Greens Powder vs Multivitamin: Direct Comparison
Greens powders and multivitamins both have their unique advantages. Below, we’ve walked you through the benefits of both compared to their alternative.
Benefits of Greens Powders
First of all, let’s take a quick look at the benefits of greens powders vs multivitamins.
Don’t worry we’ll look at the other side afterwards as well.
1. Whole-Food Sourced Ingredients
One of the standout features of greens powders is that they are often sourced from whole foods. This means that the nutrients you get are in a form that your body recognises and can utilise more efficiently. Whole-food-based supplements tend to be more bioavailable, meaning that your body can absorb and use these nutrients more effectively than the isolated forms found in multivitamins.
2. Variety in Beneficial Nutrients
Greens powders offer a wide variety of beneficial nutrients beyond just vitamins and minerals. These include:
- Adaptogens: Ingredients like ashwagandha, reishi and shiitake mushrooms found in some greens powders can help your body adapt to stress and improve overall well-being.
- Antioxidants: Ingredients such as green tea extract and berries are rich in antioxidants, which help combat oxidative stress and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
- Probiotics and Digestive Enzymes: Many greens powders include probiotics and digestive enzymes to support gut health, which is crucial for nutrient absorption and overall health.
- Superfoods: Greens like spirulina and chlorella are nutrient powerhouses, offering protein, essential fatty acids, and a host of vitamins and minerals in their natural form.
For example, ingredients like Ashwagandha will help you feel less stressed. And with a greens powder like Verve V80, you have 80 ingredients that all serve their purpose and have over 200+ science-backed health benefits.
One of the most important factors when it comes to choosing greens (and getting this benefit) is that you choose a brand like Verve that’s 100% transparent. A lot of greens brands will just include small amounts of the most beneficial ingredients (because they’re more expensive!) and then hide the ingredient weights through a proprietary blend.
With Verve, you can be certain 100% certain about what’s inside, because we’re fully transparent of every single ingredient, and its dosage.
3. More Health Benefits
Because of the comprehensive blend of ingredients, greens powders can offer a wider range of health benefits compared to multivitamins. These benefits often include improved digestion, enhanced immune function, increased energy levels, and better skin health. The combination of adaptogens, antioxidants, probiotics, and superfoods contributes to a holistic approach to well-being.
While essential vitamins do have purposes for various body functions, Greens Powders simply offer so much more.
Benefits of Multivitamins
Now that we’ve taken a look at the benefits of greens powder, let’s do the same for multivitamins.
1. Convenience
Multivitamins are incredibly convenient. They are easy to take, usually requiring just one pill a day to cover a broad spectrum of essential nutrients.
This makes them (slightly) more convenient than greens powders, because you don’t need your shaker or to clean it after. However, this really is just a minor, and compared to most alternatives greens powders are the more convenient choice; it’s just in comparison with a pill.
Plus, most of us would argue a tasty greens drink full of goodness just feels better.
2. Targeted Nutrient Support
If you have specific deficiencies or are looking to target particular health concerns, multivitamins can be formulated to meet those needs. For example, prenatal vitamins are tailored to support pregnancy, while others may be designed to boost immunity or improve bone health.
Most greens powders aren’t designed for a specific purpose such as pregnancy, so if that’s something you’re looking for - it may be worth shopping around for the right multivitamin.
3. More Transparent (Than Most Greens Brands)
Before we make this point, we do want to point out that transparent greens are a thing, Verve V80 in particular is transparent and the most nutrient-dense formulation on the market.
However, the truth is that most greens brands aren’t.
This distinct need for transparency in the greens space is the reason why Verve was born because it makes it pretty difficult for consumers to know what they’re consuming. With the vast majority of green brands, you’re consuming a ‘Health Drink’, but have no idea how close you are to hitting your vitamin intake goals. Not ideal.
Meaning, compared to most greens drinks, multivitamins are more transparent.
Can You Combine Them?
Usually the answer is no.
It also wouldn’t really make sense, since they target similar nutrient deficiencies.
Most likely it would lead to nutrient overdosages, which can be pretty unpleasant or even outright dangerous.
For example, Verve covers 100% NRV of your essential vitamin intake, and a lot of multivitamins do too (or get close), so the risk of overdosing (even if slightly) is quite high, and ultimately unnecessary.
You’d be much better off just going with one of the options; and from a health standpoint, Verve V80 offers much more than Multivitamin.
Why Greens Powders May Be a Better Choice
Overall, unless you’re looking for targeted support (eg; during pregnancy, etc.), greens powders are the better choice. Here’s why.
1. Holistic Nutritional Support
While multivitamins provide a wide array of essential nutrients, greens powders go beyond the basics by including adaptogens, antioxidants, probiotics, and other superfoods. This means you're getting a holistic approach to nutrition that supports not just your physical health but also your mental and emotional well-being.
2. Natural and Bioavailable
Greens powders are often more natural and bioavailable compared to synthetic multivitamins. The body can more easily recognise and utilise the nutrients derived from whole foods, making greens powders a more effective option for many people.
3. Enhanced Gut Health
The inclusion of probiotics and digestive enzymes in many greens powders offers an added benefit that multivitamins typically don't provide. A healthy gut is crucial for overall health, influencing everything from digestion to immune function and even mood.
4. Versatility
Greens powders can be easily incorporated into various recipes, such as smoothies, shakes, and even baked goods. This versatility makes it easier to stick to your supplementation routine and enjoy it at the same time.
Related: Best Supergreens Powders UK
Greens Powder vs Multivitamins: Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about Greens Powder vs Multivitamins. But if yours isn’t covered, make sure to ask in our community discussion section.
Is multivitamin or greens powder better?
Greens powders take the crown in the direct comparison because they offer whole-food sourced ingredients, a larger variety of nutrients and therefore more health benefits. In terms of cost, multivitamins are usually more economical, so if you’re on a budget and are just looking for a boost in vitamins, they can be a good choice.
Can you take green powder with multivitamins?
Technically yes, but the risk of overdosing certain nutrients is quite high, as we outlined earlier. Instead, we’d recommend opting for a greens powder like Verve V80 that covers 100% of your vitamin intake and is also fully transparent so you know the dosages you’re putting in the body.
Are green powders actually effective?
Yes, green powders are effective. They offer a concentrated source of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and other beneficial nutrients derived from whole foods. Many people find that incorporating greens powders into their diet helps boost energy levels, improve digestion, and support overall health. However, effectiveness can vary based on the quality of the product. Look for transparency to ensure you’re getting the nutrients you need and aren’t relying on blind trust.
What are the top 3 most important vitamins?
The top three most important vitamins often cited for overall health are:
- Vitamin D: Crucial for bone health and immune function.
- Vitamin C: Essential for immune support and skin health.
- Vitamin B12: Important for energy production and neurological function.
These vitamins play vital roles in maintaining various bodily functions and overall well-being. However, all essential vitamins are… essential, so you should try to hit them in your diet.
