Multivitamin supplement products provide essential vitamins and minerals which can serve as a foundation for women’s overall health and well-being. In this guide, we cover the best multivitamins for women and how these brands may help women to achieve their health goals.
We’ve also outlined the benefits and nutrients women often seek when looking for an effective, high-quality multivitamin. Read on for the details!
Table of Contents
Quick List: Best Multivitamins for Women
#1. Performance Lab® Whole Food Multi – Uses Biogenesis™, or vitamins and minerals that are lab-grown for better bioavailability, to restore cell function and help women maintain a well-rounded, clean nutritional foundation. Performance Lab® Whole Food Multi |
#2. EVL Nutrition Women’s Multivitamin – Tailored to women with core antioxidant support, full vitamin B support and numerous nutrients to maintain thyroid, vision, skin, metabolism, blood sugar, heart health, and immune functioning. Women’s Multivitamin |
#3. Perfect Energy™ Multivitamin – 100% Vegan, all-natural, organic multivitamin containing 8 fermented B vitamins that help transform fats, carbs. and proteins into energy. Perfect Energy™ Multivitamin |
#4. Opti-Women Multivitamin – Vegetarian capsules tailored to women. Contains 23 important vitamins and minerals. including folic acid and iron. Opti-Women Multivitamin |
#5. Pure Nutrition Daily Vitamins – Encourages overall productivity throughout the female body’s various systems. Pure Nutrition Daily Vitamins |
Why do Women Take Multivitamins?
Women take multivitamin dietary supplements to keep their systems balanced, especially when their diet isn’t allowing them to get the nutrients they need to stay healthy, energized and strong.
Next, we’ll discuss some of the benefits of multivitamins for women. Then, we’ll go through some of the most vital multivitamin ingredients and features for women to look out for.
1. Healthier Hair, Skin and Nails
Multivitamins are a great way for women to maintain healthy hair, skin and nails. For example, vitamin A, vitamins B1, B3, B6, vitamin C, and vitamin D all play a part in the health of our hair, skin and nails. Thus, a multivitamin containing these nutrients may be helpful.
2. Enhance Metabolism for Optimal Fat Loss
Certain vitamins are essential for an optimized metabolism. Without them, the metabolism can run slow, preventing us from losing fat quickly. As an example, vitamin D and calcium have both been linked to fat loss when taken consistently.
3. Decrease Susceptibility to Infection
If you find yourself getting sick often and for long periods of time, you may be experiencing a nutrient deficiency. Fortunately, getting the right nutrients can help fight off infections.
That’s where the best multivitamins for women come in; they supply a foundation of nutrients to keep women’s immune health strong, especially when they’re lacking in nutrients. One study even states that malnutrition is the most common cause of immunodeficiency.[1]
4. Keep Bones Strong and Reduce Muscle Damage
Another side effect of a nutrient deficiency in women is weak bones, which may eventually develop to osteoporosis If women want to maintain optimal bone health throughout their lives, they may want to optimize their nutrient intake with a multivitamin.
Specifically, vitamin D deficiencies have shown to actually weaken the bones when women let them get out of hand. Thus, multivitamins containing vitamin D may help keep the bones strong as we age.
5. Improve Workout Performance and Decrease Muscle Damage
Certain nutrients are also vital for optimal performance while working out or competing. For instance, women who are lacking B vitamins may have trouble converting protein and sugar into energy as well as producing and repairing cells. As a result, female athletes and gym rats may use a multivitamin to balance out their nutrient levels.
In addition, certain nutrients are known to neutralize free radicals, which are damaging molecules produced in the body during exercise. For example, vitamins E and C may help neutralize free radicals during exercise and reduce oxidative stress reactions to enhance overall performance and muscle gains.[2]
Which Ingredients do Women Look for in a Multivitamin?
Not getting enough nutrients can have all kinds of negative effects on a woman’s mind and body.[3] Below, we’ll go through the various ingredients typically included in multivitamins for women and why they are important.
Magnesium – Regulates protein synthesis, muscle and nerve function, energy production, bone production, blood glucose and blood pressure in women.
Iron – Women lose iron during menstruation. As such, they require more supplemental iron than men to support metabolism, production of brain chemicals, transfer of oxygen and development of blood cells.
Copper – Helps with the production of iron, which women require more of than men. Also supports energy, the nervous and immune systems, the heart, relaxed muscles, vision and tissue formation.
Zinc – Supports reproductive health in women and helps the immune system function properly while playing a role in protein production, wound healing and the division of cells.
Manganese – Helps the female body process proteins, cholesterol and carbohydrates (metabolism) while helping to prevent weak bones and balance blood sugar levels. May also relieve symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS).
Calcium – Helps prevent bone-weakening in women as they age while supporting muscles and joints, moderating hormones and helping the heart and nervous system function properly.
Boron – Plays a role in bone generation and development. Also helps heal wounds, balance hormones, enhance the absorption of magnesium, reduce inflammation, buffer oxidative stress and more.
Vitamin B1 – Also known as thiamine, it helps with energy metabolism and nervous system functioning.
Vitamin B2 – Also known as riboflavin, it supports energy production, metabolism, and the growth and development of cells.
Vitamin B3 – Also known as niacin, it helps with circulation, nervous system functioning, skin health and metabolism in women.
Vitamin B5 – Also known as pantothenic, it supports skin health, heart health and energy metabolism.
Vitamin B6 – Vitamin B6 plays a vital role in protein metabolism and amino acid metabolism. In other words, it helps us absorb protein and amino acids faster.
Vitamin B7 – Also known as biotin, helps keep hair and skin healthy while controlling cholesterol and supporting the heart.
Vitamin B9 – Otherwise known as folic acid, it is known to aid in female reproductive health. Technically, the female body uses folic acid to create extra blood when pregnant.
Vitamin B12 – Supports the production of red blood cells, neurological functions and DNA production. Vegans and vegetarian women are more prone to vitamin B12 deficiencies because B12 is not typically found in plant-based foods.
Vitamin D3 – Promotes calcium absorption to maintain strong bones and reduce inflammation. It also helps with cell growth and keeps the immune system functioning properly.
Vitamin E – Helps neutralize free radicals associated with intense exercise, which may prolong women’s ability to push through a workout. Also helps with metabolism, nerve and muscle health.
Vitamin A – Supports vision, teeth, tissue, skin, cell production, cell maintenance and bone remodeling; also important for reproduction and breastfeeding.
Vitamin K1 + K2 – Supports bone, heart and connective tissue health in women.
Iodine – Huge for women because it controls the thyroid, which moderates hormones, affects metabolism and regulates vital reactions in the brain and body.
Selenium – Plays a part in thyroid and immune function to keep women healthy and balanced.
Chromium – Supports a balanced metabolism, balanced blood sugar levels, energy and weight loss.
Strontium – Acts like calcium to support bone and joint health.
Molybdenum – Helps women maintain a healthy metabolism and enzyme function.
Inositol – Helps with cognition, mood, skin and nervous system functioning.
Vanadium – Helps balance blood sugar levels, influences the production of growth factor, supports heart health and promotes strong bones and muscles.
What Kind of Multivitamins are Women Looking For?
Women tend to look for additive and preservative-free, often vegan multivitamins containing nutrients that females tend to have trouble maintaining.
They also look for multivitamins that support reproductive health, increase metabolism and balance hormones.
Multivitamins That Support Reproductive Health
Women tend to look for multivitamins containing nutrients they need for healthy reproduction and overall health. For example, vitamin B9, or folic acid, is a vital nutrient for female reproductive health and female health in general, as we discussed earlier.[4]
Specifically, it helps women grow cells and protect their unborn babies. In addition, some multivitamins can help with symptoms of PMS and menstruation in women. However, women should always consult a doctor before taking a multivitamin during pregnancy or while trying to get pregnant.
Clean, Additive-Free, Preservative-Free Multivitamins
In 2018, Women also tend to look for clean multivitamins with no artificial or synthetic flavors, preservatives or additives.
Such chemicals are known to cause side effects that can range anywhere from “mild to life-threatening.”[5]
Hence why it’s smart to avoid them whenever possible.
Vegan and Vegetarian Multivitamin Supplements
Vegan women looking to avoid animal-based products will need to look deeper into their multivitamin ingredients than others. Vegan multis also tend to be cleaner in general, made with a higher standard of quality.
For example, some ingredients commonly found in multivitamins that are actually animal-based include magnesium stearate, lanolin and bone meal.
How Best 5 Supplements Rates and Ranks the Best Multivitamins for Women
For general information on purchasing high-quality supplements, please check out the Best 5 How to Buy a Good Supplement guide.
In terms of the best multivitamins for women specifically, here are the criteria we used in our ratings:
- Customization – Gender-specific dosages and ingredients for women
- Quality – Premium ingredient and delivery forms work better than others
- Service – Good return policy, shipping, and strong customer support
- Value – Superior return for overall women’s health for your investment
- Cleanliness – Vegan, no fillers, artificial colors, synthetics or preservatives
We also take into account which companies have a strong online presence and good reputation. These manufacturers stand behind their products.
Best Multivitamins for Women
#1 – Performance Lab Whole Food Multi – Women’s Formula
The Performance Lab Whole Food Multi for Women comes packed with Biogenesis™ nutrients — lab-grown vitamins and minerals with superior bioavailability, cleanliness and eco-friendliness.
Performance Lab Whole Food Multi is also vegan, caffeine-free and all-natural, containing “gender-specific hormonal support” and support for better health all around.
As a bonus for women, Performance Lab Whole Food Multi is delivered in PlantCaps® — tapioca-sourced vegetarian capsules that are infused with prebiotics to help support easy, comfortable digestion. It’s another reason why this is our favorite multivitamin for women on the market today.
Full ingredient list: Vitamin A 1,000 IU, Vitamin C 60 mg, Vitamin D3 1,000 IU, Vitamin E 30 IU, Vitamin K1+K2 100 mcg, Vitamin B1 4 mg, B2 4 mg, B3 20 mg, B5 20 mg, B6 4 mg, B7 300 mcg, B9 800 mcg, B12 50 mcg, Calcium 21 mg, Iron 8 mg, Iodine 150 mcg, Magnesium 21 mg, Zinc 10 mg, Selenium 125 mcg, Copper 1.5 mg, Manganese 2 mg, Chromium 120 mcg, Molybdenum 75 mcg, Strontium 150 mcg, Inositol 25 mg, Vanadium 10 mcg, Boron 1 mg
Performance Lab Whole Food Multi for Women Summary |
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Advanced Ingredients: Biogenesis™ whole-food nature-identical nutrients | ||
Clean Label: Yes. No additives or synthetic ingredients, gluten-free, non-GMO | ||
Advanced Delivery: Yes. All natural, 100% Vegan and gluten-free Plantcaps® Pullulan Capsule, infused with prebiotics to support better digestion | ||
Stimulant Free: Yes. No caffeine | ||
Price: $40 for 120 capsules, a 1-month supply | ||
Any Deals? Yes. Buy 2 boxes to save 5% and buy 3 boxes to save 10%. | ||
Service: 30-day money-back guarantee minus shipping costs. Contact via online form or email | ||
Official Website: www.PerformanceLab.com | ||
Read our in-depth Performance Lab Whole Food Multi review | ||
#2 – EVL Nutrition Women’s Multivitamin
EVL Nutrition Women’s Multivitamin is gluten-free and non-GMO with core antioxidant support. Specifically, it supports bone, eye and immune health, and the replenishment of vitamins and minerals in women. Manufactured in the U.S., EVL Nutrition Women’s Multivitamin is a natural multivitamin that gets the job done.
Full ingredient list: Vitamin A 900 mg, Vitamin C 250 mg, Vitamin E 15 mg, Vitamin K 45 mg, Vitamin B1 20 mg, Vitamin B2 20 mg, Vitamin B3 20 mg, Vitamin B6 20 mg, Folic Acid 600 mcg, Vitamin B12 100 mcg, Biotin 250 mcg, Vitamin B5 20 mg, Calcium 150 mg, Iron 18 mg, Iodine 200 mcg, Magnesium 75 mg, Zinc 15 mg, Selenium 70 mcg, Copper 2 mg, Manganese 5 mg, Chromium 120 mg, Molybdenum 70 mg, Dong Quai Extract 80 mg, Chasteberry Extract 50 mg, Garcinia Extract 50 mg, Uva Ursi Leaf Powder 50 mg, Horse Chestnut Extract 25 mg, Alpha Lipoic Acid 20 mg, Butchers Broom 15 mg, Ostivone 10 mg, Grape Extract 10 mg, Deodorized Garlic Powder 10 mg, Citrus Bioflavonoids 10 mg, Isoflavones 2 mg, Lycopene 250 mcg, Lutein 250 mcg, Zeaxanthin 18.7 mcg, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Magnesium Stearate, Sodium Starch Glycolate, Silicon Dioxide, Vegetable Cellulose, Propylene Glycol, Triacetin
EVL Nutrition Women’s Multivitamin Summary |
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Advanced Ingredients: Bioperine®, Ostivone® Dong Quai, Uva Ursi, Chasteberry Extract, Garcinia Extract, Horse Chestnut Extract, Butchers Broom, Alpha Lipoic Acid, Grape Extract | ||
Clean Label: No. May contain synthetic ingredients. | ||
Advanced Delivery: Not particularly. Vegetable Cellulose Tablets | ||
Stimulant Free: Yes. No caffeine mentioned on ingredients | ||
Price: $14.99 for 60 servings or 120 tablets, a 1-month supply | ||
Any Deals? No. | ||
Service: Refunds on products that were damaged in transit. Contact via online form or social media | ||
Official Website: www.EVLNutrition.com | ||
Read our in-depth EVL Nutrition Women’s Multivitamin review | ||
#3 – Perfect Energy™ Multivitamin
We love Perfect Energy™ Multivitamin because it is 100% vegan and organic with an all-natural, dynamic energy blend of fermented nutrients, many of which can be especially helpful for women.
For instance, it contains 400 mcg of folic acid and 10 mg of riboflavin to support reproductive health and energy production. It even comes with a hint of the nootropic ingredient Rhodiola Rosea, which is known to help mediate reactions to stress.
Full ingredient list: Vitamin A 5,000 IU, Vitamin C 75 mg, Vitamin D3 1,000 IU, Vitamin E 30 IU, Vitamin K 80 mcg, Thiamin 9 mg, Riboflavin 10 mg, Niacin 20 mg, Vitamin B6 10 mg, Folate 400 mcg, Vitamin B12 30 mcg, Biotin 300 mcg, Pantothenic Acid 20 mg, Calcium 20 mg, Iodine 90 mcg, Zinc 7.5 mg, Selenium 100 mcg, Copper 750 mcg, Manganese 2 mg, Chromium 120 mcg, Molybdenum 10 mcg, Dynamic Energy Blend 311.6 mg, Grape Aqueous Extract 300 mg, Ginger Hydroethanolic Extract 8 mg and Organic Ginger Supercritical Extract 2 mg, Culture media, organic maltodextrin, organic gum acacia, silicon dioxide, maltodextrin, lac resin, carnauba wax, magnesium oxide and magnesium carbonate.
Perfect Energy™ Multivitamin Summary |
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Advanced Ingredients: Maca, Rhodiola Rosea, Green Tea | ||
Clean Label: Yes. Vegan, Organic, Made of Fermented Vegetables and Herbs | ||
Advanced Delivery: Yes. Liquid soft gels | ||
Stimulant Free: Yes. Caffeine-Free Energy® | ||
Price: $31.16 for a 36-count, 1-month supply | ||
Any Deals? Save 15% when you subscribe, Free Shipping | ||
Service: Money-back guarantee if not satisfied with product. Contact via phone or email | ||
Official Website: www.NewChapter.com | ||
Read our in-depth Perfect Energy™ Multivitamin Review | ||
#4 – Opti-Women Multivitamin
Opti-Women Multivitamin is undoubtedly one of the best multivitamins out there for active women. It has even won awards!
Women tend to like it because it’s easy on the stomach while providing adequate nutrients to help with workout performance and energy throughout the day. Even better, it comes tailored to women: packed with 600 mcg of folic acid and 18 mg of iron. It’s also made with Vegetarian Society approved Vcaps.
Full ingredient list: Vitamin A 5,000 IU, Vitamin C 250 mg, Vitamin D 600 IU, Vitamin E 100 IU, Vitamin K 800 mcg, Thiamin 20 mg, Riboflavin 20 mg, Niacin 20 mg, Vitamin B6 20 mg, Folic Acid 600 mcg, Vitamin B1 100 mcg, Biotin 250 mcg, Pantothenic Acid 20 mg, Calcium 150 mg, Iron 18 mg, Iodine 200 mcg, Magnesium 75 mg, Zinc 15 mg, Selenium 70 mcg, Copper 2 mg, Manganese 5 mg, Chromium 120 mcg, Molybdenum 70 mcg, Dong Quai 80 mcg, Chasteberry 50 mcg, Garcinia Extract 50 mg, Uva Ursi 50 mg, Horse Chestnut Extract 25 mg, Alpha Lipoic Acid 20 mg, Butchers Broom 15 mg, Ostivone® 10 mg, Grape Seed Extract 10 mg, Deodorized Garlic 10 mg, Citrus Bioflavonoids 10 mg, Soy Isoflavones 2 mg, Lycopene 250 mcg, Lutein 250 mcg, Alpha-Carotene 93.5 mcg, Cryptoxanthin 22.8 mcg, Zeaxanthin 18.7 mcg, Hypromellose, Magnesium Stearate, Calcium, Phosphate, Microcrystalline Cellulose and Silica
Opti-Women Multivitamin Summary |
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Advanced Ingredients: Dong Quai, Chasteberry, Garcinia Extract, Uva Ursi, Horse Chestnut Extract, Alpha Lipoic Acid, Butchers Broom, Ostivone®, Grape Seed Extract | ||
Clean Label: No. Does not mention “all-natural,” “cGMP” or “ISO-Certified” | ||
Advanced Delivery: Yes. Vegetarian Society Approved Vcaps | ||
Stimulant Free: Yes. No caffeine mentioned in ingredients | ||
Price: $14.99 for 120 capsules, a 1-month supply | ||
Any Deals? Yes. Free shipping on orders over $25 | ||
Service: Will accept returns within 30 days if 75% or less of product has been used, contact via phone or email | ||
Official Website: www.OptimumNutrition.com | ||
Read our in-depth Opti-Women Multivitamin review | ||
#5 – Pure Nutrition Daily Vitamins
Pure Nutrition’s Daily Vitamins Multivitamin is made of numerous nutrients and minerals that can be beneficial for female health. For example, it contains calcium for strong bones, iron for any deficiencies (which are more common in women) and folic acid, which can aid in reproductive health. It also contains a digestive enzyme complex, which helps enhance the body’s ability to absorb vital nutrients.
Full ingredient list: Vitamin A 1,500 mcg, Vitamin D 60 mg, Vitamin C 10 mcg, Vitamin E 20.1 mg, Vitamin K 25 mcg, Thiamine 1.5 mg, Riboflavin 1.7 mg, Niacin 30 mg, Vitamin B6 2 mg, Folate 666.66 mcg, Vitamin B12 6 mcg, Biotin 300 mcg, Pantothenic Acid 10 mcg, Calcium 200 mg, Iron 9 mg, Phosphorus 125 mg, Iodine 150 mcg, Magnesium 200 mg, Zinc 15 mg, Selenium 35 mcg, Copper 1 mg, Manganese 2 mg, Chromium 60 mcg, Molybdenum 35 mcg, Potassium 40 mg, Digestive Enzyme Complex 32 mg, Para-Aminobenzoic Acid 5 mg, Boron 150 mcg, Lutein 150 mcg, Lycopene 100 mcg, Stearic Acid, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Croscarmellose Sodium, Silicon Dioxide, Magnesium Stearate and Pharmaceutical glaze
Pure Nutrition Daily Vitamins Summary |
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Advanced Ingredients: Digestive Enzyme Complex: Maltodextrin, Lactase, Papain, Malt Diastase, Lipase | ||
Clean Label: Yes and No. Contains additive Maltodextrin but has cGMP stamp of approval | ||
Advanced Delivery: No. Plain, non-vegan tablet | ||
Stimulant Free: Yes. No caffeine or stimulants listed on ingredients | ||
Price: $8.99 for 100 tablets | ||
Any Deals? Yes. Free shipping on orders over $100 | ||
Service: Form on website for returns on damaged products but no product guarantees | ||
Official Website: Pure Nutrition Daily Vitamins | ||
Read our in-depth Pure Nutrition Daily Vitamins review | ||
Best Multivitamins for Women Conclusion
In the end, women are constantly on-the-go in today’s society; so, it’s not always easy for them to incorporate nutrients into their natural diets. However, women who take multivitamins may experience better overall health, enhanced workout performance and higher levels of energy.
- Check out some more in-depth reviews of B5’s favorite multivitamins here. We’ll help you weed out the good from the bad.
Multivitamin supplements provide nutrients the female body can use to function flawlessly. They can make a world of difference by providing a wholesome foundation for overall well-being in women.
References
- Chandra RK. Nutrition and the immune system: an introduction. Am J Clin Nutr. 1997 Aug;66(2):460S-463S.
- Lobo V et al. Free radicals, antioxidants and functional foods: Impact on human health. Pharmacogn Rev. 2010 Jul-Dec; 4(8): 118–126.
- Martins VJB et al. Long-Lasting Effects of Undernutrition. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2011 Jun; 8(6): 1817–1846.
- Dunlap B et al. Folic acid and human reproduction—ten important issues for clinicians.
J Exp Clin Assist Reprod. 2011; 8: 2. 2011 Aug 10.
- Dr. Sanjay Sharma. Food Preservatives and their harmful effects. International J Scientific and Research Pubs., V5, Issue 4, 2015 April.
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