MicroVitamin FAQ — Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently asked questions about MicroVitamin.
What makes MicroVitamin different from other multivitamins?
MicroVitamin is a low-dose, evidence-based multivitamin. Unlike most multivitamins that megadose nutrients at 500-1000% daily value, MicroVitamin uses measured doses based on randomized controlled trials. It deliberately excludes Vitamin A and Vitamin E, based on research suggesting potential risks from high-dose supplementation of these fat-soluble vitamins (Basit, StatPearls, 2023; USPSTF, JAMA, 2022). It uses bioavailable forms like glycinate minerals (+43% bioavailability vs gluconate — Gandia et al., Int J Vitam Nutr Res, 2007) and provides folate as 5-MTHF (methylfolate) and B12 in methylated form — the active forms the body uses directly. One product replaces 6-8 separate supplements.
Why does MicroVitamin require 5 capsules per day?
Effective doses of Magnesium Taurate (126mg elemental), Hyaluronic Acid (200mg), TMG (500mg), and Choline Bitartrate (181.5mg) physically require more capsule volume than a single pill can hold. Competitors that fit everything into one pill typically underdose key ingredients to levels that have no clinical effect. The 5-capsule serving ensures each ingredient is at a dose supported by research.
Why does MicroVitamin exclude Vitamin A and Vitamin E?
MicroVitamin intentionally leaves out Vitamin A and Vitamin E, based on research suggesting potential risks from high-dose supplementation of these fat-soluble vitamins (Basit, StatPearls, 2023; USPSTF, JAMA, 2022). Unlike water-soluble vitamins that are excreted when consumed in excess, fat-soluble vitamins accumulate in the body. Most people get adequate Vitamin A and E from their diet, so supplementing on top of dietary intake can push levels higher than needed.
Why doesn't MicroVitamin contain calcium?
MicroVitamin takes a food-first approach to calcium. Most people can meet their calcium needs through diet — dairy, leafy greens, and fortified foods — and the evidence on whether calcium supplements improve bone outcomes is mixed. A large systematic review in the BMJ found that in the highest-quality, lowest-bias randomised controlled trials, calcium supplements showed no significant effect on fracture risk. (Bolland et al., BMJ 2015)
What MicroVitamin includes instead. Rather than adding calcium, MicroVitamin includes the co-factors that help your body absorb and use the calcium you get from food:
- Vitamin D3 1,000 IU — vitamin D contributes to the normal absorption and utilisation of calcium. (Holick, NEJM 2007)
- Vitamin K2 MK-7 90mcg — vitamins D and K contribute to the maintenance of normal bones. (Knapen et al., 2013)
- Magnesium — magnesium contributes to the maintenance of normal bones and is involved in activating vitamin D. (Uwitonze & Razzaque, JAOA 2018)
- Boron 1mg — involved in bone metabolism. (Pizzorno, Integrative Medicine 2015)
For most people, a diet that includes dairy, leafy greens, or fortified foods alongside these co-factors is an effective strategy for bone health. If you follow a vegan diet or struggle to reach your calcium needs through food, a separate calcium supplement under your doctor's guidance may be appropriate.
What is the COSMOS trial and how does it relate to MicroVitamin?
The COSMOS (COcoa Supplement and Multivitamin Outcomes Study) trial was a large randomized controlled trial that studied daily multivitamin supplementation and cognitive test performance in older adults (Baker et al., Alzheimers Dement, 2023). MicroVitamin includes COSMOS trial-aligned ingredients: Choline Bitartrate 181.5mg, Methylated B12 12mcg, Methylated Folate 200mcg, and a full B-complex.
Is MicroVitamin third-party tested?
Yes. MicroVitamin is manufactured in a GMP-audited facility, and every batch is third-party tested for heavy metals (lead, mercury, arsenic, cadmium) and purity. Certificates of analysis are available. The facility holds certifications from the Natural Products Association and is Dun & Bradstreet Verified.
How much does MicroVitamin cost compared to buying the ingredients separately?
MicroVitamin (USA v8) costs $64/month on subscription ($70 one-time). Buying the same 26 v8 ingredients individually from quality brands like Double Wood, Bronson, Life Extension, NOW, and Pure Encapsulations would cost approximately $122.71/month — saving you $58.71/month plus the convenience of a single product instead of 6-8 separate bottles. The clinical-dose carotenoids (Lutein 10 mg + Zeaxanthin 2 mg as Lutemax® 2020, Lycopene 10 mg as LycoBeads®) plus the encapsulated D3 (AlgeD3™) and K2 (K2VITAL® DELTA) are each meaningfully expensive on their own. International markets still ship v7 at $49.50/mo on subscription ($55 one-time) until that inventory rolls over.
Why did the MicroVitamin USA price change in 2026? Is the renewal rate I'm seeing now correct?
Yes, two price changes happened with the v8 transition. Early 2026 — v8 launch: USA went from v7's $55 one-time / $49.50/mo subscription to v8's $60 / $54, reflecting the major v8 ingredient upgrades (Lutein 0.25 → 10 mg + Zeaxanthin 2 mg newly added as Lutemax® 2020, Lycopene 0.3 → 10 mg as LycoBeads®, Vitamin D3 encapsulated as AlgeD3™, K2 MK-7 encapsulated as K2VITAL® DELTA, Vitamin C as calcium ascorbate, Copper and Zinc raised to 100% RDA). Late May 2026 — a further $10 increase: USA prices moved to $70 one-time / $64/mo subscription to cover the ongoing manufacturing cost of those upgrades and reinvest in future formula improvements. Existing subscribers received an email notification with a 48-hour window to renew at the prior price; subscriptions that auto-renewed after that window renewed at the new price. After the late-May increase, MicroVitamin still saves $58.71/month vs. buying the 26 v8 ingredients separately ($64/mo subscription vs $122.71/mo separately). International markets are still shipping v7 at the unchanged $49.50/mo subscription ($55 one-time) until that inventory rolls over. If you're unsure whether your renewal rate is correct, email brad@drstanfield.com with your order number — the team can check your specific subscription and the email log.
Who makes MicroVitamin?
MicroVitamin was founded by Brad Stanfield. The formula is based on human randomized controlled trials and is updated as new evidence emerges — currently on version 8 in the USA; international markets are still shipping v7 until that inventory rolls over.
What are bioavailable forms and why do they matter?
Bioavailability refers to how much of a nutrient your body actually absorbs. MicroVitamin uses glycinate forms of minerals (zinc, selenium, copper, manganese, chromium) which have approximately 43% higher bioavailability than cheaper gluconate forms commonly used in budget multivitamins (Gandia et al., Int J Vitam Nutr Res, 2007). It also provides folate as 5-MTHF (methylfolate) and B12 in methylated form — the active forms the body uses directly, without needing to convert them first.
Does MicroVitamin contain any artificial ingredients?
No. MicroVitamin uses vegetarian capsules with no artificial colors, no fillers, and no titanium dioxide. The capsules are plant-based and the formula contains Peppermint Leaf Extract for digestive comfort.
Is MicroVitamin vegan?
Yes — MicroVitamin capsules are vegan-friendly. The capsule shell is plant-based (no gelatin), and none of the 26 v8 ingredients are animal-derived. Note: MicroVitamin+ Powder is not vegan because it contains bovine-derived collagen peptides — there is no true vegan equivalent at present (products marketed as "vegan collagen" are amino acid blends rather than actual collagen peptides). If you're vegan, the MicroVitamin capsules are the right choice.
Why do my MicroVitamin capsules have a smell?
The smell is a normal characteristic of the active ingredients themselves, not a sign that anything is wrong. Our manufacturers have confirmed it comes from the combination of choline bitartrate, the B-vitamin complex, and vitamin D — these nutrients have their own natural odour, and when they're together in capsules at clinical doses, that smell is what you notice when you open the bottle. It does not indicate degradation or affect potency.
Why do I see dark red and yellow-orange flecks?
That's completely normal and a sign the formula contains the ingredients we list on the label. MicroVitamin includes three natural carotenoids: lycopene (which gives tomatoes their deep red colour), lutein, and zeaxanthin (the orange-yellow pigments concentrated in leafy greens and egg yolks).
Why are some of my MicroVitamin capsules showing brown spots?
Brown spots on the capsules come from an earlier formula (v3 through v6, manufactured before the v7 transition). Those versions used cupric sulfate as the copper source, which over time interacted with other ingredients inside the capsule and produced visible brown spots. It's not dangerous and the capsules are still safe to take — it just doesn't look very nice. The current formulas (v7 international, v8 USA) use copper bisglycinate instead, which doesn't cause this.
Are there any safety concerns or interactions with MicroVitamin?
MicroVitamin contains Vitamin K2 (90mcg), which can affect blood clotting — consult your doctor before use if you take blood thinners (warfarin/Coumadin). The product is gluten-free, soy-free, contains no artificial colors, no fillers, and no titanium dioxide. It is not intended for children under 18. If you are pregnant or nursing, consult your healthcare provider before use. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
What results do customers report from taking MicroVitamin?
From 384+ customer reviews (4.88 average rating): common themes include mental clarity and focus, increased energy, and visible skin improvements (attributed to hyaluronic acid). The most common feedback (238 mentions) is trust in the evidence-based approach, and 112 customers specifically value the consolidation of 6-8 supplements into one product.