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5 Best Multivitamins For Diabetics in 2023
Updated on
- Written by Karla Tafra, Nutritionist
Medically reviewed by
Kathy Shattler, MS, RDN
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Ritual Multivitamin
- Clinically-backed formula
- United States Pharmacopeia (USP) verified
- Made traceable
Future Kind + Vegan Multivitamin
- Specifically made For vegan & plant-based diets
- High dose of B12
- Third party tested
Nature’s Way Alpha Betic Multivitamin
- Featuring B-Vitamins for energy support
- Gluten-free
- Only needs to be taken once a day
Smart supplementation is key for many people struggling with vitamin and mineral deficiencies, and when it comes to conditions like type 2 diabetes, it may be crucial to help lower your high blood sugar, support your immune system and promote overall health.
But, how do you choose the best diabetic multivitamin, and which brands deliver on their quality and potency statements? Trying to figure it out yourself can be overwhelming, especially since supplements aren’t regulated or recommended[1] by the Food and Drugs Administration (FDA). Luckily, there are other ways to filter out the best on the market.
Here are some of our best multivitamins for diabetics.
Best Diabetic Multivitamins in (September. 2023)
- Ritual Multivitamin – Editor’s choice
- Future Kind + Vegan Multivitamin – Best Vegan
- Nature’s Way Alpha Betic Multivitamin – Best for Energy Support
- Nature’s Way Completia – Best Complete Multivitamin
- Nature Made Daily Diabetes Health Packs – Best For On-The-Go
What Vitamins and Minerals Do Diabetics Need?
Type 2 diabetes or diabetes mellitus is a serious condition[2] of chronic impairment of your body’s blood sugar regulatory systems. Type 2 diabetes usually begins with insulin resistance, where your body does not respond well to the insulin present. The pancreas secretes more insulin in response which fatigues the pancreas, and eventually, the insulin production cannot keep up with the body’s needs. The pancreas isn’t able to produce enough insulin to regulate your blood sugar levels, which in turn impairs the function of the cells and makes them intake less sugar, causing an excess of blood glucose in your bloodstream.
Type 2 diabetes causes inflammation and potential disorders of the circulatory, nervous and immune systems. This can cause many complications down the road that can be irreversible, increasing the risk of developing other serious diseases like coronary heart disease, autoimmune diseases, and even cancer[3].
Type 2 diabetes is mostly caused by:
- Poor nutrition and malnutrition caused by excess sugar and ultra-processed foods
- Obesity
- Hormonal Diseases
- Lack of exercise and physical activity
- Family history of diabetes
- Other inflammatory conditions, and autoimmune diseases
Currently, there is still no cure for type 2 diabetes, but losing weight, cleaning up your diet, and partaking in regular exercise can help you manage and control the disease. If these tools alone aren’t enough to manage your blood sugar levels, you may also need diabetic medications and/or insulin therapy.
Some could be more beneficial than others when it comes to vitamins and minerals that could be useful for diabetics. These include:
- Vitamin B12 – the most common diabetes drug, metformin, is known to cause B12 deficiency, and studies have shown[4] that B12 deficiency can be harmful to diabetics
- Vitamin C – some studies[5] show its benefit for those with type 2 diabetes, but the body of research is still scarce
- Vitamin D – If you have vitamin D deficiency, you are more than likely[6] to develop diabetes. And, about 42% of the U.S. population is deficient in vitamin D.
- Chromium – Chromium supplementation[7] has been shown to reduce insulin resistance and improve glycemic control. Avoid chromium supplements if you’ve been diagnosed with kidney disease[8].
Vitamins and Minerals That Impact Blood Sugar Levels:
- Vitamin E – research shows[9] it causes delayed development and a slow progression of the complications of type 2 diabetes. However, avoid it if you’re on blood-thinning[10] medication as it may increase the risk of bleeding. Other research shows that it increases the chances of mortality from all causes.
- Niacin (vitamin B3) – Niacin is most commonly used to elevate HDL[11] (good cholesterol) levels, but research shows[12] it can also raise fasting glucose levels, potentially worsening diabetes symptoms.
- Potassium- If your body is low in potassium, it will make less insulin. Less insulin leads to higher blood sugar levels and a greater chance of developing type 2 diabetes[13].
The following section looks at the top 5 best pre-workout vegan supplements.
Best Diabetic Multivitamins in 2023
Ritual Multivitamin
The Ritual multivitamin has special, USP verified formulas for both men and women, helping you take control of your micronutrient intake and prevent any deficiencies.
- Clinically-backed formula
- United States Pharmacopeia (USP) verified
- Made traceable
- Not personalized
- Higher price point
One of the best multivitamins for diabetics with type 2, Ritual multivitamin has a clinically-backed formula, for both men and women, to help fill nutrient gaps in their diet. The female formula is made with nine traceable ingredients with a clear and visible supply chain. This makes it the best multivitamin for diabetic females. It consists of
- Folate
- Omega-3 Docohexanoiec Acid (DHA)
- Vitamin B12
- Vitamin D
- Iron
- Vitamin K
- Boron
- Vitamin E
- Magnesium
Their potent formula is neatly packaged in their patented beadlet in oil technology which combines oily and dry ingredients in one capsule. It also has a delayed-release technology that is designed to dissolve later in the small intestine, the ideal place to absorb nutrients.
The male formula has ten traceable ingredients, with the only exception being Zinc and vitamin A while omitting iron. These products are specifically designed to fill any nutrient gaps you may have, even when keeping an overall healthy diet. They support your foundational health, especially when it comes to heart health, bone health, normal muscle function, and optimal immune function.
The formula is specifically beneficial for those with type 2 diabetes as it has a good dose of B12 for improved energy levels.
When it comes to third-party testing and certifications, Ritual goes the extra mile. Their products are USP Verified, Non-GMO (genetically modified organisms) Project Verified. In a clinical trial[14], Essential for Women was shown to increase Vitamin D and Omega-3 DHA levels in 12 weeks.
Future Kind + Vegan Multivitamin
The first essential vegan multivitamin is specifically made for those on plant-based diets.
- Specifically made For vegan & plant-based diets
- High dose of B12
- Third-party tested
- Not personalized
- Higher price point
Future Kind’s vegan multivitamin supplements are specifically designed for vegans and those on plant-based diets, who are already intaking more specific micronutrients than those who are following other diets. On the other hand, they often have nutrient deficiencies, especially vitamin B12, vitamin D, and omega-3 fatty acids, and that’s where this multivitamin supplement adds benefit.
Their powerful formula contains only vitamin B12, plant-derived vitamin D3, and premium algae-derived omega-3, and it’s designed to support energy levels, enhance focus, improve mood, boost your immune system, support healthy aging, protect your brain and eye health, promote optimum blood glucose levels, support healthy joints, and promote bone health.
This could be really beneficial to those who have type 2 diabetes as they’re often deficient in vitamin B12, a common deficiency in the U.S. affecting 42% of the population.
Alpha Betic Multivitamin
This multivitamin is specially formulated to increase energy levels and maintain healthy blood sugar levels.
- Featuring B-Vitamins for energy support
- Gluten-free
- Only needs to be taken once a day
- Might have some mild side-effects
- Not personalized
Nature’s Way Alpha Betic multivitamin features a special B vitamin formula for increased energy and maintaining healthy blood sugar levels. It’s specifically designed to meet the unique nutritional needs of people with diabetes or pre-diabetes, making it a popular choice amongst doctors, dietitians, and naturopaths.
The multivitamin supplements contain a variety of beneficial micronutrients that help convert food into energy, support cardiovascular function, promote a healthy immune system, deliver antioxidant support, and promote healthy eye function. These include
- B Vitamin complex
- Vitamin A
- Vitamin E
- Vitamin C
- Magnesium
- Selenium
- Potassium
- Manganese
- Copper
- Zinc
- Lutein
- Alpha-lipoic Acid
- Vanadium
The formula is easy to take as it only requires one pill a day, and it can be used alone or with other alphabetic supplements.
Nature’s Way Completia
One of the best complete multivitamins for diabetics with type 2 comes with a special antioxidant blend to support immune health.
- Complete multivitamin for people with diabetes
- Available in larger bulk order bottles
- Features special antioxidant blend
- Not personalized
Nature’s Way Completia is a complete multivitamin designed specifically for diabetics. Its powerful formula contains a plethora of vitamins and minerals with enhanced B vitamins and an antioxidant blend to support immune health. The antioxidants in the formula include fenugreek, alpha-lipoic acid, inositol, and cinnamon.
Nutrients are present for many of the vitamins above 1,000 x the Daily Value (DV), which may pose problems for some people sensitive to excessive B vitamins as they can exceed the safe and tolerable upper limit for these nutrients. For example, an excess of B6 can cause neurotoxicity, while excessive doses of B5 can cause diarrhea.
The daily dose of 2 capsules contains everything you need and more to fill up the nutritional gaps in your diet and help you deal with all nutrient deficiencies. Every vitamin and mineral is in doses that go way past your daily recommended dose, helping you fight against free radicals, toxins, and infections while optimizing all of your systems. It’s also iron and chromium-free, as these minerals are known to have a detrimental effect on those who already have some kidney issues.
Nature Made Daily Diabetes Health Packs
Conveniently packaged into packs, this multivitamin supplement is easy to use on the go when you’re traveling or otherwise having a busy schedule.
- Scientifically formulated for diabetics and prediabetics
- Gluten-free and sugar-free
- Convenient packaging
- Not personalized
- Not suitable for vegans
Designed to fit your busy lifestyle, Nature Made’s Diabetic Health Packs come equipped with a nutrient-rich formula that helps provide daily nutritional support for people with diabetes or prediabetes, supports a healthy heart, and supports healthy blood glucose metabolism by promoting insulin sensitivity.
The formula contains a plethora of vitamins and minerals, and it’s free from any artificial fillers, thickening agents, synthetic dyes, or artificial flavors. The ingredients include
- B Complex
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin D
- Vitamin E
- Vitamin A
- Vitamin K
- Calcium
- Phosphorus
- Iodine
- Magnesium
- Zinc
- Selenium
- Copper
- Manganese
- Chromium
- Molybdenum
- Chloride
- Potassium
In addition to all of these vitamins and minerals, Nature Made’s Diabetic Health Packs contain a blend of powerful antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids, helping support your immune system, cardiovascular, and nerve health.
How To Choose the Best Diabetic Multivitamin
When it comes to choosing the best diabetic multivitamin, there are some specific factors to take into account.
Quality of Micronutrients
It’s important to choose brands that are transparent about where they source their vitamins and minerals. This shows their quality and potency, helping you feel safe knowing you’re getting the best possible micronutrients to support your health and wellbeing.
USP Certification
If possible, choose a brand with a USP certification. Unfortunately, the FDA does not regulate supplements, so it’s hard to know if what’s written on the label is actually inside the pill. USP has very strict guidelines that a brand needs to adhere to in order to get its seal of approval. This gives you at least some feeling of safety when taking vitamin and mineral supplements, especially when dealing with diabetes management.
Free of Additives
The product should be free of gluten, sugar, artificial dyes, colorings, fillers, and thickeners – the cleaner the ingredients, the higher quality, and bioavailability of vitamins and minerals. Always read the label and make sure that the capsule, pill, or tablet does not contain unnecessary ingredients. If you’re uncertain about a specific ingredient, ask your doctor or Registered Dietitian Nutritionist before taking the supplement.
Have a Variety of Micronutrients
Choose those brands that offer more than just a few single vitamins. This will undoubtedly be a more costly option as you’ll still need to get the additional minerals and vitamins from another source.
Designed Explicitly for Diabetics
If possible, choose a formula that’s specially designed to promote healthy blood glucose levels and insulin metabolism. For example, you do not want to choose a formula high in niacin which may worsen diabetes symptoms.
Personalization
The ultimate step in supplementation, getting personalized micronutrients for you and your specific needs, is the best possible option you can take. Usually, these recommendations are made after you’ve done specific tests and questionnaires, helping their team design a formula that will best fit your nutrient needs and help you achieve your goals.
Final Thought
The best multivitamins for people with diabetes are those with abundant micronutrient profiles and adequate doses that not only help with blood sugar control and insulin sensitivity but also promote optimization of all other body systems.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, diabetics are usually recommended to take specific vitamins and minerals as chances are, they aren’t able to obtain the right amounts from their limited diet.
Vitamins that can increase blood sugar levels include Vitamin B3 (or niacin).
According to existing research, the best vitamins for type 2 diabetics are Vitamin C, Vitamin D, and Vitamin B12.
Most people start noticing an increase in energy and mood within 1-2 weeks. Those formulas that contain specific antioxidant blends help decrease inflammation, digestive issues, and even bloating.
No, multivitamin and mineral supplements are great for everyone who struggles with nutrient deficiencies and needs a little bit of extra help they can’t get from purely food sources.
+ 16 sources
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Written by:
Karla Tafra, Nutritionist
Medically reviewed by:
Medically reviewed by:
