9 Best Multivitamins for Women's Health, According to Dietitians (original) (raw)

1

Best Overall Women's Multivitamin

Garden of Life mykind Organics Women's Once Daily

Now 35% Off

Credit: Garden of Life

Pros

• Certified organic, vegan and gluten-free
• Contains iron and B12
• Made from real, whole foods

Cons

• No calcium or magnesium

Made from whole foods including fruits and veggies, these organic and vegan tablets provide at least 100% of your daily value (DV) for vitamins A, C, D, E and K, plus a slew of B vitamins including B12. They even offer a small dose of iron, and boast several third-party certifications including USDA Organic, NSF Certified Gluten-Free and Non-GMO Project verified. Garden of Life is also very passionate about traceability and told Good Housekeeping that from the powder to the manufacturer, the potencies are tested and guaranteed to meet label claim.

Our experts appreciate that it is free from any fillers and synthetic binders, and one of our dietitians who has been taking this multi for years says that it is easy on the stomach. But if you can't stomach a tablet, you can try the gummy form. One thing to note on this pick is that it does not contain calcium or magnesium, likely since including these nutrients may make it too physically large to swallow and also will interfere with absorption of other nutrients in the multi, so be sure to include plenty of calcium-rich foods and magnesium sources in your diet.

2

Best Value Women's Multivitamin

Nature Made Multi

Now 15% Off

Credit: Nature Made

Pros

• USP verified
• No color added and no artificial flavors
• Very low cost per tablet

Cons

• Not suitable for vegans or vegetarians

This budget-friendly formula has upwards of 23 different nutrients designed to make up for any nutrition shortfalls, including rich levels of essential nutrients like vitamin C and E for immunity support. This multi also includes vitamin D, vitamin A, iron, magnesium, zinc, selenium and more.

Housed within a gluten-free capsule, Nature Made's vitamins are artificial color- and flavoring-free. We also like that a serving size is only one tablet. Best of all, it is USP verified, meaning that the ingredients, potency and manufacturing process have all been rigorously tested. But it is important to note that if you are vegan or vegetarian, these tablets do contain gelatin and are therefore not suited for a plant-based diet.

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3

Best Multivitamin for Women Over 20

Ritual Essential for Women Multivitamin 18+

Credit: Courtesy of Ritual

Pros

• USP verified
• Delayed-release capsules to target the small intestine
• Traceable ingredients and quality sourcing

Cons

• Higher price per dosage than others

Subscription-based service Ritual offers this 18+ women's multi that contains critical nutrients for overall health including folate, omega-3s, B12, D3, iron, K2, boron and magnesium. They focus on avoiding unnecessary filler ingredients and have designed the capsules for delayed nutrient release to ensure greater absorption.

Though this pick has a higher cost per dose than others on the list, it's also USP verified, meaning that it is manufactured in accordance with high quality standards. In a clinical university-led study, which was funded by the company, nutrient levels rose in participants taking the multi within 12 weeks. Our pros love the brand's commitment to traceability and quality sourcing — you can learn about each ingredient in the supplement as well as where it is sourced from and why on their website.

4

Best Multivitamin for Women Over 30

HUM Base Control

Pros

• Contains significant levels of iron and folate
• Formulated by registered dietitians
• Clean Label Project Certified

Cons

• Must be taken with food

Formulated by dietitians and designed specifically for women, this quality multi from HUM includes 22 key vitamins and minerals plus iron. Our registered dietitians say that since this choice contains iron, it's ideal for premenopausal women, and also has folate to support women of childbearing years. HUM also makes a version without iron for post-menopause.

Free from artificial colors, sweeteners, flavors and preservatives, our experts appreciate that this supplement only requires a one tablet serving daily and is completely vegan. But keep in mind that this multi must be taken with food. Most importantly, our experts appreciate that this pick is extensively tested and certified by the Clean Label Project, so you can know that what is on the label is actually present in the bottle.

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5

Best Multivitamin for Women Over 40

New Chapter One Daily Every Woman's Multivitamin 40+

Pros

• Ideal for perimenopausal women
• Certified Gluten-Free and Non-GMO Project Verified
• Tested for heavy metals and pesticides

Cons

• Only a small amount of calcium and magnesium

Formulated for women 40 and over, this multivitamin is iron-free for perimenopausal women and contains a blend of essential vitamins, minerals and whole-food nutrients to support hormone balance. You'll also find significant doses of vitamins A, C and zinc to support a healthy immune system as well as vitamins D3 and K2 for bone health. B vitamins round out the formulation to maintain energy levels.

If you prefer to take your multi first thing, this option is okay to take on an empty stomach and has a one tablet serving. Keep in mind though that this pick only contains 2% of the DV for both calcium and magnesium, so be sure to focus on these minerals in your diet. In addition to being certified gluten-free and non-GMO, the product is tested for heavy metals, residual solvents and pesticides. All of the New Chapter products meet the safety and purity requirements set by the FDA (Food & Drug Administration), Health Canada and California Prop 65 and are manufactured at GMP compliant and FDA registered facilities.

6

Best Multivitamin for Women Over 50

Thorne Research Women's Multi 50+

Pros

• Calcium and magnesium in chelated form
• Formulated without iron
• Strict quality standards

Loaded with calcium and magnesium, this multi from Thorne comes in a highly absorbable chelated form, part of the brand's mission to create supplements that can be absorbed efficiently. It contains 240 milligrams of calcium (18% of your DV) plus a significant amount of magnesium — both nutrients could help your muscle and nerve function in the long run.

Since iron supplementation is typically not recommended for postmenopausal women, this multi curated for women over 50 does not include iron. Our experts love the quality but do point out that a serving is six capsules, though Thorne recommends about three to six capsules per day and checking with your healthcare provider for the appropriate dosage. Thorne — a company that works with professional athletes — is known for sourcing high-quality ingredients and their strict quality control standards. Products go through four rounds of internal testing and are frequently verified by third-party organizations too.

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7

Best Women's Multivitamin Gummy

SmartyPants Women's Multi & Omegas

Now 26% Off

Credit: SmartyPants

Pros

• Convenient and easy-to-take gummy form
• NSF Contents Certified
• Also available in sugar-free and organic varieties

Gummies are a nice alternative to pills for women who have trouble swallowing capsules daily. This pick contains numerous omega-3 fatty acids, including DHA and EPA in healthy amounts. Biotin is also present to help maintain healthy hair, skin and nails, and folate is included as well in the form of methylfolate to support women of child-bearing age. But take note that a serving is six gummies.

Our experts point out that there are no synthetic colors, preservatives or flavorings, and this gummy is produced in a cGMP-compliant facility (learn more about this FDA-approved practice). What's more, Smarty Pants sources high quality ingredients and this multi is both NSF Contents Certified and a Clean Label Project Purity Award winner, meaning it has undergone extensive third-party testing and meets strict standards to be free from contaminants, chemicals and other unwanted additives. There is also a sugar-free option and an organic version.

8

Best Prenatal Women's Multivitamin

MegaFood Baby & Me 2 Prenatal Multi

Credit: Courtesy of Amazon

Pros

• Can be taken any time of day, even on an empty stomach
• Contains folate and choline to support fetal health
• Tested for over 125 pesticides and herbicides

Cons

• Does not contain DHA and some minerals

Nutrition needs of pregnancy can be difficult to meet through diet alone, especially if you are battling nausea and other intense side effects during this time. A prenatal vitamin is practically essential for most pregnant women and widely recommended by registered dietitians, obstetricians and other healthcare practitioners.

This doctor formulated prenatal from MegaFood is well-designed and contains methylated folate, which is the active form of folic acid that plays an important role in helping form the neural tube and preventing major birth defects of the baby's developing brain and spine. It also contains choline, another important nutrient to support healthy fetal brain development throughout pregnancy that is unfortunately not found in many other prenatal vitamins.

Our experts love that this multivitamin has been designed to be taken on an empty stomach in case you've got morning sickness, and that the brand has strict internal quality standards and tests products for over 125 pesticides and herbicides. But this prenatal does not contain certain minerals such as calcium, magnesium and potassium, and it also lacks DHA (which arguably should be taken separately from a multivitamin anyway), so take note of that with your dietary habits.

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9

Best Postnatal Women's Multivitamin

MegaFood Baby & Me 2 Postnatal Multivitamin

Credit: Courtesy of Amazon

Pros

• Doctor formulated
• Designed specifically to support nursing mothers
• Can be taken any time of day, even on an empty stomach
• Tested for over 125 pesticides and herbicides

Cons

• Does not contain calcium

A woman's nutritional needs change after having a baby. Our registered dietitians appreciate that MegaFood keeps the entire prenatal and postnatal continuum in mind, specifically supporting the increased nutrition demands of nursing mothers.

This pick also includes choline to continue supporting baby's brain development, as well as organic moringa which may lead to improved milk production. This, too, can be taken on an empty stomach and we found them to be easily digestible. In addition to being Non-GMO Project verified, this postnatal is certified Glyphosate Residue Free and MegaFood tests for 125+ herbicides and pesticides. But this pick also does not contain calcium or magnesium, so keep that in mind with your diet.

How we chose the best multivitamins

In the Good Housekeeping Institute Nutrition Lab, our registered dietitians rigorously evaluate supplements year-round based on nutritional expertise, ingredients and both internal and third-party testing data.

When selecting the best multivitamins for women, we considered dosage, serving size, price, servings per container, ingredients, form, nutrients and whether or not you can take the vitamin with or without food. Special consideration was paid to determine products better suited for women of different age ranges, especially for those over the age of 50 and for soon-to-be mothers since nutrient intake criteria shifts based on guidelines set by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.

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Philip Friedman

We prioritized recommendations that have been tested for purity, potency and safety by a credible third party organization. We also reviewed marketing claims, ingredient lists and product quality, and we highlighted companies that test for heavy metals, pesticide and herbicide contamination, among other items of concern. We featured companies that have strict internal quality control standards as well.

Since the FDA does not approve dietary supplements for safety and effectiveness prior to going to market, it's incredibly important to thoroughly research each supplement you add to your regimen and speak with your healthcare provider before purchasing.

What to look for when shopping for the best women's multivitamins

Ultimately, supplements are just that: meant to supplement a healthy diet and fill in any nutrition gaps that may be present. But it's important to note that additional nutrition from a multivitamin — even the best multivitamins — won't replace the need for a balanced, healthy diet. Try to keep these considerations in mind when shopping for one that is right for you:

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Philip Friedman

**✔️ Percentages: Try to source a multivitamin that doesn't exceed 100% of the daily value (DV) for essential vitamins and minerals, especially fat soluble vitamins, including A, E and K, because these may reach toxic levels quickly. Water soluble vitamins (i.e. mainly vitamin C and B vitamins) are less of a concern since any excess will get flushed out when you go to the bathroom.

**✔️ Age range: Choosing a multivitamin designed for women exclusively can be a great idea, especially if you're selecting a product marketed to your age group as well, as manufacturers are likely addressing specific needs women in your age group may have. Multis are often good because they aim to include appropriate amounts as well as the complimentary nutrients that aid in absorption.

Philip Friedman

**✔️ Pill type and size: There are a variety of pill styles available, including tablets, capsules, softgels, gummies and more. If you don't like swallowing large pills, there are plenty of other options to choose from and even our top pick from mykind Organics has a gummy version. Pay attention to serving size as well, as some multivitamins require upwards of three to four pills to meet the appropriate dosage.

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Philip Friedman

**✔️ Certifications: Multivitamins aren't evaluated for safety or efficacy by the FDA before they hit the market, but that doesn't mean you can't look for other signs of quality when you're in the supplement aisle. Try to identify brands that are have been tested by a credible third-party organization such as US Pharmacopeia (USP) and NSF International for purity, potency and safety. Shoppers can also turn to the FDA's Good Manufacturing Practices to weigh their current multivitamin against these standards.

What is a multivitamin?

Multivitamins are a type of supplement that typically contains a combination of vitamins and minerals, and sometimes other ingredients. Brands get to determine how much and what types of vitamins, minerals and other ingredients are put into their multivitamin product. They are not designed to take the place of eating a variety of nourishing foods, since whole foods provide a package of vitamins, minerals, fiber and other beneficial compounds to support overall health.

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Is it good to take a multivitamin every day?

Even the healthiest diets packed with tons of nourishing fruits and vegetables may require supplementation of certain vitamins and minerals. Factors such as allergies, dietary restrictions and medical conditions can further impact how and what you eat, making multivitamins crucial for women who are chronically deficient in key nutrients. When taking multivitamins every day, it is ideal to take them with food or during a meal to minimize any potential stomach discomfort and naturally enhance absorption.

But before you try adopting a daily multivitamin, be sure to continue to optimize your diet to include more nutrient-rich items naturally — a daily vitamin works best when it's not intended to be a sole source for any given nutrient. Consider maximizing your intake of fiber-rich foods, antioxidants, minerals and omega-3 fatty acids by loading up on veggies, lean proteins and plant-based proteins as much as possible. Add in fresh fruit, whole grains, nuts, seeds and legumes as well as unsweetened dairy products into your meals when possible before starting a daily multivitamin regimen for best results.

Which multivitamins are best for women over 50?

For women over 50, calcium and vitamin D sourced through diet is often insufficient, and there are other lifestyle factors at play. Multivitamin options that focus on these nutrients are key for this population. The combo functions in tandem: Calcium, stored in your bones, is key for cellular function in muscles, nerves and glands, whereas vitamin D helps to maintain bone density itself and draws calcium within your GI tract and from kidneys.

Multivitamins for women over 50 also tend to contain less iron, because the need for dietary iron goes down after menopause. But there is one caveat: Since vitamin D is difficult to get from sunshine alone, you and your doctor may decide that in addition to a multivitamin which contains D, you may need a separate vitamin D supplement as well.

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Which multivitamins are best for pregnant women?

You'll need to discuss your supplement routine with your doctor before your pregnancy gets too far along. Per recommendations made by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, you should source four nutrients in particular: Folic acid (600 IU), choline (450 mg), iodine (220 mcg) and iron (27 mg).

Obstetricians have historically stressed the importance of folic acid — which reduces the risk of fetal brain defects during the first trimester — as well as choline, an often overlooked vitamin that supports brain development and lowers the risk of birth defects. Both of these nutrients are found in protein-rich eggs and staples like whole grains, but can still be tricky to get through food alone. Working with your OB/GYN and a registered dietitian to determine any nutrient holes in your current diet as your pregnancy gets underway can ensure you're pulling the best supplement for healthy development.

Why trust Good Housekeeping?

Stefani (she/her) is a registered dietitian, a NASM-certified personal trainer and the director of the Good Housekeeping Institute Nutrition Lab, where she handles all nutrition-related content, testing and evaluation. She holds a bachelor’s degree in nutritional sciences from Pennsylvania State University and a master’s degree in clinical nutrition from NYU. She is also Good Housekeeping’s on-staff fitness and exercise expert. Stefani is dedicated to providing readers with evidence-based content to encourage informed food choices and healthy living. She is an avid CrossFitter and a passionate home cook who loves spending time with her big fit Greek family.

Laura Iu, R.D., is a registered dietitian nutritionist, certified intuitive eating counselor, yoga guide, and owner of Laura Iu Nutrition, a private practice in New York City. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics from New York University and completed her internship in dietetics at Weill Cornell & Columbia Medical Center of New York-Presbyterian Hospital. She went on to work in New York City’s top hospitals, including Mount Sinai Hospital and NYU Langone Health. She believes that true health is all encompassing — physical, emotional, and mental wellbeing — not an external measure via shape or size.