Compare Centrum Vitamins to Cooper Complete: What’s Different & Why
Orders received by noon typically ship same business day. Orders received by noon typically ship same business day.
Back

Learn How Centrum Vitamins Compare To Cooper Complete

Photo of an older man jogging in the mountains. Compare Centrum vitamins to Cooper Complete Nutritional Supplements

Multivitamins have come a long way from being viewed as a fitness fad. Today, they’re a regular part of many people’s health routines—about one in three American adults takes a multivitamin daily, according to national survey data†. While multivitamins may seem interchangeable, they’re not all the same. Nutrient forms, serving sizes, and vitamin levels can vary widely, even in single-tablet formulas. In this article, we compare Centrum® vitamins to Cooper Complete® multivitamins to highlight the differences and help you choose the right fit†.

h

Basic One Daily Multivitamin Iron Free

Basic One daily multivitamin contains methylated (5-MTHF) folate, vitamin B12, 50 mcg (2000 IU) vitamin D3, magnesium, zinc and other premium vitamins and minerals to support overall health.†

$29.98 Add to cart

Summary: Cooper Complete vs. Centrum Multivitamins: Not all multivitamins are the same. Cooper Complete multivitamins provide higher levels of key nutrients, such as vitamin D, B12, magnesium, and lycopene, compared to Centrum formulas. They also use active nutrient forms, such as methylcobalamin (B12) and Quatrefolic® (folate), while excluding ingredients like calcium and vitamin K when they may not be safe or effective for everyone. This article compares the vitamins, minerals, and antioxidant nutrients in Centrum and Cooper Complete side by side to help you choose the best multivitamin for your needs†.

Table of Contents

The Benefits of Taking a Multivitamin†

Multivitamins aren’t meant to replace healthy eating, but they can help fill nutritional gaps, even when we eat well†. As Kenneth H. Cooper, MD, MPH, notes in his 8 Healthy Steps to Get Cooperized™, it’s not just about taking supplements; it’s about taking the right supplements for your needs, goals, and lifestyle†.

Choosing the Right Multivitamin for You

Walking down the supplement aisle (or scrolling through an online marketplace like Amazon) can feel overwhelming. How do you choose the right multivitamin? Where do you even start when you look at the ingredients label? Do your eyes glaze over, and do you feel like you’re staring at a label packed with long, scientific names?

Typical Differences in Men’s and Women’s Multivitamins

While the labels of men’s and women’s multivitamins often differ in appearance, the actual ingredients and nutrient levels are typically quite similar. One key difference is iron; many women’s multivitamins contain it, while most men’s do not†. Typical differences:

  • Iron: Women’s formulas often include 18 mg (the RDA for premenopausal women); men’s typically omit iron to reduce the risk of excess.
  • Calcium, folate, biotin, and vitamin D: Some women’s formulas include slightly higher levels of these, especially in formulations specifically targeted to bone health, prenatals, or beauty.
  • Saw palmetto: Occasionally, this ingredient is seen in men’s formulas, particularly those marketed for prostate health.

Cooper Complete Approach: “Iron Free” and “With Iron” Multivitamins

Cooper Complete takes a different approach. Instead of separating by gender, we offer “Iron-Free” and “With Iron” versions of our multivitamins to better match individual needs, with the only change between the two multivitamins being the inclusion or exclusion of iron. This is because the nutrient profiles for men’s and women’s multivitamins are generally nearly identical. So who might need iron in their multivitamin?

h

Basic One Daily Multivitamin With Iron

This daily multivitamin with iron includes 18 mg of gentle Ferronyl® iron, methylated (5-MTHF) folate and B12, 50 mcg (2000 IU) vitamin D3, magnesium and zinc and other premium vitamins and minerals in amounts to support overall health.  

$29.98 Add to cart

  • Premenopausal women
  • Pregnant women
  • Vegetarians and vegans
  • Frequent blood donors
  • Those with inflammatory bowel diseases
  • Frequent antacid users†
  • Those who have undergone bariatric (weight-loss) surgery
  • Endurance athletes
  • Those with low iron levels, as identified through blood testing

Talk with your physician or health care provider about whether iron is appropriate for you.

Key Vitamins to Look for and Their Benefits

Always check the nutrition label of each multivitamin supplement and understand how each ingredient contributes to your wellness journey. The necessary levels of each element will vary based on gender, age, and health conditions.

Water-Soluble Vitamins and Their Benefits

Water-soluble vitamins are absorbed by tissues for immediate use by the body. They include vitamin C and the B vitamin family. The kidneys regulate levels and eliminate the excess. Because the body does not store these, we need a steady daily supply

  • Vitamin B1 (Thiamin): Helps the body convert food into energy and supports healthy nervous system function†.
  • Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin):Like Vitamin B1, it helps turn food into energy and supports eye and skin health†.
  • Vitamin B3 (Niacin): Supports metabolism, skin, nerves, and digestion†.
  • Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic Acid):Helps the body utilize the food consumed (carbohydrates, fats, and protein) as energy†. It also supports the production of hormones and red blood cells†.
  • Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine): Involved in over 100 enzyme reactions, and supports red blood cell production†.
  • Vitamin B7 (Biotin): Often called the “beauty vitamin,” biotin supports healthy hair, skin, and nails, and also supports healthy metabolism†.
  • Vitamin B9 (Folate): Needed for making DNA and new cells. Cooper Complete uses Quatrefolic®, an active form that’s easier for the body to use than synthetic folic acid†. Folate is essential for women who may become pregnant†.
  • Vitamin B12: Supports energy, helps make red blood cells, and keeps the nervous system healthy. Cooper Complete uses methylcobalamin (active form), while many mainstream brands like Centrum use cyanocobalamin (a synthetic form which the body must convert to the active form)†.
  • Vitamin C: An antioxidant that supports immune function, helps the body absorb iron, and plays a key role in collagen formation and wound healing†.
 

Compare Centrum Vitamins to Cooper Complete: Water-Soluble Vitamins (B-Complex and Vitamin C)
INGREDIENT Basic One Multi Centrum Adults Centrum Silver Adults Centrum MultiGummies Adults
Thiamin (Vit. B1) 1.5 mg 1.5 mg 1.5 mg –
Riboflavin (Vit. B2) 2 mg 1.7 mg 1.7 mg 0.26 mg
Niacin (Vit. B3) 20 mg 20 mg 20 mg 3.2 mg
Pantothenic Acid (Vit. B5) 10 mg 10 mg 10 mg 3 mg
Vit. B6 10 mg 2 mg 3 mg 1.6 mg
Biotin (Vit. B7) – 30 mcg 30 mcg 30 mcg
Folate (Vit. B9)* 333 mcg DFE (200 mcg as Quatrefolic®) 667 mcg DFE (400 mcg folic acid) 667 mcg DFE (400 mcg folic acid) 40 mcg DFE (24 mcg folic acid)
Vit. B12** 400 mcg (as methylcobalamin) 6 mcg (as cyanocobalamin) 25 mcg (as cyanocobalamin) 2.4 mcg (as cyanocobalamin)
Vitamin C 150 mg 60 mg 60 mg 30 mg

*A Note on Folate: Cooper Complete Basic One includes 200 mcg of Quatrefolic® (active folate). Many U.S. foods are already fortified with folic acid. Centrum lists 400 mcg of folic acid, which must be converted in the body, and not everyone converts efficiently†.

**Cooper Complete uses methylcobalamin (active B12). Centrum formulas list cyanocobalamin (synthetic), which the body must convert†.

Fat-Soluble Vitamins and Their Benefits

Fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, and K) are absorbed by fat and distributed through the bloodstream. The fat-soluble vitamins require stomach acid for proper absorption. Once absorbed, fat-soluble vitamins are stored in the liver and body fat for later use†.

  • Vitamin A: Supports vision, promotes cell growth and division, and the immune system†.
  • Vitamin D: Helps the body absorb calcium, keeps bones strong, and supports immune health†. Cooper Complete provides 2000 IU per tablet, compared with 1000 IU in Centrum products†.
  • Vitamin E: An antioxidant that protects cells and supports immunity†. Cooper Complete uses the natural form (d-alpha tocopheryl succinate), while Centrum products use the synthetic form (dl-alpha tocopheryl acetate)†.
  • Vitamin K: Supports normal blood clotting and bone health†. Centrum formulas include small amounts of vitamin K; Cooper Complete Basic One does not. This is intentional—vitamin K can interfere with the prescription blood thinner warfarin (Coumadin)†.
Compare Centrum Vitamins to Cooper Complete: Fat-Soluble Vitamins (A, D, E, K)
INGREDIENT Basic One Multi Centrum Adults Centrum Silver Adults Centrum MultiGummies Adults
Vitamin A** 600 mcg (as Beta-Carotene) 1,050 mcg (29% as Beta-Carotene) 750 mcg (40% as Beta-Carotene) 600 mcg (as vitamin A acetate)
Vitamin D 50 mcg (2000 IU) 25 mcg (1000 IU) 25 mcg (1000 IU) 25 mcg (1000 IU)
Vitamin E* 134 mg (as d-alpha tocopheryl succinate) 13.5 mg (as dl-alpha tocopheryl acetate) 22.5 mg (as dl-alpha tocopheryl acetate) 18 mg (as dl-alpha tocopheryl acetate)
Vitamin K – 25 mcg 30 mcg –

*Cooper Complete uses d-alpha tocopheryl succinate, the natural form of vitamin E. Centrum products use dl-alpha tocopheryl acetate, a synthetic form†.
**Vitamin A in Cooper Complete is 100% beta-carotene, while Centrum blends beta-carotene with preformed vitamin A (acetate)†.

How Minerals Help the Body

You’ve successfully checked the boxes of the fundamental vitamins, but what about minerals?

Minerals (Macrominerals)

  • Calcium: Builds and maintains strong bones and teeth; also supports muscles and nerves†. Not everyone should supplement with calcium, especially people with certain heart or kidney concerns. Cooper Complete intentionally leaves out calcium, encouraging you to obtain it from foods like dairy, leafy greens, and fortified products†.
  • Chloride: Works with sodium and potassium to help balance fluids in the body and support proper digestion†.
  • Magnesium: Important for muscles, nerves, and heart health. It also helps the body make protein and energy†.
  • Phosphorus: Helps build bones and teeth, and plays a role in how the body makes energy†. Meat, poultry, fish, eggs, and dairy products contain phosphorus, as do carbonated colas.
  • Potassium: Helps maintain normal fluid balance and supports healthy blood pressure†.
Compare Centrum Vitamins to Cooper Complete: Key Minerals (Calcium, Magnesium, Potassium, and More)
INGREDIENT Basic One Multi Centrum Adults Centrum Silver Adults Centrum MultiGummies Adults
Calcium  – 200 mg (as calcium carbonate) 220 mg (as calcium carbonate)  –
Chloride  – 72 mg 72 mg  –
Magnesium 200 mg 50 mg 50 mg  –
Phosphorus  – 20 mg 20 mg  –
Potassium – 80 mg 80 mg  –

A Note on Gummy Multivitamins: Gummy vitamins are popular because they taste good and are easy to take, but they come with trade-offs. To maintain their flavor and texture, gummies typically contain fewer minerals and lower amounts of many vitamins compared to tablets. This is why a gummy vitamin D or melatonin supplement can work well on its own, while a gummy multivitamin can’t realistically deliver the same nutrient levels as a tablet†.

Trace Minerals (Microminerals)

Trace minerals are also referred to as microminerals because the body requires them in small amounts.

  • Chromium: Helps the body use carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, and supports how insulin works†.
  • Copper: Needed for making red blood cells and supporting immune and nerve health†.
  • Iodine: Supports the thyroid, which regulates growth, development, and metabolism†. Food sources of iodine include seafood and iodized salt. Foods grown in iodine-rich soil will also contain iodine.
  • Iron: Helps carry oxygen in the blood and supports muscle function and energy†. When comparing Centrum vitamins, we’ve shown the Basic One With Iron Multivitamin, but the Basic One Iron Free is also available and does not contain iron, as most people do not require supplemental iron.
  • Manganese: Supports healthy bones and helps the body’s enzymes do their job. Manganese is a naturally occurring mineral found in many foods†.
  • Molybdenum: Helps enzymes break down some amino acids and other compounds†.
  • Selenium: An antioxidant found in meats, grains and seafood that helps protect cells and supports thyroid and immune function†.
  • Zinc: Supports the immune system, aids in wound healing, and is essential for taste and smell†.
Compare Centrum Vitamins to Cooper Complete: Trace Minerals (Chromium, Iron, Selenium, Zinc, and More)
INGREDIENT Basic One Multi Centrum Adults Centrum Silver Adults Centrum MultiGummies Adults
Chromium 100 mcg 35 mcg 50 mcg  –
Copper – 0.5 mg 0.5 mg  –
Iodine – 150 mcg 150 mcg 80 mcg
Iron 18 mg (as Ferronyl® iron) 18 mg (as ferrous fumarate)  –  –
Manganese  – 2.3 mg 2.3 mg –
Molybdenum  – 45 mcg 45 mcg  –
Selenium 100 mcg 55 mcg 19 mcg  –
Zinc  15 mg 11 mg 11 mg 5 mg

Beyond Vitamins and Minerals: Antioxidant Nutrients

Some nutrients don’t fall into the “letter vitamin” or mineral categories, but still play an important role in supporting health†.

  • Lycopene: A plant compound found in tomatoes and other red fruits. Cooper Complete Basic One includes 5 mg of lycopene per tablet, about 16.7 times more than Centrum Silver (300 mcg)†. This higher amount is intentional, as research suggests lycopene levels need to be meaningful to make a difference†.
  • Lutein: Found in leafy greens and egg yolks, lutein supports eye and skin health†. Centrum Silver includes a tiny amount (250 mcg), while experts often recommend around 10 mg daily from diet or supplements. Cooper Complete Basic One does not add lutein, because it cannot be included at levels that would have a significant impact in a one-tablet formula†.
Compare Centrum Vitamins to Cooper Complete: Beyond Vitamins and Minerals: Antioxidant Nutrients (Lycopene and Lutein)
INGREDIENT Basic One Multi Centrum Adults Centrum Silver Adults Centrum MultiGummies Adults
Lycopene 5 mg – 300 mcg –
Lutein  – – 250 mcg  –

When comparing ingredient levels, it’s essential to note that 1 milligram (mg) is equivalent to 1000 micrograms (mcg). With 5 mg of lycopene, Cooper Complete Basic One Multivitamin contains approximately 16.7 times more lycopene than Centrum Silver Adults, which contains 300 mcg.

Multivitamins Enhance, Rather Than Replace, a Healthy Diet 

While the hunt for a multivitamin can be a bit overwhelming, remember, they are just a piece of the puzzle. Supplements are designed to support your lifestyle choices, particularly your dietary habits, when there is a lack of daily intake of certain fruits, vegetables, grains, fats, or proteins†. It is always recommended to consult with your physician or healthcare provider about the nutrients that are right for you.

Shop Multivitamins

Take The Quiz

About the Author: Jill Turner is the President of Cooper Complete® Nutritional Supplements, where she oversees product development and customer experience. She enjoys writing about vitamins, supplements, and preventive health to help consumers make informed, science-backed decisions.

Sources

Printed from: https://coopercomplete.com/blog/multivitamin-compare-find-best-multivitamin/