Published On By Rachel Nall

Multivitamins can provide your with essential vitamins and minerals to help refill nutritional gaps in your diet, supporting your health goals. Refilling these gaps may promote healthy skin and hair while keeping your immune system strong.

As a woman, your body requires specific nutrients at different life stages. Multivitamins can offer you additional support by boosting your bone strength, energy levels, immune function, and hormone balance.

However, it’s important to choose high-quality formulas free from artificial additives and fillers, as low-quality options may do more harm than good. If your diet already provides sufficient nutrients, a multivitamin might not offer significant benefits.

This article reviews the 8 best multivitamins for women, outlining their pros and cons. You’ll also learn how to choose the right one based on ingredients, quality, and your specific health needs, whether for energy, bone strength, or immune support.

8 Best Multivitamins For Women

  1. Ritual Essential for Women 18+

    Ritual Essential for Women 18+

    Ritual Essential for Women 18+ claims to support women aged 18-49 by filling essential nutrient gaps. It includes Omega-3 DHA from microalgae and methylated B12, which may help keep your brain sharp and support nerve function.

    The makers also added vitamin D, magnesium, and boron in the formula to help you maintain strong bones and help your body use calcium more effectively. Ritual Essential for Women 18+ combines chelated Iron and methylated Folate, which are essential for making healthy red blood cells and preventing tiredness caused by low iron levels. It claims to help protect your cells against damage done by free radicals, which may cause aging and inflammation.

    As per the official website, Ritual’s delayed-release capsules are formulated to dissolve in your small intestine, making it easier for your body to absorb the nutrients. It is said to use the patented beadlet-in-oil technology that combines dry and oily ingredients in one capsule for better delivery.

    Ritual Essential for Women 18+ is vegan, free from gluten and major allergens, and contains no artificial colorants. It’s Made Traceable, meaning every ingredient is carefully sourced.

    Check Price

    Pros

    • Delayed-release capsules for better absorption in the small intestine.
    • Patented beadlet-in-oil technology ensures both oily and dry nutrients are effectively delivered.
    • Contains methylated B12 and folate for better absorption.
    • It could provide brain and heart health benefits without fish oil.
    • Gluten-free, major allergen-free, and vegan.
    • It comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

    Cons

    • Two-capsule dosing might be inconvenient during hectic days.
    • Does not include calcium, so you may need an additional supplement if needed.
    • It costs $37 for a one-time purchase, which could be expensive compared to some standard multivitamins.
    • You may notice a mild herbal scent from the capsules.
  2. NATURELO One Daily Multivitamin

    NATURELO One Daily Multivitamin

    NATURELO One Daily Multivitamin promises to give your body the vitamins and minerals it needs in a plant-based formula. It’s packed with 24 essential nutrients, plus organic fruits and vegetables for natural nutrition and antioxidant support.

    As per the official website, NATURELO One Daily Multivitamin is made with bioactive ingredients for optimal absorption. It also includes vitamin D3 from lichen, vitamin E from sunflower, and chelated minerals like zinc and selenium.

    The activated B vitamins, such as methyl folate and B12 from methylcobalamin in One Daily Multivitamin, could help boost your energy, reduce stress, and support healthy brain and nerve function. Manufactured in an FDA-registered, GMP-certified facility, it is said to be non-GMO, dairy-free, and gluten-free.

    Check Price

    Pros

    • Uses natural sources like lichen for Vitamin D3 and sunflower for Vitamin E.
    • Includes organic fruits and vegetables to provide extra antioxidant support.
    • Contains Methyl Folate and B12 from methylcobalamin for better absorption.
    • It may help with brain function and daily energy.
    • It is made in an FDA-registered, GMP-certified facility.

    Cons

    • It may not be easy to swallow for some people.
    • You may experience digestive sensitivity.
    • It may not be suitable if you need extra iron.
    • It may cause a strong natural smell due to whole food ingredients.
  3. Viome Precision Supplements

    Viome Precision Supplements

    Viome Precision Supplements provides custom-made multivitamins to fit your body’s specific needs. They analyze your gut microbiome, cellular health, and mitochondrial functions by using Viome’s Health Intelligence at-home tests to understand what your body requires.

    Instead of using generic multivitamins, these supplements are created using information from the Viome Full Body Intelligenceâ„¢ Test, which analyzes your gut microbiome, oral microbiome, and human cells. Their AI technology then processes your test results to formulate a personalized supplement mix with about 50 ingredients as per your needs. These ingredients include herbs, vitamins, minerals, and enzymes, each selected for their proven benefits.

    Your supplements are delivered fresh each month in convenient daily doses, and your formula can be adjusted as your health changes over time. Viome offers precision supplements that are vegetarian, vegan (when available), non-GMO, and allergen-free while avoiding all nine allergens such as dairy, wheat, eggs, soy, shellfish, fish, tree nuts (including coconut and peanuts), and sesame.

    Check Price

    Pros

    • Personalized based on your unique gut, oral microbiome, and cellular health.
    • Contains around 50 essential nutrients, including vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and herbs.
    • Uses cutting-edge RNA sequencing to analyze your health at a deep level.
    • Free from the top nine allergens and contains minimal unnecessary ingredients.
    • Uses clinically researched, non-GMO ingredients to support your health.
    • Comes in easy-to-take capsules.

    Cons

    • You need to complete Viome’s health test before getting your custom formula.
    • Custom formulations can be more expensive than standard multivitamins.
    • Results and custom supplement formulation may take time to process.
    • While vegetarian, vegan ingredients are only included when available.
    • Since it’s personalized, you can’t buy a pre-made version off the shelf.
  4. OLLY Women’s Multivitamin

    OLLY Women's Multivitamin

    According to the official website, OLLY Women’s Multivitamin contains essential nutrients vitamins D, C, and E in blissful berry-flavored gummies. These gummies are packed with B vitamins that may help convert food into energy, keeping you active and reducing fatigue.

    The makers also included vitamin C and zinc in the formula, which could help strengthen your immune system, while vitamin D may support bone health, muscle function, and overall resilience.

    OLLY Women’s Multivitamin has vitamin E, which could provide antioxidant protection to maintain healthy skin, and biotin that may help nourish your hair, skin, and nails for a radiant appearance.

    Check Price

    Pros

    • Comes in a blissful berry flavor, making it enjoyable to take daily.
    • Available in a convenient gummy form.
    • Claims to support energy, immunity, and skin health.
    • It may help enhance hair, skin, and nail appearance.
    • Contains no artificial flavors or synthetic dyes.

    Cons

    • Contains added sugars, which may not suit you if you’re watching your sugar intake.
    • Gummies may stick to teeth, which could be a concern for dental health.
    • The gummy format may melt or clump together in hot weather.
    • You may need to take additional supplements for specific nutrient needs.
  5. Nature Made Multi For Her

    Nature Made Multi For Her

    Nature Made Multi For Her claims to provide you with 23 essential nutrients that may help keep your muscles, bones, and immune system healthy. It is said to combine calcium and vitamin D, which could promote strong bones, teeth, and muscle function.

    Multi For Her From Nature Made claims to provide 100% of your daily iron, which may support red blood cell production, especially during your premenopausal period. It also includes folic acid, which could help support healthy fetal development.

    As per the official website, the B vitamins in Nature Made Multi For Her may help convert food into energy, keeping you active throughout the day. It is said to be gluten-free, with no artificial flavors and added colors.

    Check Price

    Pros

    • Provides 23 key nutrients for women’s daily health.
    • Contains 100% daily iron, essential for premenopausal women.
    • Claims to support bone and muscle health with calcium and vitamin D.
    • It may help convert food into energy for daily activity.
    • Gluten-free with no artificial flavors or added colors.

    Cons

    • Requires consistent daily intake for best results.
    • Large tablet sizes may be difficult to swallow.
    • Limited flavor options, as it comes in tablet form.
    • Only available through its official website.
  6. Vimerson Health Multivitamin For Women

    Vimerson Health Multivitamin For Women

    Vimerson Health Multivitamin for Women claims to support your reproductive, bone, and immune health by providing vital vitamins and minerals. It may also promote healthy hair, skin, and nails, keeping them strong and vibrant.

    According to the official website, Vimerson Health Multivitamin for Women contains vitamin C, which could help boost your immune function and support collagen production. This might help keep your skin smooth and your joints healthy.

    It also features the Female Support Blend, which includes ingredients like wild yam and red clover to promote hormonal balance and women’s health. The Antioxidant & Energy Blend with green tea extract and pomegranate claims to support vitality and provide antioxidant protection. Its Immune Blend, with Echinacea and Spirulina, helps strengthen the body’s defense system.

    Made with high-quality components that meet strict safety standards, Vimerson Health Multivitamin for Women is non-GMO, vegetarian, and free from gluten, sugar, dairy, and soy.

    Check Price

    Pros

    • Claims to support reproductive health with essential vitamins and minerals.
    • It may promote strong bones and movement.
    • It could boost immunity and collagen production.
    • It might enhance hair, skin, and nail health.
    • Non-GMO, vegetarian, and free from gluten, dairy, soy, and sugar.
    • Made with high-quality ingredients that follow strict safety standards.

    Cons

    • It may not be suitable if you prefer a whole-food-based multivitamin.
    • Contains multiple vitamins, which may not be needed if you already take individual supplements.
    • Results may take time to become noticeable.
  7. Centrum Silver Women 50+ Multivitamins

    Centrum Silver Women 50+ Multivitamins

    As per the makers, Centrum Silver Women 50+ Multivitamins are made to support the health of women over 50. It is said to contain calcium and vitamin D that may help keep your bones strong and may lower the risk of osteoporosis.

    The makers added zinc and B vitamins in Centrum Silver Women 50+ Multivitamins, which could help with memory and brain function, keeping your mind sharp and alert.

    Centrum Silver Women 50+ Multivitamins also have vitamins A, C, and E, along with lutein, to support healthy eyesight. This formula may also help maintain heart health, potentially enhancing your energy levels.

    Check Price

    Pros

    • It may help maintain bone strength, brain function, heart health, and vision.
    • Comes in the form of smooth-coated tablets, making them easier on the stomach.
    • Simple to take with no complicated dosing schedules.

    Cons

    • You might find it difficult to swallow.
    • It may have a slight vitamin aftertaste.
    • You may experience nausea or bloating.
    • The tablet is firm and may not easily split if you prefer smaller doses.
  8. SmartyPants Women’s Multi & Omegas

    SmartyPants Women's Multi & Omegas

    As per the official website, SmartyPants Women’s Multi & Omegas is formulated with 21 essential nutrients to support different aspects of your health. It contains omega-3 EPA and DHA, which may help maintain your heart health, brain function, and eye health.

    SmartyPants Women’s Multi & Omegas also include methylfolate, the active form of folate, which could support energy production and red blood cell formation. This formula also includes CoQ10, which may help support your cardiovascular health by promoting energy production in heart cells.

    Produced in a cGMP-compliant facility, SmartyPants Women’s Multi & Omegas adheres to strict FDA quality standards, ensuring safety and effectiveness. It is also tree nut-free, soy-free, and peanut-free, making it suitable for various dietary restrictions.

    Check Price

    Pros

    • Contains omega-3s, CoQ10, and methylfolate for full-body support.
    • Includes an active methylfolate form, which is more bioavailable than synthetic folic acid.
    • Made in a cGMP-compliant facility, ensuring high safety and quality standards.
    • It could support healthy hair, skin, and nails.
    • Free from tree nuts, peanuts, and soy.

    Cons

    • Each gummy contains 6g of sugar per serving.
    • You may find taking multiple gummies less convenient than a single pill.
    • Contains fish-derived omega-3s.
    • You may not enjoy the taste or texture of gummies.

How To Choose The Best Multivitamins for Women?

  1. Look For Key Nutrients

    When choosing a multivitamin, focus on key nutrients that may support your health at different life stages. Calcium and vitamin D could help maintain strong bones and decrease the possibility of osteoporosis as you age. Iron is essential for oxygen transport, making it especially important if you have heavy periods or are pregnant. Folic acid may support cell growth and DNA formation, which is vital if you’re planning for pregnancy. B vitamins, including B12 and B6, might help with energy production, brain health, and red blood cell formation, keeping you feeling energized and focused. Some multivitamins also include omega-3 fatty acids, which could support your heart, brain, and joint health. Choosing a formula with these essential nutrients can help fill dietary gaps and support your overall well-being based on your lifestyle and nutritional needs.

  2. Quality And Ingredient Transparency

    To choose the best multivitamin, focus on quality and ingredient transparency to ensure you’re getting a safe and effective product. Look for brands that clearly list all ingredients and their exact amounts, avoiding hidden blends that make it difficult to assess potency. Third-party testing certifications, such as NSF, USP, or GMP, indicate that the supplement meets high safety and quality standards. Prioritize bioavailable forms of nutrients, like methylated B vitamins and chelated minerals, which your body can absorb more easily. Try to avoid artificial additives, fillers, and unnecessary preservatives, as these may reduce effectiveness or cause unwanted side effects.

  3. Form And Absorption

    To choose the best multivitamin for women, consider the form that best suits your lifestyle, digestion, and absorption needs. Capsules are often preferred for their easy breakdown in the stomach and minimal additives. Tablets could be a more compact and cost-effective option but may contain binding agents that slow absorption. If you prefer a more enjoyable way to take your vitamins, gummies may offer a tasty alternative, though they often contain added sugars and may not include all essential nutrients. Powders can be mixed with liquids for faster absorption and customizable dosages, but they may not be as convenient if you’re always on the go. Choosing the right form ensures you get the most benefit from your multivitamin while making it easier to stay consistent with your routine.

  4. Dietary And Lifestyle Considerations

    When choosing the best multivitamin, it’s important to find one that aligns with your dietary and lifestyle needs. If you are a vegan or vegetarian, look for plant-based formulas that exclude animal-derived ingredients like gelatin, fish oil, or vitamin D3 from lanolin. For gluten-free or dairy-free diets, check the label to ensure the product is free from allergens or cross-contamination. If you have specific dietary restrictions, such as keto or paleo, choose a formula without added sugars, artificial fillers, or unnecessary carbohydrates. Some multivitamins are also specifically for active lifestyles, offering additional ingredients like electrolytes or amino acids. You can ensure better compatibility with your lifestyle while getting the essential nutrients your body requires by paying attention to labeling and formation.

Are Multivitamins Safe?

Multivitamins are generally safe when you take them as directed. Choosing a good-quality multivitamin from a trusted brand helps ensure you’re getting clean, tested ingredients without harmful additives. However, taking too much of certain vitamins, especially fat-soluble ones like A, D, E, and K, can be harmful over time.

Some multivitamins may interact with medications by altering how your body metabolizes them. To ensure safety, choose a high-quality supplement with bioavailable ingredients and consult your doctor if you have pre-existing health conditions or take medication.

The Women’s Health Initiative study found that postmenopausal women who took multivitamins had the same risk of heart concerns and cancers of the lung, colon, rectum, breast, and endometrium as compared to ones who didn’t take them. This suggests that following a healthy lifestyle is equally important than completely depending on the multivitamins.

Potential Drawbacks Of Multivitamins

  1. Nausea

    You may feel queasy, experience discomfort in your stomach, or have the urge to vomit after taking multivitamins. This can sometimes be accompanied by dizziness or loss of appetite. Multivitamins, especially those high in iron, zinc, or vitamin C, could irritate your stomach lining, leading to nausea. Taking them on an empty stomach or in high doses may worsen this effect.

  2. Upset Stomach

    Taking multivitamins could cause bloating, gas, stomach cramps, or a burning sensation in your abdomen. You may also report acid reflux, heartburn, or a heavy feeling in your stomach after taking multivitamins. This is often caused by minerals like magnesium, calcium, and iron, which can be tough on digestion. Some multivitamins contain artificial additives or fillers that might further contribute to stomach irritation.

  3. Headache

    You could develop a mild to severe headache, sometimes with tension around your temples or behind your eyes, during the initial use of multivitamins. In some cases, headaches may come with light sensitivity, dizziness, or a throbbing sensation. High doses of vitamins like vitamin A, niacin, or B-complex vitamins could cause blood vessel dilation or affect nerve sensitivity, leading to headaches.

  4. Dizziness

    Multivitamins containing high doses of vitamins A, D, or iron may impact blood pressure and circulation, leading to lightheadedness, unsteadiness, or a spinning sensation. Symptoms can include nausea, blurred vision, difficulty concentrating, or shortness of breath. A sudden increase in certain nutrients may also disrupt your body’s balance.

  5. Allergic Reactions

    Some multivitamins contain allergens like soy, dairy, gluten, or artificial colors, which may trigger allergic reactions. Symptoms can range from mild redness, itching, and swelling to more severe cases of difficulty breathing, hives, or even anaphylaxis. Sensitivity to certain vitamins or fillers in supplements can also irritate.

  6. Diarrhea

    Frequent watery stools, abdominal cramping, and an urgent need for the bathroom may occur after taking multivitamins. High doses of vitamin C, magnesium, or B vitamins act as natural laxatives by drawing water into your intestines and accelerating digestion. Some artificial sweeteners or fillers in multivitamins may also contribute to this issue. You may experience symptoms like dehydration, fatigue, and stomach gurgling that can accompany diarrhea.

  7. Constipation

    Iron and calcium, commonly found in multivitamins, can slow digestion and lead to constipation. You may encounter symptoms like difficulty passing stool, bloating, hard and dry stools, straining during bowel movements, or a feeling of incomplete evacuation. If a multivitamin lacks fiber or adequate magnesium, constipation may worsen.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Can Multivitamins Replace A Healthy Diet?
    Multivitamins are made to supplement your diet, not replace it. Whole foods provide fiber, antioxidants, and other nutrients that a multivitamin cannot fully replicate. Relying solely on supplements may leave gaps in your nutrition, so it’s always best to prioritize a balanced diet.
  2. Is It Better To Take Individual Vitamins Instead Of A Multivitamin?
    If you have a specific deficiency, such as low vitamin D or iron, a targeted supplement may be more effective than a general multivitamin. However, if you are looking for overall nutritional support, a multivitamin can help cover a broader range of nutrients.
  3. Do Multivitamins Improve Energy Levels?
    Multivitamins do not directly boost energy like caffeine or stimulants. However, if you are deficient in certain nutrients such as B vitamins, iron, or magnesium, you may feel fatigued. In such cases, taking a multivitamin may help support normal energy levels over time.
  4. Do Multivitamins Help With Hair, Skin, And Nail Health?
    Multivitamins could help with hair, skin, and nails if you don’t get enough nutrients like biotin, zinc, or vitamin E. However, they won’t guarantee hair growth or fix skin problems. Eating healthy foods, drinking enough fluids, and taking care of your skin is more important for keeping your hair and skin healthy.

Conclusion

You may consider adding multivitamins to your daily routine if you feel your diet is missing essential nutrients. They could help support your specific health needs by providing key vitamins and minerals.

Multivitamins often include nutrients like iron, calcium, folic acid, and vitamin D, which could support bone strength, energy levels, and reproductive health. However, some multivitamins contain artificial additives or unnecessary ingredients that may not be beneficial for your health.

To help you choose wisely, we have shared the 8 best multivitamins for women in this article, all tested for safety. However, instead of relying only on multivitamins, you can get most of your vitamins and minerals from a healthy diet.

Eating a variety of leafy greens, fruits, lean proteins, dairy, nuts, and whole grains may give your body what it needs naturally. Getting sunlight for vitamin D, drinking enough water, and staying active could also help keep you healthy. While multivitamins could be useful, focusing on a balanced diet is the best way to support long-term health.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *


Disclaimer: The content above is for informational purposes only and not medical advice. Consult a healthcare professional before using any supplements. Statements are not evaluated by the FDA and do not diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Use at your own risk.