High-Quality Multivitamins for Women Per Dietitians and Reviews
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Nearly 64% of adult American women take a dietary supplement and, of those, the majority are multivitamins. But because the supplement industry is so big, it can be hard to know how to choose the best multivitamins for women.
Keep in mind that you don’t necessarily need a multivitamin if you eat a varied, well-balanced diet. But given how tricky that can be to pull off, dietitians usually say it can’t hurt to have a multivitamin in your life. “A multivitamin could be a good safety net for most women to ensure they meet their nutritional needs,” says Keri Gans, R.D.N., author of The Small Change Diet. “However, certain women could definitely benefit from it more than others, such as those with a heavy menstrual cycle who would benefit from additional iron or those following a vegetarian or vegan diet who would also benefit from iron and B12.”
If you’re taking a weight-loss medication, a supplement can also pad out your nutrition, she says. But these can also be helpful for women of childbearing age, as well as those who are over 60 to ensure they’re getting in the right nutrients, Gans says.
Ultimately, the right multivitamin is one that meets your needs, says Jessica Cording, R.D., a nutritionist and the author of The Little Book of Game-Changers. (And, if you’re unsure of what those needs are, it’s a good idea to check in with a healthcare provider or dietitian to find out more.) Beyond that, choosing from a reputable company and ideally one that uses rigorous testing is preferred, she says.
Meet the experts: Scott Keatley, R.D., is co-owner of Keatley Medical Nutrition Therapy; Keri Gans, R.D.N., is author of The Small Change Diet; Jessica Cording, R.D., is a nutritionist and the author of The Little Book of Game-Changers.
With all of that in mind, these are our favorite multivitamins for women, based on our own testing and feedback from nutritionists.
Dietary supplements are products intended to supplement the diet. They are not medicines and are not intended to treat, diagnose, mitigate, prevent, or cure diseases. Be cautious about taking dietary supplements if you are pregnant or nursing. Also, be careful about giving supplements to a child, unless recommended by their healthcare provider.
Our top picks
MyKind Organics Multivitamin for Women
Garden of Life’s MyKind multivitamin consistently came up with our expert panel of dietitians as an excellent, high-quality pick that suits the needs of most women. This organic multivitamin features an ingredients list that includes an organic food blend, with many nutrients coming from real foods. The multivitamin hits a lot of major nutrients women require, although be aware that it doesn’t contain magnesium. It also features biotin, which is linked to healthy hair, skin, and nails.
These vitamins are certified vegan and gluten-free, making them a good fit for many people with dietary restrictions. They’re also third-party tested for purity and potency, with an additional layer of in-house testing for heavy metals, microbes, and pathogens.
What the Reviews Say: Users rave about how they feel while taking this multivitamin. “The whole food nutrition it provides is simply amazing,” shares one. “It makes me feel more energetic and healthier overall.” Another adds this testimonial: “I feel that they absorb and work better so I get more out of them than other brands. My bloodwork seems to agree. I am no longer deficient in certain vitamin levels like I was before and I just feel better.”
Essential for Women Multivitamin 18+
Cording says that she often recommends Ritual to her clients who are of reproductive age, i.e. in their 20s and 30s. The multivitamin contains omega-3 DHA and folate, which are important for eye, heart, and brain health, including in a developing fetus.
Ritual is known for its clean ingredients, with the brand using only traceable ingredients. It’s also The United States Pharmacopeia (USP) verified for quality. All of the company’s multivitamins must pass third-party testing for heavy metals, major allergens, and microbes, too. Just be aware that this multivitamin doesn’t contain everything—it’s notably missing vitamins C and B, along with selenium and calcium. While it’s not the main reason to choose a multivitamin, Ritual has a nice minty flavor to cover the fishy taste of the DHA.
What the Reviews Say: Quality is a big thing that comes up in the reviews. “This vitamin is high quality, and has not at all upset my stomach,” says one fan. “My labs are great and I have waited to find such a great vitamin that I put these on auto ship and haven’t regretted it at all.” A fellow happy user shares that “these vitamins go down easy, have minimal aftertaste and I feel great throughout the day. They are on the pricey side but well worth it.”
Eve Women’s Multivitamin
While iron is an important nutrient for women to have, it can be upsetting in supplement form to some people with sensitive stomachs. Whether you’re sensitive to iron supplements or take a separate iron supplement and don’t want to overdo dosing of the nutrient, the Eve Women’s Multivitamin is a great option.
This multivitamin contains many of the bigger nutrients, along with cranberry, alpha lipoic acid, and CoQ10 for additional support. While Now isn’t third-party tested, Cording says that they do “rigorous” testing in-house for for stability, strength, and purity. The capsules are free of gluten, dairy, and eggs, although keep in mind that you do need to take four capsules per dose.
What the Reviews Say: Many people rave about how gentle these multivitamins are on the stomach. “I usually hate taking vitamin but these don’t kill the stomach,” shares one. “Best vitamin on the market for women,” says another. “I’ve been taking these now for five years. You can definitely tell a difference in how you feel and energy levels.”
Women’s Multi 50+
Women ages 50 and up have very different nutritional needs than their younger counterparts. Thorne’s Women’s Multi 50+ meets those with a supplement that focuses on things like calcium, vitamin B6, and lutein (for eye health). The multivitamin is free of iron, which women need less of after menopause.
Thorne’s multivitamin contains several highly absorbable nutrients, including zinc bisglycinate to support good immune function. The vitamins, which are made in a third-party certified facility, go through rigorous testing before they land on your doorstep. Just keep in mind that a dose is a whopping six capsules a day. But, if swallowing pills is easy for you, this is likely to be no biggie.
What the Reviews Say: Many users say they feel great on Thorne’s multivitamin. “A lot of other multivitamins give me a headache but this one didn’t. Been taking it for a few months now and I feel better all around,” says a fan. “The energy that I get from these vitamins is unlike any other vitamin I have taken,” shares another. ‘I am getting so much done and am 100% caffeine-free.”
Every Woman’s Multivitamin 40+
Many multivitamins are geared toward women in their 20s and 30s, or those in menopause. The New Chapter Every Woman’s Multivitamin 40+ is designed for the in between. The multivitamin features high levels of B vitamins, along with fermented ingredients to enhance absorption.
The tablets also contain foods and spices like turmeric, broccoli, and kale. The formulation is even designed to support hair, skin, and nail health. New Chapter’s organic supplement is third-party tested and gluten-free. Just be aware that while it’s vegetarian, the supplements are not vegan. But this formula is designed to be easy on the stomach, so you can take it with or without food.
What the Reviews Say: Several reviewers say the vitamin goes down easy and helps them feel great. “I take this vitamin on an empty stomach with no issues,” says one. “Since taking this vitamin I feel energized all day and do not have the late afternoon crash that I use to experience.” Another shares: “I’m feeling much better, my brain is working really well, I have more energy to wake up in the mornings and do exercises.”
The Perfect Women’s Multivitamin Gummy
Not everyone feels comfortable swallowing a pill. In that case, a gummy is usually a better choice. Olly’s The Perfect Women’s Multivitamin Gummy has a delicious berry taste that helps these vitamins go down easy. It‘s also free of iron, which usually translates to being easier on the stomach.
This supplement features a wide range of vitamins, including vitamins A, B, C, D, and E, along with biotin (for hair and nail health), folic acid, and calcium. These vitamins are third-party tested, too. Just a heads up: The gummies contain 2 grams of added sugar per serving, so you’ll want to factor that into your overall diet.
What the Reviews Say: Users give these vitamins the thumbs up for taste and effectiveness. “I feel a difference in my strength, energy, [and] hair growth, and they are also tasty,” says one. “I have trouble swallowing pills,” says another fan. “I feel great after taking these and I have stuck with them for months. They don’t have a sickening after-taste.”
Prenatal with Folic Acid + DHA
Nature Made’s prenatal vitamin has has a large serving of DHA, an omega-3 fatty acid that supports baby’s growth. But it also has folic acid (important for baby’s health, too), along with vitamins A, C, D3, and E, calcium, iron, iodine, magnesium, zinc, and all eight B vitamins.
The dosage is just one softgel daily, which goes down easy compared to a tablet. The vitamin is independently tested for quality and purity, too. These supplements have a delicate orange taste, a gentle flavor when you may be dealing with morning sickness. Prevention Digital Director Allie Early has taken this prenatal throughout her pregnancy, and she finds it both effective and gentle on her stomach, adding that the orange scent/light flavor makes this multivitamin a little easier to enjoy.
What the Reviews Say: Many expectant moms say these pills are easy to take and keep down. “It’s surprisingly easy to swallow and doesn’t leave that unpleasant aftertaste like some other prenatal vitamins I’ve tried,” says one user. “Plus, I don’t experience the upset stomach that I’ve had with other brands, which has been such a relief.” Another says, “I quite like the smell, the bottle says its orange scented, but it honestly smells like a very floral tea.”
How to choose the best multivitamin for women
Consider these elements when choosing the best multivitamins for women:
Nutrients. While multivitamins are designed to cover a broad range of nutritional needs, they’re not all the same. With that, it’s important to read the label and look for a vitamin that suits your specific needs. “Women should look for multivitamins that address common nutrient deficiencies, such as vitamin D, calcium, magnesium, and iron,” says Scott Keatley, R.D., co-owner of Keatley Medical Nutrition Therapy. “Depending on life stage, specific nutrients like folate, DHA, and iodine may be critical during pregnancy, while postmenopausal women may need more calcium and vitamin D to support bone health.”
Allergens and dietary restrictions. If you have an allergy, sensitivity, or dietary restriction, look for a multivitamin that meets your needs. Many multivitamins will explicitly say if they are gluten-free, dairy-free, or vegan.
Third-party testing. Third-party testing means that a brand uses someone outside their company to test their products to ensure what the label states is what’s actually in the bottle. “I prefer companies that put a big emphasis on testing and safety,” says Cording.
Value. More expensive doesn’t necessarily mean better when it comes to a multivitamin. Instead, look for a multivitamin that meets all of your requirements—including your budget.
How we chose the best multivitamins for women
To choose the best multivitamins for women, we consulted with three nutritionists for their input on what to look for in these supplements, as well as what to avoid. We then looked at the most popular multivitamins for women on the market and analyzed them based on elements like nutrients, allergens, testing, and value. We relied on our own experience with these multivitamins, as well as those of the dietitians we consulted. Because everyone’s experience is unique, we also considered reviews from real users to make sure we had the best view of how these multivitamins performed for a range of people.
Why trust us
For more than 70 years, Prevention has been a leading provider of trustworthy health information, empowering readers with practical strategies to improve their physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Our editors interview medical experts to help guide our health-focused product selections. Prevention also examines hundreds of reviews—and often conducts personal testing done by our staff—to help you make informed decisions.
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