A healthy, balanced diet is the best way to get the nutrition you need; however, sometimes a supplement can be beneficial. If you have a diagnosed deficiency, follow a restrictive diet that eliminates entire food groups, or have a medical condition or take medications that interfere with nutrient absorption, you may want to consider a supplement. Additionally, some specific stages of life require increased vitamin and mineral needs, such as before and during pregnancy, and therefore supplements may be recommended.

A multivitamin can help to fill in any nutritional gaps in your diet and prevent deficiencies, while single nutrient vitamins can help target existing deficiencies or increased requirements. Other products, such as probiotics and omega-3s, are more specialized and may benefit specific health concerns such as gut function and heart health. Additionally, protein powder can be a helpful supplement for those with increased needs, such as athletes, that have difficulty getting enough protein from food alone. We also including magnesium, vitamin D, iron and fiber supplements, which are common deficiencies due to nutritional inadequacies in the typical American diet.

It is important to note that nutritional needs are highly individualized, dependent on many factors including height, weight, gender, age, physical activity level and overall health status. It is best to consult a healthcare professional to identify if you may benefit from supplements. When selecting out top list of supplements, we considered we considered USDA nutritional recommendations, common deficiencies, quality of ingredients, dosages and third-party testing.

Verywell Fit Approved Best Supplements

  • Best Overall: MegaFood One Multivitamin is a high-quality multivitamin for men and women derived from real food ingredients from a trusted brand.
  • Best Fish Oil: Nordic Naturals Ultimate Omega is third-party tested and researched-backed, providing 1280 milligrams of total omega-3s, including EPA and DHA.

Always speak with a healthcare professional before adding a supplement to your routine to ensure that the supplement is appropriate for your individual needs and which dosage to take.

MegaFood One Daily Multivitamin is a high-quality multivitamin for men and women derived from real food ingredient. While you can aim to eat a healthy, balanced diet, a multivitamin works to fill in any nutritional gaps that may occur. The signature one-a-day vitamin and mineral supplement is formulated with B vitamins for energy support, vitamins C and E to promote immune function, and 10 micrograms of vitamin D to help maintain healthy bones.

Best Multivitamin

MegaFood One Daily Multivitamin

The product is versatile and can be used by men or women of any age, although it may not be optimal for those over 55, and pregnant women should always take a prenatal. It can be taken any time of day and is gentle enough to be taken on an empty stomach.

MegaFood is known for its dedication to real food ingredients and an obsession with quality. The supplement is tested for over 125 herbicides and pesticides and is free of gluten, dairy, and soy. It is also Non-GMO Project Verified, Certified Glyphosate Residue Free, and Certified Kosher.

Price at time of publish: $79

Omega-3 fatty acids are recommended as part of a healthy diet because they are believed to play a role in cancer prevention and also support the health of the heart, eyes, and brain. The best sources of omega-3 are foods like fatty fish and some nuts and seeds, but fish oil supplements can also help you to meet your needs.

Best Fish Oil

Nordic Naturals Ultimate Omega

When looking for the best fish oil supplement, consider Nordic Naturals Ultimate Omega. The soft gels are made from the highest quality ingredients, contain potent omega-3s, and are easy to take with no fishy aftertaste. They have a fresh lemon taste and are made from 100% wild-caught sardines and anchovies.

Each two soft gel serving contains 1280 milligrams of total omega-3s with 650 milligrams EPA, 450 milligrams DHA, and 180 milligrams of other omega-3s. The Non-GMO Verified supplement is Friend of the Sea certified and third-party purity tested. If you’re not a fan of swallowing pills, Nordic Naturals offers the same product in liquid form.

Price at time of publish: $29

Magnesium is an important mineral that supports bone health, heart health, and normal digestion. Magnesium supplements come in many forms, including magnesium citrate, a highly bioavailable, easily absorbed form that can help to replenish magnesium levels and alleviate constipation with its natural laxative effect. Pure Encapsulations Magnesium Citrate capsules offer 150 milligrams of magnesium per capsule. Known for its highly pure supplements, Pure Encapsulations is a trusted brand that provides superior quality vitamins and minerals.

Best Magnesium

Pure Encapsulations Magnesium (Citrate)

For those with allergies, Pure Encapsulations Magnesium Citrate is an ideal option. The easy-to-swallow vegetarian capsules are hypoallergenic. They’re free from common allergens such as wheat, gluten, eggs, peanuts, soy, dairy, and shellfish. They also are free of magnesium stearate, hydrogenated fat, artificial colors and sweeteners, and any other unnecessary ingredients.

Price at time of publish: $17

Low iron levels and anemia are common, especially in women. Iron is a necessary component in normal cellular growth, development, and functioning. If you are concerned, it is best to speak with your physician about your individual iron levels. Most people can get enough iron from the food they eat, but if your doctor recommends supplementing, try this option from Slow FE.

Best Iron

Slow Fe Iron Tablets

Slow FE’s high-potency, slow-release tablets replenish iron levels without common gastrointestinal side effects such as nausea and abdominal discomfort. The controlled release system delivers iron to the body slowly, which is gentler on the stomach. Each easy-to-swallow pill provides 45 milligrams of elemental iron, which is equivalent to 142 milligrams of ferrous sulfate, a common form of iron.

Price at time of publish: $26

A diet rich in whole grains, fruits, and vegetables is likely high in fiber, but for those who can’t eat certain foods or need help with digestion, a fiber supplement may be helpful. If you’re looking for the best fiber to keep you full and promote digestive balance, Renew Life’s Organic Triple Fiber product is an excellent option. The USDA Organic powder combines non-GMO flaxseed, oat, and acacia fiber to offer a blend of both insoluble and soluble fibers as well as protein. The dairy-free, gluten-free, and soy-free product provides 3 grams of dietary fiber and 2 grams of protein per scoop.

Best Fiber

Renew Life Organic Triple Fiber

Unlike other supplements that contain only soluble or insoluble fiber, this balanced fiber supplement combines the digestion-slowing soluble fiber from flax and acacia with oat fiber, which is mostly insoluble and passes through the digestive system intact. The powder mixes easily with juice or water and can help to alleviate constipation. If you’re not a fan of powder supplements, Renew Life makes the same supplement in capsule form.

Price at time of publish: $13

Probiotics are known for their beneficial bacteria which may improve the gut ecosystem and everything from skin health to immune function, and even mental health. For an effective, widely available, and affordable probiotic, consider Culturelle’s Daily Digestive Probiotic. Each easy-to-swallow, once-daily capsule provides 10 billion CFUs of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG, a well-studied probiotic. They also contain inulin, a prebiotic that acts as food for the healthy bacteria.

Best Probiotic

Culturelle Daily Probiotic

The gelatin-free capsules are excellent for vegetarians. While probiotics are fantastic for those who experience occasional digestive issues, they’re also great for people who travel frequently. Culturelle recommends taking one capsule twice daily while traveling to avoid any digestive issues.

Price at time of publish: $16

Vitamin D is an important vitamin that supports mood, bone health, and immune function. Although the body naturally makes vitamin D with sun exposure, it can be a challenge to meet the recommendation of at least 600 IUs of vitamin D per day. Taking a supplement such as Nordic Naturals Vitamin D3 can help you to meet your daily goal. Each once-daily soft gel provides 1000 IU of D3.

Best Vitamin D

Nordic Naturals Vitamin D3-25 mcg

Nordic Natural’s non-GMO product is third-party tested to ensure you’re getting the highest quality vitamin possible that complies with strict manufacturing standards. Nordic Naturals recommends taking the supplement with food, as vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin which is best absorbed with healthy sources of fat in the diet.

Price at time of publish: $14

With 20 grams of collagen per two-scoop serving, you’ll get a good bang for your buck with this powder. It’s sourced from grass-fed, pasture-raised cows kept in alignment with the Global Animal Partnership 5-step animal welfare rating standard, so you can feel good knowing you’re getting a high-quality product.

Best Collagen Powder

Vital Proteins Original Collagen Peptides

In addition to grass-fed bovine collagen, Vital Proteins adds vitamin C to their powder to increase collagen synthesis. The collagen mix also contains hyaluronic acid, a substance the body makes naturally that contributes to the promotion of collagen. The tasteless powder is soluble in hot or cold liquids, so you can add it to your coffee, smoothies, or other beverages.

Price at time of publish: $42

Fruit and vegetable intake is critical to meet our vitamin and mineral needs; however, only one in ten Americans meet the recommended intake for fruits and vegetables per day. While it’s best to prioritize real, whole foods, powders can be a great way to boost nutrient intake if someone is averse to eating whole vegetables or is traveling has limited access to fresh produce.

Best Greens Powder

Garden of Life Raw Organic Perfect Food Green Superfood

Nobody said green powders taste yummy, which is why many brands add stevia to their powder to increase palatability and sweetness. Garden of Life’s Raw Organic Perfect Food Green Superfood Juiced Greens Powder is a great green powder because it is free of stevia and other sweeteners.

Featuring 34 raw, organically grown, non-GMO greens, Garden of Life dries their greens at the farm within an hour of harvesting, locking in all the powerful nutrients. 

Price at time of publish: $28

How We Select Supplements

Our team works hard to be transparent about why we recommend certain supplements; you can read more about our dietary supplement methodology here. 

Final Verdict

What To Look For

Health Goals

Similarly, you’ll want to think about your health and wellness goals when choosing a supplement. If you wish to support bone health, a mix of vitamin D, calcium, and magnesium might be a good option. If you want to improve your mood, digestion, or athletic performance, there are certain supplements formulated to offer support. It all depends on what you’re hoping to achieve and what is appropriate considering your individual nutrition needs.

Supplement Form

If you prefer not to take a pill every day, look for supplements that come in gummy, lozenge, tablet, or liquid form. Always take a look at the ingredient list to ensure that the product is low in sugar and contains adequate levels of the vitamin, mineral, or supplement you’re looking to add to your diet.

Why Trust Verywell Fit?

A personal note on my recommendations written above. As a dietitian, I am careful to recommend supplements. In writing this article, I spent time reviewing the most current clinical research on various popular supplements, looking at multiple products and brands, and consulting with trusted peers in dietetics. I believe the supplements in the round-up are made by trusted brands and are composed of high-quality ingredients. — Eliza Savage, MS, RD, CDN

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What are the best supplements to take daily?
  • Many men and women decide to take supplements because they have (or want to avoid) a nutritional deficiency in their diet. For instance, if you know you don’t get enough vitamin D in your diet, or you have limited sun exposure, you may decide to take a vitamin D supplement. It’s best to consult with your healthcare provider before adding a supplement to your routine, as they can advise whether you have an identified nutritional deficiency or have a particular health condition that may benefit from added nutrients.It’s important to remember that supplements are intended to boost the nutrition of a healthy diet, and they aren’t a replacement for a poor diet. Plus, while you need a certain amount of specific vitamins and minerals, more isn’t always better, and supplements can potentially be dangerous if you consume too much.
  • What is the best natural anti-inflammatory supplement?
  • There are many supplements that may help to fight inflammation in the body. It’s best to consult with your health care provider to discuss what kind of inflammation may be occurring in your body and what course of action is best to reduce that inflammation. Eating a well-balanced, anti-inflammatory diet and getting enough exercise are two ways to fight inflammation. If your health care provider deems it appropriate, some supplements such as fish oil, turmeric, and curcumin are evidence-backed ways to fight inflammation.

Many men and women decide to take supplements because they have (or want to avoid) a nutritional deficiency in their diet. For instance, if you know you don’t get enough vitamin D in your diet, or you have limited sun exposure, you may decide to take a vitamin D supplement. It’s best to consult with your healthcare provider before adding a supplement to your routine, as they can advise whether you have an identified nutritional deficiency or have a particular health condition that may benefit from added nutrients.

There are many supplements that may help to fight inflammation in the body. It’s best to consult with your health care provider to discuss what kind of inflammation may be occurring in your body and what course of action is best to reduce that inflammation. Eating a well-balanced, anti-inflammatory diet and getting enough exercise are two ways to fight inflammation. If your health care provider deems it appropriate, some supplements such as fish oil, turmeric, and curcumin are evidence-backed ways to fight inflammation.