitamins (with folic acid, iron, iodine and often DHA), children's multivitamins (chewable tablets or gummies) and sports formulas are also available. We do not currently stock these.
How do you use a multivitamin?
- Choose a formula that suits your stage of life, for example with or without iron.
- Follow the dosage on the label.
- Take the tablet with a meal containing some fat; split two tablets over two meals.
- Include vitamins and minerals from other supplements in your count, especially vitamins A, D and B6, zinc and selenium.
- Do you use coumarin-type anticoagulants? Then do not choose a product with vitamin K without consulting your doctor or anticoagulation clinic.
- If pregnant, trying to conceive, with chronic conditions or taking medication: consult your doctor beforehand.
Myths and misconceptions about multivitamins
Myth 1: "A multivitamin replaces a healthy diet."
Incorrect. Food also provides fibre, protein, fatty acids and countless plant compounds that are not in any tablet.
Myth 2: "The more, the better."
Incorrect. Fat-soluble vitamins (A, D) and vitamin B6 in particular have safe upper limits. So do not unknowingly stack a multi with separate high-dose products.
Myth 3: "Synthetic is always worse than natural."
For most vitamins, the origin makes little difference; vitamin C from a plant or a factory is the same molecule. With vitamin E there is a difference: natural d-alpha-tocopherol is biologically more active than synthetic dl-alpha-tocopherol.
Combining multivitamins with other supplements
- Omega 3: not included in the Elke Dag tablets. EPA and DHA contribute to the normal function of the heart (with 250 mg EPA and DHA per day).
- Magnesium: a multi often provides 100 mg; those who want more choose a separate product.
- Vitamin D: count the 25–50 µg from the Elke Dag line before taking extra vitamin D.
- Live cultures: not included in a multivitamin.
- Multiminerals: the Elke Dag line is already a combined multivitamin and multimineral.
Frequently asked questions
What is a multivitamin?
A supplement that combines several vitamins, and usually also minerals, in a single daily dose — as a supplement to a varied diet.
Which multivitamin suits me?
Elke Dag is the basic formula with iron, Elke Dag 50+ is tailored to people over 50 and contains no iron, Elke Dag Platinum is the most comprehensive formula with two tablets per day.
When should I take a multivitamin?
With a meal containing some fat, for example at breakfast or lunch. Fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E and K) and carotenoids are then better absorbed.
Multivitamin with or without iron?
With iron often suits women who menstruate. Many men and post-menopausal women choose without iron, because they need less iron. If in doubt, have your iron status checked.
What are active B vitamins?
Forms that the body no longer needs to convert, such as folate as 5-MTHF (Quatrefolic®), vitamin B12 as methyl- and adenosylcobalamin and vitamin B6 as pyridoxal 5'-phosphate. The Elke Dag line uses these forms.
Can I combine a multivitamin with individual vitamins?
Yes, if you add up the amounts and stay below the safe upper limits. Pay particular attention to vitamin A, vitamin D, vitamin B6, zinc and selenium.
Sources
- Regulation (EU) 432/2012 — authorised health claims per vitamin and mineral.
- EFSA (2024). Overview on Tolerable Upper Intake Levels for vitamins and minerals.
- EFSA NDA Panel (2023). Scientific opinion on the tolerable upper intake level for vitamin B6. EFSA Journal 21(5):8006.
- Blumberg JB et al. (2017). Contribution of dietary supplements to nutritional adequacy in various adulthood age groups. Nutrients 9(12):1325.
- Liew SC, Gupta ED (2015). Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) C677T polymorphism: epidemiology, metabolism and the associated diseases. Eur J Med Genet 58(1):1–10.
- Gezondheidsraad (Health Council of the Netherlands) — nutrient standards and dietary recommendations.
Disclaimer: This text is for informational purposes only and does not replace medical advice. A multivitamin is a food supplement, not a medicine. If in doubt or if you take medication, we recommend consulting a doctor or orthomolecular therapist first.