Is Your Multivitamin Working? Why Healthmasters’ Ultimate Multiple Powder Stands Out

Many people take multivitamin powders and capsules hoping to fill nutrient gaps. Unfortunately, large studies show that most mass‑market multivitamins don’t deliver the benefits consumers expect. A long‑term randomized trial in more than 5,000 male physicians (65 years or older) found no difference in cognitive decline or performance between a daily multivitamin and placebo, suggesting that standard supplements do not improve brain health [1].

The researchers noted that a limitation of the study was that the doses of the vitamins could have been too low or the physicians may have been too well-nourished to benefit from the multivitamin [1], (the latter of which is unlikely).

A 2019 umbrella review of dietary supplements reported that multivitamins, antioxidants and iron showed no significant effect on mortality or cardiovascular disease outcomes, while omega-3 and folate supplementation could reduce risk for some cardiovascular outcomes in adults [2]. Importantly, the researchers noted that their findings were limited by the lower-than-optimal quality of available data.

These disappointing results are partly due to the poor quality of ingredients used by many conglomerate producers; synthetic forms of nutrients are less bioavailable, and minerals often come as cheap salts that are poorly absorbed.

This article explains why generic multivitamins fall short and introduces Healthmasters’ Ultimate Multiple Powder, a comprehensive blend that uses activated nutrients and mineral chelates to maximize absorption. We will review independent research on the forms of vitamins and minerals used in this formula and show how they are different from the synthetic ingredients found in typical multivitamins.

The Problems with Generic Multivitamins

Large manufacturers often use synthetic forms of vitamins and the cheapest mineral salts in their multivitamins. For example, the most common vitamin E in generic supplements is dl‑α‑tocopherol, a synthetic mixture containing eight different stereoisomers. Only half of these isomers are biologically active, making synthetic vitamin E less bioavailable than the natural RRR‑α‑tocopherol found in plant sources [3].

Similarly, many multivitamins rely on magnesium oxide or zinc oxide, which are inexpensive but poorly absorbed salts. Likewise, synthetic folic acid must be converted to the active 5‑MTHF form before the body can use it, and genetic variants (such as MTHFR polymorphisms) can impair this conversion.

Poor ingredient choices help explain why large trials see little benefit. Multivitamins with unactivated B vitamins, poorly absorbed minerals and synthetic vitamin E may pass through the body without raising nutrient status. Some formulations even contain fillers or artificial colors that offer no nutritional value. In contrast, Healthmasters’ Ultimate Multiple Powder takes a different approach.

What Makes Healthmasters’ Ultimate Multiple Powder Different?

Ultimate Multiple Powder is designed for maximum bioavailability. It uses natural, activated vitamin forms and highly absorbable mineral chelates. Key features include:

• Zinc bisglycinate chelate – a form of zinc bound to two glycine molecules to enhance absorption.
• Folate as 5‑MTHF (Quatrefolic®) – the biologically active form of folate that bypasses MTHFR polymorphisms and directly participates in methylation reactions.
• Vitamin B12 as methylcobalamin – the coenzyme form used by the brain and nervous system.
• Magnesium as di‑magnesium malate – an organic salt of magnesium and malic acid that is gentler on the stomach and more bioavailable than magnesium oxide.
• Natural vitamin E (d‑α‑tocopherol succinate) – derived from plants, not synthetic all‑racemic mixtures.
• Balanced doses of vitamin D3, vitamin C, and a full spectrum of B vitamins to support energy production, immunity and detoxification.

Below we review peer‑reviewed research supporting these ingredient choices.

Evidence Behind the Ingredients

Superior Mineral Chelates: Zinc Bisglycinate and Magnesium Malate

Zinc is essential for immune function, wound healing and hormone balance, yet many people consume zinc oxide in generic multivitamins. A randomized crossover study comparing 15 mg of elemental zinc from bisglycinate versus gluconate found that zinc bisglycinate produced significantly higher serum zinc levels and had 43.4 % greater bioavailability [4].

This chelate binds zinc to two glycine molecules, allowing the body to absorb it like a protein and minimizing gastrointestinal upset. The authors concluded that bisglycinate is more efficiently absorbed than commonly used gluconate forms.

Magnesium plays roles in more than 600 enzymatic reactions, including DNA synthesis, muscle contraction and energy production [5]. Unfortunately, cheap magnesium oxide has very low solubility.

A review in Nutrients noted that organic magnesium salts (aspartate, citrate, lactate, chloride and malate) are generally more bioavailable than inorganic forms like oxide or sulfate [6]. Di‑magnesium malate combines magnesium with malic acid—a Krebs cycle intermediate—to improve absorption and support energy metabolism.

Activated Folate: 5‑MTHF vs. Folic Acid

Folic acid must be converted to 5‑methyltetrahydrofolate (5‑MTHF) before it can enter the folate cycle. However, many people have polymorphisms (or mutations) in the MTHFR gene that limit this conversion.

A 2022 review explained that 5‑MTHF supplementation is unaffected by MTHFR polymorphisms and is the preferred option for individuals with these gene variants [7]. A clinical review noted that Quatrefolic (a patented form of 5‑MTHF) reduced homocysteine levels more effectively and raised blood 5‑MTHF concentrations higher than folic acid [7] [8]. With 5‑MTHF, Ultimate Multiple Powder ensures that folate is available for methylation and neurotransmitter synthesis regardless of genetic differences.

Active Vitamin B12: Methylcobalamin

Vitamin B12 is vital for nerve function, red blood cell formation and homocysteine metabolism. Many supplements contain cyanocobalamin, which must be converted to methylcobalamin in the body. A meta‑analysis of randomized controlled trials on patients with diabetic neuropathy found that vitamin B12 supplementation significantly improved neuropathic symptoms and reduced pain scores [9]. Methylcobalamin is the biologically active form used by nerve cells, and some clinicians prefer it because it does not require conversion and may accumulate better in nervous tissue as compared to its synthetic counterpart, cyanococalamin.

Natural Vitamin E vs. Synthetic

Natural vitamin E (RRR‑α‑tocopherol) contains only the stereoisomers that the body recognizes. Synthetic vitamin E (all‑rac‑α‑tocopherol) is a mixture of eight stereoisomers, half of which are not usable by the body, making synthetic vitamin E less bioavailable [3]. Healthmasters uses natural d‑α‑tocopherol succinate, ensuring that the full dose is biologically active. Vitamin E acts as a chain‑breaking antioxidant that protects cell membranes from lipid peroxidation and works synergistically with vitamin C to regenerate itself [3].

Magnesium’s Broader Role and Synergy with Vitamin D3

Magnesium deficiency is widespread and often undetected because serum magnesium levels reflect only 0.3 % of total body stores [6]. Magnesium serves as a cofactor for hundreds of enzymes and is vital for DNA/RNA synthesis, antioxidant defenses and energy production [6].

Adequate magnesium also supports vitamin D metabolism; studies have shown that magnesium helps activate vitamin D and that individuals with higher magnesium intake have lower risk of vitamin D deficiency [6]. Using di‑magnesium malate in the powder ensures better absorption while avoiding the laxative effects of magnesium oxide.

Vitamin D3 for Bone Health and Beyond

Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) supports bone mineralization, immune function and mood. A recent review noted that weekly supplementation with 20,000 IU of vitamin D3 slowed the decline in femoral neck bone mineral density compared with placebo, suggesting a protective effect against age‑related bone loss by keeping calcium in the bone [10]. Vitamin D3 enhances calcium and phosphorus absorption and works with vitamin K2 to direct calcium into bones and away from arteries [10].

Magnesium and Cardiovascular Health

Maintaining adequate magnesium helps balance calcium levels and supports heart rhythm. A study of over 532,000 individuals found an inverse association between dietary magnesium intake and risk of cardiovascular events, with the greatest risk reduction when intake increased from 150 mg to 400 mg per day [6]. Magnesium also helps maintain vitamin D activity and supports bone density, making the combination of di‑magnesium malate and vitamin D3 in Ultimate Multiple Powder particularly synergistic.

Conclusion

Generic multivitamins often fail to improve health because they use cheap, poorly absorbed ingredients. Synthetic vitamin E provides only half the usable stereoisomers, zinc oxide and magnesium oxide have low bioavailability, and folic acid may not be converted to active 5‑MTHF in people with common genetic variants.

Healthmasters' Ultimate Multiple Powder is different. It incorporates zinc bisglycinate, di‑magnesium malate, 5‑MTHF folate, methylcobalamin and natural vitamin E, and delivers nutrients in forms the body can use immediately. Research shows these forms are better absorbed and more effective than the synthetic ingredients found in typical multivitamins. In addition, balanced amounts of vitamin D3, vitamin C and other B vitamins support bone health, immunity and energy production.

In short, not all multivitamins are created equal. Large trials of generic supplements show little benefit. Healthmasters’ Ultimate Multiple Powder stands out by using clinically tested, bioavailable forms of vitamins and minerals that work together to support optimal health. For those who want a multivitamin that actually delivers, the science suggests that ingredient quality makes all the difference.

References

[1] Grodstein, F., O'Brien, J., Kang, J. H., Dushkes, R., Cook, N. R., Okereke, O., Manson, J. E., Glynn, R. J., Buring, J. E., Gaziano, M., & Sesso, H. D. (2013). Long-term multivitamin supplementation and cognitive function in men: a randomized trial. Annals of internal medicine, 159(12), 806–814. https://doi.org/10.7326/0003-4819-159-12-201312170-00006

[2] Khan, S. U., Khan, M. U., Riaz, H., Valavoor, S., Zhao, D., Vaughan, L., Okunrintemi, V., Riaz, I. B., Khan, M. S., Kaluski, E., Murad, M. H., Blaha, M. J., Guallar, E., & Michos, E. D. (2019). Effects of Nutritional Supplements and Dietary Interventions on Cardiovascular Outcomes: An Umbrella Review and Evidence Map. Annals of internal medicine, 171(3), 190–198. https://doi.org/10.7326/M19-0341

[3] Oregon State University. (2019, January 2). Vitamin E. Linus Pauling Institute. https://lpi.oregonstate.edu/mic/vitamins/vitamin-E

[4] Gandia, P., Bour, D., Maurette, J. M., Donazzolo, Y., Duchène, P., Béjot, M., & Houin, G. (2007). A bioavailability study comparing two oral formulations containing zinc (Zn bis-glycinate vs. Zn gluconate) after a single administration to twelve healthy female volunteers. International journal for vitamin and nutrition research. Internationale Zeitschrift fur Vitamin- und Ernahrungsforschung. Journal international de vitaminologie et de nutrition, 77(4), 243–248. https://doi.org/10.1024/0300-9831.77.4.243

[5] Caspi, R., Altman, T., Dreher, K., Fulcher, C. A., Subhraveti, P., Keseler, I. M., Kothari, A., Krummenacker, M., Latendresse, M., Mueller, L. A., Ong, Q., Paley, S., Pujar, A., Shearer, A. G., Travers, M., Weerasinghe, D., Zhang, P., & Karp, P. D. (2012). The MetaCyc database of metabolic pathways and enzymes and the BioCyc collection of pathway/genome databases. Nucleic acids research, 40(Database issue), D742–D753. https://doi.org/10.1093/nar/gkr1014

[6] Razzaque M. S. (2018). Magnesium: Are We Consuming Enough?. Nutrients, 10(12), 1863. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu10121863

[7] Carboni L. (2022). Active Folate Versus Folic Acid: The Role of 5-MTHF (Methylfolate) in Human Health. Integrative medicine (Encinitas, Calif.), 21(3), 36–41. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35999905/

[8] Dell'Edera, D., Sarlo, F., Allegretti, A., Epifania, A. A., Simone, F., Lupo, M. G., Benedetto, M., D'Apice, M. R., & Capalbo, A. (2017). Prevention of neural tube defects and maternal gestational diabetes through the inositol supplementation: preliminary results. European review for medical and pharmacological sciences, 21(14), 3305–3311. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28770950/

[9] Karedath, J., Batool, S., Arshad, A., Khalique, S., Raja, S., Lal, B., Anirudh Chunchu, V., & Hirani, S. (2022). The Impact of Vitamin B12 Supplementation on Clinical Outcomes in Patients With Diabetic Neuropathy: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. Cureus, 14(11), e31783. https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.31783

[10] Ortiz-Prado, E., Vasconez-Gonzalez, J., Izquierdo-Condoy, J. S., Suárez-Sangucho, I. A., Prieto-Marín, J. G., Villarreal-Burbano, K. B., Barriga-Collantes, M. A., Altamirano-Castillo, J. A., Borja-Mendoza, D. A., Pazmiño-Almeida, J. C., & Cadena-Padilla, M. P. (2025). Cholecalciferol (vitamin D3): efficacy, safety, and implications in public health. Frontiers in nutrition, 12, 1579957. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnut.2025.1579957

*The matters discussed in this article are for informational purposes only and not medical advice. Please consult your healthcare practitioner on the matters discussed herein.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Healthmasters' products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.