What Is Herbalife Formula 2? Men's vs Women's Vitamin & Mineral Complex Explained

What is Herbalife Formula 2 and what does it do?

Formula 2 Vitamin & Mineral Complex is Herbalife's multivitamin. Many people search for it as the "Herbalife Formula 2 multivitamin", and that is exactly what it is: a coated tablet that delivers 13 vitamins, 10 minerals and choline. Herbalife built it to work with the Formula 1 Nutritional Shake Mix. Formula 1 is the meal, Formula 2 tops up the micronutrients, and Formula 3 Personalised Protein Powder adds extra protein when needed. See our Formula 3 guide for that one.

The UK labels stick to authorised EU nutrition claims, and so do we. The Men's bottle highlights vitamins A and C, which contribute to the normal function of the immune system, magnesium for normal muscle function, riboflavin for normal energy-yielding metabolism and pantothenic acid for normal mental performance. The Women's bottle highlights vitamin B6, which contributes to the regulation of hormonal activity, vitamin B12 for normal energy-yielding metabolism, calcium for the maintenance of normal bones and zinc for the maintenance of normal skin, hair and nails.

What is the difference between Herbalife Formula 2 Men and Women?

Until 2017 Europe had a single Formula 2. Herbalife then split it into a Men's and a Women's tablet, each with 24 micronutrients, because men's and women's diets tend to fall short on different nutrients. Both bottles hold 60 tablets and use the same ingredient forms. Only five nutrients differ. Per two tablets, taken from the UK labels:

Nutrient (per 2 tablets)	Formula 2 Men	Formula 2 Women
Vitamin A	1000 µg RE (125% RI)	800 µg RE (100% RI)
Vitamin K	75 µg (100% RI)	90 µg (120% RI)
Folic acid	174 µg (87% RI)	324 µg (162% RI)
Calcium	250 mg (31% RI)	300 mg (38% RI)
Iron	6.0 mg (43% RI)	13 mg (93% RI)

RI is the EU reference intake for an average adult. The figures come from the official Herbalife UK labels for the Men's and Women's versions. The other 19 nutrients are identical in both bottles, including 20 µg vitamin D, 250 mg vitamin C, 113 mg magnesium and 8.7 mg zinc.

Why does the Women's version have more iron?

Because requirements differ. The NHS puts daily iron needs at 8.7 mg for men and 14.8 mg for women aged 19 to 49, dropping to 8.7 mg after the age of 50. Women with heavy periods are more likely to run low. Two Women's tablets supply 13 mg of iron, two Men's tablets 6 mg. Iron contributes to the normal formation of red blood cells and haemoglobin and to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue.

Why more folic acid and calcium for women, and more vitamin A for men?

Folic acid is the nutrient the NHS highlights for women who could become pregnant. Two Women's tablets give 324 µg, below the 400 µg daily supplement the NHS recommends before conception and for the first 12 weeks, so if you are pregnant or trying, follow that advice and speak to your GP or midwife. The extra calcium sits against the NHS target of 700 mg a day for adults. Men get more vitamin A because, Herbalife says, European men more often fall short of it. Two Men's tablets provide 1000 µg, inside the 1.5 mg daily ceiling the NHS sets for food and supplements combined. If you eat liver every week, the NHS advises avoiding supplements that contain vitamin A.

How do you take Herbalife Formula 2 tablets?

The UK label says: take one to two tablets daily with meals, and do not exceed the recommended daily dose. Herbalife's usual guidance for choosing between one and two is based on your shakes. Have one tablet a day if you drink two Formula 1 shakes, and two tablets if you drink one. Formula 1 already contains added vitamins and minerals, so two shakes need less topping up. Our guide to how many Herbalife shakes a day covers the options.

• Take it with food. Breakfast with your shake or a meal is the easiest habit to keep, and gentler on the stomach.
• Same time every day. Consistency matters more than the exact hour.
• Do not double up. If you already take vitamin D, iron or another multivitamin, add up the totals. The British Dietetic Association advises against doubling up on the same nutrient.
• Store it properly. Lid closed, cool and dry, and out of reach of young children: the NHS warns that high iron doses can be dangerous for them.

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, under 18, taking medication such as blood thinners, or living with a medical condition, speak to your GP or pharmacist before you start. A bottle of 60 tablets lasts one to two months depending on your dose. A Tablet Box keeps a week's supply tidy when you travel.

Herbalife Formula 2 ingredients: what is in the tablet?

The European Formula 2 is a straight vitamin and mineral complex with no herbal extracts, and a different product from the Formula 2 sold in the United States. The vitamins come in familiar forms: vitamin C as L-ascorbic acid, vitamin A as beta-carotene and retinyl palmitate, vitamin D3 as cholecalciferol, vitamin E as DL-alpha-tocopheryl acetate, and the B group as riboflavin, nicotinamide, folic acid and cyanocobalamin. Minerals include calcium carbonate, magnesium oxide, ferrous fumarate, zinc oxide, sodium selenite and potassium iodide, plus choline bitartrate.

The tablet uses microcrystalline cellulose as a bulking agent and a hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose coating coloured with calcium carbonate and iron oxide. There are no meat, fish, egg or dairy ingredients on the list, but Herbalife UK does not label the tablets as vegan. If that matters to you, our round-up of which Herbalife products are vegan explains how to check.

Frequently asked questions

Is Herbalife Formula 2 a multivitamin?

Yes. It is a multivitamin and multimineral tablet with 24 micronutrients: 13 vitamins, 10 minerals and choline, designed to be taken alongside a Formula 1 shake as part of a balanced diet and a healthy, active lifestyle.

Can a man take the Women's Formula 2, or a woman the Men's?

Both are general multivitamins and 19 of the 24 nutrients are identical. The versions differ only in iron, folic acid, calcium, vitamin K and vitamin A, with levels set for typical adult requirements, so choose the one made for you. If you are unsure, ask a pharmacist.

Do I need Formula 2 if I already drink Formula 1?

Not necessarily. Formula 1 already contains added vitamins and minerals, which is why Herbalife suggests one tablet a day if you have two shakes and two tablets if you have one. Think of Formula 2 as a top-up for the meals you eat as ordinary food.

When is the best time to take Herbalife Formula 2?

With a meal, at the same time each day. Most people take it at breakfast alongside their shake. Taking it with food is easier on the stomach.

Is Herbalife Formula 2 suitable for vegetarians and vegans?

The ingredient list shows no meat, fish, egg or dairy ingredients, but Herbalife UK does not label the tablets as vegan. The vitamin D is cholecalciferol (D3), which is usually derived from lanolin. Check the current label if you follow a vegan diet.

Both versions of Formula 2 sit in our Herbalife Vitamins & Supplements collection, genuine and dispatched directly by Herbalife UK. Pick the Men's or Women's bottle, pair it with your Formula 1 and let one tablet at breakfast do the quiet work.