Hands holding multivitamin capsule with glowing minerals.

Decoding Your Daily Dose: Are You Getting the Right Minerals from Your Supplements?

Reese Marlowe in Health & Wellness June 2025 • 4 min read.

"A comprehensive look at the mineral content in popular multivitamins and minerals in South Korea and what it means for your health."

In today's health-conscious world, dietary supplements are more popular than ever. We're all striving to bridge nutritional gaps and boost our well-being, but are we truly getting what we need from those multivitamins and minerals (MVMs) sitting in our cabinets? A recent study sheds light on this question, diving deep into the mineral content of popular supplements in South Korea. This analysis offers insights applicable to anyone seeking to optimize their supplement routine.

The study meticulously examined ninety commonly sold MVM supplements, scrutinizing their labels and online information to uncover the types and amounts of minerals they contain. These findings were then compared against the Korean Dietary Reference Intakes (DRIs), providing a clear picture of whether these supplements align with recommended daily needs. While focused on the South Korean market, the core issues of mineral balance and supplement effectiveness are universal.

Think of this article as your guide to understanding the often-overlooked world of mineral supplementation. We'll explore the key findings of the study, break down what those percentages on the label really mean, and empower you to make smarter choices about your daily vitamin regimen. Whether you're a seasoned supplement user or just starting to explore the options, this information will help you optimize your health and ensure you're getting the right balance of essential minerals.

Key Mineral Findings: What's Really Inside Your Multivitamin?

Hands holding multivitamin capsule with glowing minerals.

The research uncovered a fascinating range of mineral profiles within the MVM supplements. On average, each supplement contained about 4.7 minerals, with prices averaging around $41.3 per bottle (approximately $0.9 per day). The study identified 14 different minerals across all supplements, including well-known essentials like calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium, as well as trace minerals such as selenium and chromium.

However, the real story lies in the varying amounts of each mineral and how they stack up against recommended daily intakes. Here’s a breakdown of some key findings:

Calcium: Often found in the lowest quantities compared to recommendations, averaging only 34% of the recommended intake (RI).
Chromium: Frequently exceeded recommendations, reaching as high as 218.7% of the adequate intake (AI).
Zinc, Copper, and Selenium: Also tended to be present in amounts exceeding the RI or AI levels.
Mineral Variance: Significant differences in mineral content were observed among different brands and formulations.

These findings highlight the importance of carefully reading labels and understanding the specific mineral content of your chosen supplement. Not all multivitamins are created equal, and some may provide excessive amounts of certain minerals while falling short on others. This is where the comparison against DRIs becomes crucial.

Making Informed Choices: A Path to Balanced Supplementation

The study underscores the need for greater public awareness regarding the selection and use of MVM supplements. Before reaching for that bottle, take a moment to assess your individual needs, consider your dietary habits, and carefully evaluate the mineral content of the supplement. Consulting with a healthcare professional or registered dietitian can provide personalized guidance, ensuring you achieve a balanced and effective supplementation strategy. Remember, optimal health is about informed choices, and that starts with understanding what you're putting into your body.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.7762/cnr.2018.7.4.248, Alternate LINK

Title: Evaluation Of Mineral Contents Of Multi-Vitamin And Minerals Currently Sold In South Korea

Subject: General Earth and Planetary Sciences

Journal: Clinical Nutrition Research

Publisher: Korean Society of Clinical Nutrition

Authors: Mi-Kyeong Choi, Eun-Sun Park, Mi-Hyun Kim

Published: 2018-01-01

Everything You Need To Know

What was the primary goal of the multivitamin and mineral (MVM) supplement study conducted in South Korea?

A recent study in South Korea examined ninety commonly sold multivitamin and mineral (MVM) supplements. It analyzed their labels and online information to determine the types and amounts of minerals they contain. These amounts were then compared against the Korean Dietary Reference Intakes (DRIs) to evaluate how well the supplements align with recommended daily needs. The aim was to understand if consumers are truly getting the right balance of essential minerals from their supplements.

What were some of the key mineral findings identified in the South Korean multivitamin and mineral (MVM) supplement study?

The study found that the average supplement contained approximately 4.7 minerals. Key minerals identified included calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, selenium, and chromium. Calcium was often present in the lowest quantities compared to recommendations, while chromium, zinc, copper, and selenium frequently exceeded the recommended or adequate intake levels. There were also significant differences in mineral content among different brands and formulations, highlighting the need for careful label reading.

How did the study portray the calcium levels typically found in multivitamins relative to recommended intake (RI)? What are the implications?

The study revealed that calcium was often found in the lowest quantities, averaging only 34% of the recommended intake (RI). This suggests that many multivitamins may not provide sufficient calcium to meet daily needs, potentially impacting bone health and other bodily functions where calcium plays a crucial role. Individuals relying solely on these supplements may need to consider additional calcium sources.

What did the study discover regarding chromium levels in multivitamins, and what are the potential concerns associated with exceeding adequate intake (AI)?

The study indicated that chromium frequently exceeded recommendations, reaching as high as 218.7% of the adequate intake (AI). While chromium is essential for glucose metabolism, excessive intake could pose potential health risks over time. It is important to note that exceeding the recommended intake of certain minerals may lead to imbalances or adverse effects, emphasizing the need for careful consideration of supplement content.

Based on the research, what steps can individuals take to make more informed choices about their multivitamin and mineral (MVM) supplementation and ensure they achieve a balanced intake?

To ensure balanced supplementation, it's important to assess individual needs, consider dietary habits, and carefully evaluate the mineral content of supplements by reading labels. Consulting with a healthcare professional or registered dietitian can offer personalized guidance, helping to create an effective supplementation strategy. The study underscores that informed choices are essential for optimizing health and ensuring the right balance of essential minerals.