💊 Centrum: history from Lederle 1978 to Haleon — the best-selling multivitamin
How a multivitamin born from oncology patient research became the global category leader
Centrum is the best-selling and most recommended pharmacy multivitamin brand in the world. The first multivitamin was launched in 1978, and today the brand is owned by Haleon.
History: launch in 1978
The first Centrum multivitamin hit the market in 1978. It was launched as "Complete from A to Zinc" and became the first major brand to include key nutrients — beta-carotene, lutein and lycopene.
The brand was developed by the Lederle Laboratories team (a division of American Cyanamid) in Pearl River, New York.
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 1950s | Dr. Ellenbogen begins studying vitamins |
| 1978 | Launch of the first Centrum "from A to Zinc" |
| 1994 | American Home Products buys American Cyanamid |
| 2009 | Wyeth moves to Pfizer |
| 2022 | Haleon becomes an independent company |
| Today | #1 multivitamin brand in the world |
Dr. Ellenbogen: the creator
The history of Centrum began in the 1950s, when a young scientist, Dr. Leon Ellenbogen, of Lederle Labs studied the use of therapeutic doses of vitamins to treat cancer patients.
During this research he became interested in vitamins themselves and their health benefits. In the early 1970s Ellenbogen and Lederle decided to create a full-spectrum "vitamin plus minerals" supplement to support nutrition and complement a healthy lifestyle.
Change of owners to Haleon
Centrum has travelled a path typical of large pharma brands, through a series of mergers.
| Period | Owner |
|---|---|
| 1978–1994 | Lederle / American Cyanamid |
| 1994–2009 | American Home Products (Wyeth) |
| 2009–2019 | Pfizer |
| 2019–2022 | GSK/Pfizer joint venture |
| 2022 – now | Haleon |
Science and research
Centrum is positioned as the most clinically studied multivitamin brand in the world, with more than 100,000 patient-years of exposure.
- Physicians' Health Study II (PHS II) — a large long-term study.
- COSMOS — a study of cocoa extract and multivitamins.
- AREDS — a study of age-related eye diseases.
- Studies sponsored by the US National Institutes of Health (NIH).
Main lines
The Centrum range covers age-based and targeted lines.
| Line | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Centrum Adults | Basic complex for adults |
| Centrum Silver (Adult/Men/Women) | For 50+ with age-specific formula |
| Centrum Women / Men | Gender-specific needs |
| Centrum Minis | Mini tablets 2x smaller |
| Centrum MultiGummies | Gummy formats |
| Centrum Maternal Health | For pregnancy and postpartum |
| Centrum Daily Kits | 30-day kits by age and gender |
Differences
| Aspect | Centrum | Feature |
|---|---|---|
| Positioning | Mass pharmacy | For a wide audience |
| Science | 100,000 patient-years | NIH studies |
| Range | Broad lines | By age and purpose |
| Availability | 68+ countries | Pharmacies and stores |
The key difference of Centrum is mass reach, pharmacy availability and the largest clinical base. It is a "people's" multivitamin that doctors and pharmacists have recommended for decades (#1 by recommendations).
Scale and price
Centrum is consistently named the best-selling multivitamin brand in the world. The brand is present in more than 68 countries and belongs to Haleon — a company with revenue above £11 billion.
The Centrum price is average for the market: more expensive than cheap budget complexes but cheaper than premium "eco" brands. This keeps it affordable for the mass consumer.
Pros and cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Best-selling brand in the world | Basic formula, no exotic ingredients |
| Largest clinical base (NIH) | Part of research is manufacturer-funded |
| Broad lines by age and gender | Basic dosages |
| Pharmacy availability in 68+ countries | Formulas vary by country |
| Recommended by doctors and pharmacists | Not for treating deficiencies |
What is Centrum?
A pharmacy multivitamin brand, the best-selling in the world.
When did Centrum appear?
The first Centrum was launched in 1978 by Lederle.
Who created Centrum?
The team of Dr. Leon Ellenbogen at Lederle Laboratories.
Who owns Centrum?
Haleon, which spun off from Pfizer in 2022.
How is Centrum different?
Mass reach, pharmacy availability and the largest clinical base.
What lines does Centrum have?
Adults, Silver (50+), Women, Men, Minis, MultiGummies, Maternal Health, Daily Kits.
How much does Centrum cost?
Average market price, depends on country and line.
Who is Centrum for?
A wide audience — adults, seniors, men and women.
Is Centrum evidence-backed?
Yes, it has been part of NIH studies (PHS II, COSMOS, AREDS).
Is Centrum Pfizer?
It once was in Pfizer, but now belongs to Haleon.
How to choose a line?
By age and goal — study the composition on the label.