IN PRODUCTION
Reviewed by Gariq Johnson, MSc Human Nutrition. Last reviewed: 2 October 2026.
A long ingredient list can make a multivitamin look comprehensive, but ingredient count alone says very little about the usefulness of the formula. A better approach is to compare the amount per daily serving, the nutrient form, how the product fits your diet and whether several products in your routine duplicate the same nutrients.
1. Read the amount per daily serving
Ignore the visual size of the label and start with the actual amount delivered in the recommended daily serving. Some labels show nutrient quantities in micrograms, others in milligrams, and the numbers can look dramatically different even when the absolute amounts are small.
2. Use NRV as context, not a performance score
Nutrient Reference Values (NRVs) are useful labelling reference points, but 100% NRV is not automatically the “perfect” dose for every nutrient and 200% is not automatically twice as good. Requirements, absorption, dietary intake, upper limits and clinical circumstances differ between nutrients and individuals.
3. Look for token quantities
A formula can include a nutrient at a very small amount simply so it appears on the ingredient panel. If a nutrient is central to the product’s positioning, ask whether the amount is substantial enough to justify that positioning.
4. Check nutrient forms without overvaluing them
Forms matter, but they should not be used as a shortcut for judging the whole product. For example, magnesium salts differ in solubility and bioavailability, but elemental magnesium dose still matters. The same principle applies to folate, B12, zinc and other nutrients.
5. Consider the UK dietary context
The UK National Diet and Nutrition Survey tracks nutrient intake and nutritional status across the population. The 2019–2023 report continues to show why nutrient intake needs to be considered in the context of real diets rather than simply assuming everyone consumes an ideal diet. Government advice also recommends that everyone should consider a daily 10 µg vitamin D supplement during autumn and winter because it is difficult to obtain enough from food alone.
6. More is not always better
A high-strength formula still needs context. Total intake from food, fortified products and other supplements matters, and some nutrients have established upper intake levels or important medication interactions. A useful supplement audit should therefore look at the whole routine rather than one label in isolation.
How CoreFoundation® is structured
CoreFoundation® takes a narrower approach than many broad “everything in one” multivitamins. It focuses on 12 selected nutrients with clearly declared amounts, including 375 mg magnesium, 100 µg vitamin D3, 200 µg vitamin K2 MK-7, 20 mg zinc and 6 mg boron.
Explore the CoreFoundation® formula, the detailed Formula & Quality page, or use the free Supplement Audit to review overlap across an existing routine.
Related guides
Sources
- UK National Diet and Nutrition Survey 2019–2023
- UK healthy eating guidance and vitamin D advice
- UK supplement labelling and health-claims guidance
Important: This article is for general educational purposes and is not medical advice. Food supplements should not replace a varied, balanced diet and healthy lifestyle. If you have a medical condition, take medication, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or have been advised to monitor a nutrient, seek appropriate professional advice.