There are so many factors that go into choosing the right multivitamin for you—your age, your overarching lifestyle, your dietary preferences—but quality control is the first thing to consider. Consumers should purchase from companies who show evidence of third-party tests to ensure what's on the label matches what's in the product, and that their product is free of contamination.. This information is usually featured prominently on the bottle: Look for stickers on the product that note third-party testing. Two of the most popular third-party tests are GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) and NSF (National Sanitation Foundation), he notes.

Once you've guaranteed the formula, scan the ingredient list; it should contain both fat-soluble and water-soluble vitamins. The fat-soluble vitamins are A, D, E, and K; water-soluble vitamins include vitamin C and the family of B vitamins. Vitamin D is particularly critical, since numerous studies show that over half of Americans are deficient in vitamin D due to our lifestyles shifting indoors. Compound this with the fact that sufficient vitamin D is incredibly difficult to obtain through whole-foods alone, and it makes it crucial to supplement for most individuals.

Here's the thing: While multivitamins are important, they shouldn't replace a diet rich in fruits and vegetables. I know this is said over and over, but it's the truth. A diet high in fruits and vegetables has benefits far outside of the vitamins and minerals they contain. For example, fruits and vegetables are high in fiber and water content, which play a huge role in decreasing hunger and cravings throughout the day. That's a benefit you're only going to get from eating whole-foods—not popping a pill. Multivitamins should be thought of as an insurance policy, not a foundation. Ahead, some tried-and-true options to help you reach peak health.

And now that I’ve said all that, here’s what I take. And, yes … I am over 50. For about the last two years now, I’ve been regularly taking Ritual Multivitamin 50+. It ticks off all the boxes, so if you’re searching for a one-and-done kind of vitamin, this is your best bet.

There’s something about ingredients you can pronounce that makes you feel better about putting it in your body. Ritual breaks down the compounds and nutrients that go into each of its vitamins to create a multivitamin that you can easily understand and that has the essentials in it.

This formulation for women over 50 has all the usual players in it (vitamin D, B12, Omega-3 DHE, etc.), but it leaves out some significant ones on purpose. You won’t see calcium or vitamin C in this supplement, as most Americans actually get their daily requirements of those two through their food intake. Less is sometimes more, no?

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