Why Multivitamins Don’t Work — And How to Fix It

Walk into any store and you’ll see shelves of multivitamins promising more energy, better immunity, and glowing health. But here’s the truth: why multivitamins don’t work for most people has less to do with what’s on the label—and everything to do with how your body absorbs them.

The truth is, not all multivitamins are created equal. Most of the popular, mass-produced options are made with cheap fillers, synthetic ingredients, and nutrient forms your body can barely absorb. So even if you’re “taking your vitamins,” your body might not be getting much at all.

In this post, we’ll break down why the quality of your multivitamin matters more than you think—and how it could be the key to making every other supplement you take actually work.

1. Not All Multivitamins Are Created Equal

Just because it says “multivitamin” on the label doesn’t mean it’s helping your health.

Most of the vitamins found in big box stores are designed to be affordable, not effective. They’re full of synthetic ingredients, artificial dyes, and low-grade fillers like magnesium stearate or titanium dioxide. These additives not only add no benefit—they may actually make it harder for your body to absorb the nutrients.

If you’re buying a $10 multivitamin and expecting it to power your body, you might just be making expensive urine. The nutrients are there on the label, but not in forms your body can actually use.

What to Look for in a Multivitamin:

Methylated B vitamins (like methylcobalamin for B12)
Chelated minerals (more bioavailable than standard forms)
Capsule delivery (easier to digest than compressed tablets)
Third-party testing for purity and potency
Free from synthetic dyes, coatings, or unnecessary fillers

One brand I trust is Pure Encapsulations. It’s used in clinical environments, made with clean ingredients, and formulated for absorption—not just shelf appeal.

2. Absorption Is Everything—and Most People Overlook It

Taking a daily multivitamin is a smart move — but it’s only part of the equation. For your body to truly benefit from any supplement, your gut needs to be functioning at its best.

That’s because the small intestine is where most nutrient absorption happens. If your gut is inflamed, imbalanced, or lacking the right bacteria, even the best-formulated supplements can pass through unused.

This is where probiotics and prebiotics come in. A healthy microbiome supports digestion, strengthens the gut lining, and helps break down nutrients so they can actually be absorbed. Prebiotics — the fiber that feeds your good bacteria — are just as essential for maintaining that balance.

I’ve found that when I prioritized gut health with the right probiotic, added prebiotic fiber, and supported digestion with key herbs and enzymes, my supplements finally started to make a noticeable difference.

If your multivitamin doesn’t seem to be doing much, it might not be the product — it might be your gut.

3. Could Parasites Be Blocking Your Absorption?

Parasites might sound like a far-off problem—but in reality, many people are unknowingly affected. In the U.S. alone, over 60 million people may be carrying parasites without symptoms. These unwanted guests can feed on your nutrients, inflame your gut, and disrupt your ability to absorb the vitamins and minerals you’re taking every day.

Even if you’re eating clean and using high-quality supplements, your body might not benefit if your gut isn’t functioning properly.

Common signs of a parasite imbalance include:

Bloating after meals
Constant sugar cravings
Persistent fatigue or brain fog
Difficulty absorbing iron or B vitamins
Unexplained skin issues or sensitivities
Feeling “off” even with a healthy lifestyle

If you’re dealing with bloating, fatigue, or poor absorption, it might be time to reset your gut from the inside out. I walk through the full protocol—herbs, enzymes, and timing—in my Parasite Cleanse Guide. It’s a powerful seasonal reset that helps clear the path for better digestion and nutrient absorption.

4. Don’t Stack Supplements Without a Solid Foundation

With so many trendy supplements on the market—magnesium, collagen, adaptogens, greens powders—it’s tempting to build a large supplement stack quickly.

But if your body doesn’t have the foundational nutrients it needs, those add-ons won’t work the way they should.

That foundation is a quality multivitamin.

A Multivitamin Supports:

Energy metabolism through B-complex vitamins
Immune defense with Vitamin D, C, and Zinc
Hormone regulation via Magnesium, Iodine, and Selenium
Cellular repair and detox through methylated nutrients and antioxidants

Many people feel let down by supplements, but the truth is: if you’re building on a weak foundation or your body isn’t absorbing properly, it’s no surprise the results fall short.

Start with a multivitamin that works—then build from there.

Why I Trust Pure Encapsulations O.N.E. Multivitamin

Pure Encapsulations O.N.E. Multivitamin is the only multivitamin I take daily because it’s designed for real absorption and real results. It includes activated B vitamins, antioxidants, and chelated minerals—minerals bound to amino acids so your body can absorb and use them more easily. It also contains CoQ10, which supports energy production at the cellular level and helps protect your heart and brain. There are no fillers, artificial dyes, gluten, or soy—just clean, medical-grade ingredients that support energy, focus, immune health, and overall balance. If you’re serious about your wellness routine, this is the multivitamin to build your foundation on.

My Recommended Starter Stack for Daily Support and Better Absorption

If you’re ready to upgrade your wellness routine but want to keep it simple, here’s a basic starter stack I recommend. These are the five essentials I personally use and trust to build a solid nutritional foundation:

1. Pure Encapsulations O.N.E. Multivitamin
A clinical-grade multivitamin with bioavailable forms of essential nutrients. No dyes or synthetic fillers.

2. High-Quality Probiotic (Raw Probiotics)
Raw Probiotics are essential if you want your gut to function at its best. They help balance your microbiome, support immunity, improve digestion, and boost nutrient absorption—so every other supplement you take actually works. A healthy gut isn’t optional—it’s the foundation.

3. Omega-3 Fish Oil (Triglyceride Form or Algae-Based)
Omega-3s are essential for brain health, inflammation balance, mood, and cardiovascular support. Most people don’t get enough from food alone—and many cheap fish oils are oxidized or hard to absorb. Look for a triglyceride-form EPA/DHA or go plant-based with algae-derived omegas if you’re vegan. I recommend Nordic Naturals Ultimate Omega or Pure Encapsulations EPA/DHA Essentials – Fish Oil Concentrate.

4. Pure Encapsulations Magnesium (Glycinate)
Magnesium glycinate is one of the most bioavailable forms of magnesium—essential for stress reduction, muscle recovery, sleep quality, and optimal nerve function. It’s a foundational mineral that most people are unknowingly deficient in.

5. Prebiotic Fiber (Inulin, Acacia, or Synbiotic Blend)
Around 95% of Americans don’t consume enough fiber, and prebiotic fiber is one of the most crucial — yet most overlooked — types. It’s the fuel your good gut bacteria need to thrive. Prebiotics help your probiotics work better, supporting digestion, immunity, and even mood.

You can get prebiotics from foods like garlic, onions, oats, and bananas, but most people fall short. Supplementing with inulin, acacia fiber, or a synbiotic formula makes it easier to stay consistent — especially when paired with probiotics.

I recommend the Peak Performance Organic Prebiotic Fiber Supplement. It combines inulin, acacia fiber, and SunFiber in a clean capsule form — no added junk, and super easy to take with your other daily supplements.

View the full stack in one place here → Brundell Co. Essentials

Final Thoughts: Build From the Inside Out

It’s easy to get caught up in health trends. But at the end of the day, if your body doesn’t have the basic nutrients it needs, no supplement can truly work the way it should.

A high-quality multivitamin is more than just a checklist item. It’s the base layer of your entire wellness routine. Once you’ve got that foundation solid—along with a well-supported gut—you’ll finally get the results you’ve been chasing.

If you’re ready to stop guessing and start feeling a difference, begin with the essentials.

Fix Your Multivitamin Mistake and Finally Boost Your Energy