Ditch your multivitamin and dig into plants instead

THE TRUTH ABOUT MULTIVITAMINS

Little capsules filled with big promises; more energy, better sleep, brighter skin, longer life, less chance of heart disease, cancer cure, we could go on. However, research is showing that these do-it-all pills are actually filled with, well not much. More of an empty promise than a silver bullet for a healthy life.

Recent clinical studies show that traditional multivitamin supplements don’t actually help prevent disease or improve long-term health. However, despite millions of people popping vitamins everyday a growing body of research is emerging that reveals an alarming lack of evidence into multivitamins having any sort of health benefit at all. One major 10-year trial involving adults over 45 found that unless there’s a specific need (like pregnancy, vegan diets or iron deficiency) multivitamins didn’t reduce the risk of adverse health outcomes such as heart disease and cancer.

So, have we just been sold a load of cods (liver) wallop? Basically, yes. Sorry. "Unless you have an actual deficiency that needs addressing or have a problem absorbing nutrients, then taking a multivitamin won’t do anything,” explains Dr Federica Amati, Medical Scientist and nutritionist. “Multivitamins just don’t have enough of the right vitamins.” However, she is keen to point out one important caveat, “you can’t deny the placebo effect of multivitamins, if they make you feel better then by all means continue.”

 So, what’s the solution?

INDI BODY IS BETTER THAN A MULTIVITAMIN 

You’re much better off getting your vitamins and minerals from whole food sources. Vitamins and minerals are found in abundance in all fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, legumes, whole grains, herbs and spices. That’s why eating a diverse range of plants is so important for long-term health.

That said, Dr Linia Patel (INDI’s Head of Nutrition) explains that “in an ideal world, we would get all the vitamins and minerals we need from food alone. However, modern living often leaves us falling short on essential nutrients. Two of the most common nutrition challenges we see on a public health level are a low fibre intake and a lack of variety in plant-based compounds.”

While multivitamins take a blanket approach, INDI isn’t trying to plug a gap that doesn’t exist. Instead, INDI Body was created to improve the health needs of the majority of people via the nutrients that we all require more of: fibre and plant phytonutrients.

“INDI Body fills the nutritional gaps that I see time and again in clinical practice, gaps that most traditional multivitamins simply don’t address,” says Dr Linia.

SO WHAT'S IN INDI BODY?

Body is rich in many essential vitamins and minerals, including vitamin D3, vitamin C and all 8 essential B vitamins, as well as prebiotic fibre, probiotics and polyphenols.

FIBRE AND POLYPHENOLS

“Everybody needs and benefits from a diet high in fibre,” says Talia Engel, INDI's in-house nutritionist, "and yet 96% of people globally don’t get enough of the stuff". Fibre is crucial for digestion, blood sugar control, heart health and weight management, but it’s also one of the best ways to nourish our gut microbiome. 

A gut full of fibre is a gut full of goodness, so instead of reaching for the multivitamins, add a whole food supplement into your diet that is rich in fibre.

Body is packed full of fibre (5.4g per serving), but the real benefit lies in the quality and diversity of that fibre. It comes from a wide range of nutrient-dense plants — including blueberry, oat, acai, chicory root, maca root and moringa leaf — helping to support a diverse and healthy gut microbiome. At INDI, none of the good stuff is synthesised; nutritious plants are simply powdered down so the nutrients are delivered in their most natural, bioavailable form. 

It also contains plant phytonutrients from purple carrots, haskap berry, acai berry, moringa, blueberry, turmeric & black pepper, maca, reishi mushroom and green kiwi. “Polyphenols help reduce oxidative stress and inflammation, support overall resilience, and reduce the risk of chronic diseases like cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and cancer,” explains Dr Linia Patel. 

VITAMIN D

Vitamin D plays a vital role in bone and dental health, muscle function, immune support, and even mood. According to the National Diet and Nutrition Survey (2019–2023), approximately 1 in 5 adults had low vitamin D levels.

While some vitamin D can be obtained through food, it's typically not enough to meet daily needs. That’s why government guidelines recommend that everyone take a vitamin D supplement—especially individuals who are housebound, spend most of their time indoors, or have darker skin, which can reduce the body’s ability to produce vitamin D from sunlight. Even during sunny weather, supplementing with vitamin D is advised.

INDI Body contains 25 micrograms, more than enough and Gut Bars contain 5 micrograms, which is half the recommended amount. 

B VITAMINS

B vitamins are not stored in the body meaning you need to get them from your diet. They are found in foods like meat, eggs, dairy, leafy greens, and legumes. Vegans and vegetarians often miss out on B12, plus chronic stress and alcohol consumption can deplete B vitamin levels even further. Supplementing with a methylated, food-based B complex can help support energy levels, mood, adrenal health, and cognitive function.

Body contains all 8 essential B vitamins your body needs daily: B1 (thiamine), B2 (riboflavin), B3 (niacin), B5 (calcium d-pantothenate), B6 (pyridoxine), B7 (d-biotin), B9 (l-methyl folate), and B12 (methylcobalamin)).