Bodybuilders and weightlifting enthusiasts are no strangers to supplements and are always looking to get the upper edge on their training. Anything that helps them train longer and perform better inside the gym is worth considering — so long as it’s safe and effective, of course.
While a majority of the supplement industry for weightlifters is centered around protein powders, BCAAs, and pre-workouts, there’s one nutritional supplement that often gets lost in the mix — multivitamins. They’re under-estimated, under-appreciated, and under-utilized by bodybuilders.
If you’re a weightlifter and you’re looking to maximize your results when you step foot in the gym, multivitamins could be the missing link among your current diet and supplement routine. Don’t worry, we’ll break down everything you need to know about multivitamins for weightlifting.
So, what are multivitamins?
Multivitamins are a unique line of supplements packed with a variety of essential vitamins and minerals. While they’re generally available in capsule form, some companies offer powdered versions as well. Either way, multivitamin formulas serve the same purpose and intent.
There are 13 essential vitamins and 13 essential minerals that are needed for proper functioning of the body. Of the 13 vitamins, nine of them are water-soluble vitamins, and four of them are fat-soluble vitamins. Minerals are often categorized as trace minerals or macrominerals.
While most multivitamin supplements stick purely with vitamins and minerals, other multivitamin formulas — especially those geared towards athletes and bodybuilders — include other nutrients and ingredients designed to improve performance, stamina, focus, energy, alertness, and more.
Benefits of Multivitamins for Weightlifting
For the average person, their daily diet will provide all the vitamins and minerals they need to get them through the day. With that said, weightlifters and bodybuilders aren’t normal people — they’re unique and talented individuals that require an incredible amount of nutrients each day.
Whether you have diet restrictions or struggle to keep up with your daily nutritional goals and need a little boost, multivitamin supplements are the way to go. These formulas ensure your body and brain have the nutrients they need to perform at the best of their ability every day.
In order to get the most out of your multivitamin, it’s important that you use it properly and as directed. You should still maintain a healthy, well-balanced, and regular diet along with the multivitamin and your daily exercise routine. That’s how you’ll achieve the best possible results.
How to Find the Right Multivitamin for Weightlifting
The supplement industry is currently saturated with a wide variety of unique multivitamin formulas, which can make the decision-making process difficult for new customers. Don’t worry, we’re here to help steer you in the right direction so you can make the right choice.
One thing you have to keep in mind is that everyone’s body is different — much like every formula is different. What works for one person might not work for the next person. That’s why it’s important that you find the right multivitamin for you and your specific weightlifting goals.
As you begin your search for the best multivitamin for weightlifting, let’s take a look at some of the things you should look for and some of the things you should avoid.
What to Look For
- All-Natural, Safe, & Effective Ingredients
- Easily Absorbed & Highly Bioavailable
- Third-Party Tested for Purity & Efficacy
- GMP-Certified & FDA-Approved Facility
- Vitamins A, C, D, B12, B6, B9
- Magnesium, Calcium, and Potassium
What to Avoid
- Allergens, Fillers, & Additives
- Doses That Are Too High
- Cheap Nutrient Forms
- Proprietary Blends
- Unnecessary or Dangerous Claims
- Ingredients Not Backed by Science
Top-Rated Multivitamin Supplements for Weightlifting
Now that you have a good idea of what multivitamins are, what benefits they provide the weightlifting community, what to look for, and what to avoid, you’re ready to set your sights on one formula that satisfies your needs. There are a lot to choose from, but we’re here to help.
We’re going to highlight three of our favorite top-rated multivitamin supplements for weightlifting — including NutriGenesis Multi by Performance Lab, Animal Pak by Universal Nutrition, and Vita JYM Multivitamin by JYM Supplement Science. Let’s take a closer look at each one!
NutriGenesis Multi for Men
by Performance Lab
The first multivitamin we’re going to highlight is designed exclusively for men. It’s calibrated to meet the specific needs of the male body, promoting optimal health and peak human performance. It utilizes NutriGenesis technology with each of its 17 vitamins and minerals.
Overall, there are 27 vitamins and minerals included in the NutriGenesis Multi for Men by Performance Lab formula. It’s easy to absorb with prebiotic nutricaps, it’s vegan-friendly, GMP-certified, and free of caffeine, soy, GMOs, synthetic additives, gluten, and allergens.
Pros
- NutriGenesis Technology
- 17+ Essential Vitamins & Minerals
- Prebiotic Nutricaps
- Balanced Dosages & Proper Forms
- Nature-Identical Ingredients
- Stacks Well With Other Supplements
Cons
- Expensive @ $49/month
- 4 capsules per day
- No ‘Bonus Nutrients’
- Not Marketed Towards Women
NutriGenesis Multi for Women
by Performance Lab
If you’re a female that’s impressed by the Performance Lab brand and want to take advantage of the NutriGenesis technology they’ve grown famous for, don’t worry. The second formula on our list is designed exclusively for women and is the female counterpart to the other formula.
It’s calibrated to meet the specific needs of the female body and is designed to promote peak performance and optimal health. Compared to the male version, it has a lower dose of Vitamin B1, zinc, and potassium, but a higher dose of Vitamin B9, calcium, magnesium, and iron.
Pros
- NutriGenesis Technology
- 17+ Essential Vitamins & Minerals
- Prebiotic Nutricaps
- Balanced Dosages & Proper Forms
- Nature-Identical Ingredients
- Stacks Well With Other Supplements
Cons
- Expensive @ $49/month
- 4 capsules per day
- No ‘Bonus Nutrients’
- Not Marketed Towards Men
Animal Pak
by Universal Nutrition
If you’re looking for something that gives you a little more bang for your buck, then Animal Pak is the right supplement for you. It contains all the vitamins and minerals you need on a daily basis, but also includes a number of other nutrients and ingredients needed for optimal function.
In addition to vitamins and minerals, the formula includes amino acids, protein, antioxidants, digestive enzymes, herbs, and much more. Each pack contains 11 capsules, which is a lot to handle — especially if you plan on taking two packs per day. Still, it’s an extensive formula.
Pros
- Vitamins & Minerals
- Amino Acids, Antioxidants, Herbs, & More
- Very Small Amount of Caffeine (10mg)
- Been Around Since 1983
- Improves Overall Health & Performance
Cons
- 11 or 22 capsules per day
- Can be expensive at $1 per pack
- Might contain too many ingredients for some people
Vita JYM Multivitamin
by JYM Supplement Science
The final multivitamin for weightlifting that we’re going to highlight is Vita JYM Multivitamin by JYM Supplement Science. Formulated by Dr. Jim Stoppani himself, his multivitamin is packed and loaded with all the vitamins and minerals your body requires on a daily basis.
While it doesn’t contain any bonus nutrients, that’s not what it’s designed for — plus, JYM Supplement Science has plenty of other supplements to stack with it. If you’re looking for a daily multivitamin that you can rely on, you’ve found it with Vita JYM. You won’t be disappointed!
Pros
- Only 2 Capsules Per Serving
- 25 Important Vitamins & Minerals
- Formulated by Dr. Jim Stoppani
- No Minerals That Inhibit Amino Acid Uptake
- Increased Nutrient Absorption (BioPerine)
- Inexpensive @ $25/month
Cons
- No ‘Bonus Nutrients’
Multivitamins for Weightlifting FAQ
Why do weightlifters need vitamins and minerals?
The truth is everyone needs the right amount of vitamins and minerals each day, but weightlifters often require more than the average person. This is due to the amount of intense training they complete and the physical toll it has on the body, requiring it to work harder.
That not only means more vitamins and minerals, but also more protein, carbs, fats, and every other nutrient the body needs on a daily basis. They all play unique roles in the various functions and processes inside the human body, and a deficiency in any area can be dangerous.
What vitamins and minerals are best for weightlifting?
While weightlifters should increase their intake of all essential vitamins and minerals, there are a few that are a little more important than others. This includes Vitamin A, Vitamin B6, Vitamin B9, Vitamin B12, Vitamin C, Vitamin D, Calcium, Magnesium, Potassium, Iron, and Zinc.
Some other essential vitamins and minerals that are important in your multivitamin include Vitamin K, Vitamin E, Vitamins B1, B2, B3, B5, and B7, Calcium, Phosphorus, Sodium, Chloride, Iodine, Sulfur, Copper, Fluoride, Manganese, Selenium, and several more.
When is the best time to take a multivitamin for weightlifting?
There are two quality times of the day that weightlifters should consider taking their multivitamin — in the morning after eating breakfast or 30 minutes before your exercise. Either way, it’s best to eat a meal or fatty snack before taking it since some vitamins are fat-soluble.
Remember, multivitamins aren’t meant to replace your normal diet, and you should still be eating a well-balanced, whole-foods diet every single day. Multivitamins are a supplement, which means they’re designed to supplement all the other positive and healthy habits we maintain.
What other nutrients and ingredients benefit weightlifters?
Outside of vitamins and minerals, there are a wide range of other nutrients and ingredients that weightlifters could benefit from. Some of the most prominent include BCAAs, Caffeine, Creatine, Beta-Alanine, L-Theanine, L-Tyrosine, protein, N-Acetyl-L-Carnitine, Glutamine, and much more.
You should also make sure you’re staying hydrated throughout the day by drinking plenty of water — before, during, and after your workout. Many weightlifters combine their eating and exercise habits with multivitamins, pre-workouts, BCAAs, protein powders, and more.
