All of us try to eat a healthy diet with all the micro and macro nutrients. But, are we eating enough? Particularly, women who take the responsibility of preparing food for everyone in most families don't care as much about eating a healthy diet themselves. Women’s multivitamins can help address this nutrition gap.
Only 9.8% of women in the US aged 18-44 eat at least two fruits and three vegetables per day. Everyone is supposed to eat two cups of fruit and two and a half cups of vegetables every day.
For women, the nutritional needs increase during pregnancy, lactation, and also in old age. A study shows that women of all ages aren't getting enough vitamins and minerals. Particularly, 49% of women of childbearing age and 44% of menopausal women don't take enough calcium. Similarly, they are also deficient in magnesium, vitamin A, C, D, and E. This nutrient gap was also found to be reduced with the use of women's multivitamin supplements.
While dietary intake is crucial, the multivitamin women's formulation can be useful to ensure that there is enough nutrient intake on a daily basis. Just meeting the daily requirements of vitamins and minerals can support your health, improve immunity, and enhance your overall wellbeing.
What are Women's Multivitamins?
Women's multivitamins are dietary supplements meant to nourish the distinctive biological and hormonal requirements of women. These products feature a wide array of vital vitamins, minerals, and in some cases, herbal mixes.
How Does A Woman's Multivitamin Formula Differ From The Regular Version?
It's the balance and quantity of nutrients that matter for women. For example, iron-containing women's multivitamins aid in menstruation-related losses. Others may contain folate for reproductive health or calcium and vitamin D for bone health.
In contrast to regular multivitamins, women's daily multivitamins may include added ingredients such as biotin for hair and nails, or adaptogens to help with hormonal balance. Age and gender specific dietary supplements for women may help them meet nutritional requirements at various life stages.
Why Women's Multivitamins are Needed for Every Life Stage?
A study found that nutrient intake was better in women who ate a healthy diet and took supportive supplements compared to those who relied only on the diet. Particularly, women who don't take supplements have inadequate intake of zinc, iron, and copper. Many pregnant women don't consume enough nutrients like folic acid and prenatal supplements can be useful in these stages.
Let's understand the nutritional requirements of women in various life stages:
Women of Childbearing Age
Women aged 19-50 are more commonly deficient in potassium, dietary fiber, magnesium, calcium, iron, vitamins A, C, D, and E. Women in the childbearing age group should consider taking women's multivitamins because this nutrition is also important for neurodevelopment of infants from conception throughout pregnancy and also for the first 2 years of life.
Particularly, women of this age group need compounds like zinc, folate, choline, iodine, vitamins A, D, B6, and B12 to support the neurodevelopment of their babies.
During the intrauterine period, when the mother takes enough DHA, it can help with the brain development of the babies. Women of childbearing age need more iron compared to women of menopausal age. On Nutriessential website, we have many womens multivitamin with iron that can meet these needs.
Women of Menopausal Age (Aged 40-55)
Based on the physiological changes in a woman, their nutritional requirements vary. Older women are more aware of this fact as in a study, 69% of menopausal women were found to take supplements regularly compared to only 47% of women of childbearing age. The nutritional intake in older women has a close relationship with the ovarian reserve, which can impact the timing of menopause.
For women in this age group, the estrogen production may decline and bone resorption may occur. This can increase the risk of bone fractures. So, they must take women's multivitamin supplements containing calcium and vitamin D. B vitamins are also important to reduce the risk of cognitive decline and dysfunction in menopausal women. A healthy gut microbiome also supports this. Taking women's multivitamins that also contain probiotics, such as the Vitamin Code formulas, can be useful.
Sleep difficulties may also arise in menopausal women. Natural melatonin synthesis is supported by vitamins B6, B12, folic acid, zinc, and magnesium. For additional sleep support, they can also take supplements with melatonin.
Women of Postmenopausal Age (51-65)
Women of postmenopausal age don't take adequate levels of B6 and Calcium. At this stage, women become less active and thus they have reduced sun exposure and decreased skin synthesis efficiency on top of an inadequate diet, leading to vitamin D deficiency. Almost 70% of women of this age don't have enough vitamin D.
When women don't take enough vitamin D, it can affect their bone metabolism. Also, it can result in abnormalities with calcium and phosphorus levels. This deficiency is more commonly linked to conditions like osteoporosis, immune dysfunction, and also increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases. They need 1000 to 1500 mg of dietary calcium per day for bone health. But, 74% of women of this age are also deficient in calcium, which further results in more bone loss. Moreover, selenium also has a positive influence on bone metabolism to improve bone mineral density in older women.
They also need higher levels of antioxidants such as beta carotene, vitamins C and E to fight against oxidative stress. Women of this age also need higher magnesium levels to improve energy metabolism and skeletal muscle function. Targeted women’s multivitamins may provide all these nutrients at the right dosage.
What Are The Top Ingredients of Women's Daily Multivitamins?
A daily women's multivitamins contains a combination of multiple vitamins, minerals, and additional ingredients. Depending on the formulation, you can find women's daily multivitamins containing:
Vitamins
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Vitamin A: Necessary for vision, immune function, and skin health.
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B-complex Vitamins: Assist in energy production, metabolism, and hormonal balance.
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Vitamin C: Necessary for collagen production, iron absorption, and immune protection.
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Vitamin D: Essential for bone health, immune support, and hormonal regulation.
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Vitamin E: Functioning as an antioxidant, protecting cells from oxidative damage.
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Vitamin K: Necessary for blood clotting and bone metabolism.
Minerals
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Iron: Essential for oxygen transport and energy generation; particularly important during menstruation.
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Calcium: For bone health and muscle function.
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Magnesium: Needed for more than 300 biochemical reactions, including muscle and nerve function.
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Zinc: Aids immune function, wound healing, and DNA synthesis.
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Selenium: Involved in reproduction, thyroid hormone metabolism, and DNA synthesis.
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Iodine: Needed for thyroid function and regulation of metabolism.
Other Ingredients
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Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Aid heart health, brain function, and inflammation reduction.
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Probiotics: Encourage digestive health and the absorption of nutrients.
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Biotin: Maintains healthy hair, skin, and nails.
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Herbal Adaptogens: Assist the body in adapting to stress and maintaining hormonal balance.
Best Women's Multivitamins
Remember, the multivitamin supplements are a great addition to your daily regimen consisting of a healthy diet, proper exercise, adequate sleep, and appropriate stress management. On Nutriessential, we have curated top-rated women's multivitamins for different life stages. These contain targeted support meeting the daily nutritional needs. Some of the top options are:
Multivitamins for Teens
Teens Fermented Multivitamin is a comprehensive multivitamin containing vitamins A, B, C, D, E, biotin, iron, iodine, selenium, etc. In addition, it contains probiotics for gut health. The teen health blend is uniquely formulated from vegetable and fruit extracts. It contains omega-3s and antioxidants as well. Teen Girl formula from Smarty Pants is another premium option that contains key nutrients along with essential omega-3s.
Women's Multivitamins for Adults
For once a day multivitamin supplement, you can consider a women's multivitamin from Nordic Naturals that contains comprehensive vitamins and minerals. For additional support, this supplement also contains ashwagandha.
Another Women's Multivitamin formulation from Innate Response also contains all the essential vitamins and minerals in the right dosage. The fermented multivitamin formula from CodeAge has 25+ vitamins& minerals, probiotics, CoQ10, and Omega 3 essential for any woman looking for robust immune health support.
The liposomal multivitamin is another high-potency formulation from Solaray that supports whole body wellness, including beauty support and immunity. These liposomes are designed to mimic cell structure for optimal absorption. It's also gentle and stable in the digestive system. Supreme Multivitamin by NBI offers high doses of B complex vitamins, amino acid chelated minerals, and antioxidant support with CoQ10, grape seed and turmeric root extracts and citrus bioflavonoids.
Prenatal Multivitamins
Theralogix TheraNatal is one of the most comprehensive formulations for baby and mom, supplying optimal dosage of nutrients for pregnancy. Instead of looking for multiple supplements for prenatal support, this product offers a single pack containing 2 tablets and 1 softgel with everything that a pregnant woman's body needs.
The Prenatal Multi-Nutrients from Vital Nutrients is another solid option that contains antioxidants specifically formulated for pregnancy and lactation.
Postnatal and Women's Multivitamins for Lactating Women
After delivery, women need continued support for their body. There will be lots of hormonal fluctuations and increased energy demands due to lactation. Often, women don't care as much to take postnatal vitamins.
Postnatal Multivitamin from New Chapter is formulated for efficient absorption for energy, mood, and lactation support. The Postnatal Omega-3 supplement from Nordic Naturals is an excellent option for women who want support for joint health and back pain after delivery. This supplement contains 1120 omega-3s and 1000 IU vitamin D3. It also supports a balanced mood.
Lactation Blend from Vitanica contains natural herbal extracts from fennel seeds, fenugreek seeds, nettle leaf, blessed thistle, milk thistle, etc that support breastfeeding.
Best Women's Multivitamins for 40+
The Women 40+ Advanced Multivitamin from New Chapter provides comprehensive nutrition for energy, heart, and hormone support. It contains proprietary blends for breast support, cardio support, and stress and energy support as well. This vegetarian supplement has many organic superfoods too.
Some women don't like to take capsules and in that case, chewable gummies from Garden of Life – Women's Multi 40+ is a good option.
Best Women's Multivitamin Over 50
If you prefer taking whole food supplements, the 50 & Wiser Woman supplement from Garden of Life has mutivitamins with live probiotics and enzymes for added gut support.
The women's daily 50+ from EcoNugenics contains nutrients and botanicals that offer menopause and hormone support. Apart from broad-spectrum nutritional support, this supplement also offers energy, metabolism, joint health, and cardiovascular support.
Difference Between Organic Women's Multivitamins and Superfoods
At Nutriessential we have organic multivitamins like Multi and Omega 3s gummies from Smartypants that contain 18 daily nutrients, including omega-3s, vitamins A, B12, and D3.
The organic formula from Country Life has fermented wholefood multivitamin that includes an organic food blend from various fruits, vegetables, millets, mushrooms, sprouts, and more. These most certainly provide well-rounded nutritional support for the body.
Superfoods such as the one from Garden of Life also contain key nutrients important for women. These superfoods have a rich composition and they are available in powder form to be mixed in water or juice of your choice. These superfoods complement a healthy, balanced diet.
Both organic multivitamins and superfoods are good options if you are looking for comprehensive support for general health and wellness.
How to Choose the Right Women's Multivitamins?
Choosing the right multivitamin involves a discerning consideration of personal health requirements, life cycles, and targeted nutritional deficiencies. Consider the following to make an informed decision:
Evaluate Your Nutritional Needs
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Life Stage: Nutrient needs change with age. Women above 50, for example, might require a higher amount of calcium and vitamin D to support bone strength.
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Dietary Restrictions: Vegetarians or vegans may need extra B12, iron, and omega-3 fatty acids.
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Health Conditions: Anemia or osteoporosis may require special nutrient supplementation. Take advice from a health expert.
Check for Essential Nutrients
Make sure the multivitamin contains:
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Iron: Especially crucial for women of childbearing age to avoid anemia.
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Calcium and Vitamin D: Essential for bone growth and maintenance.
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Folate: Important during childbearing years to avoid neural tube defects.
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B Vitamins: Facilitate energy metabolism and neurological processes.
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Iodine: Needed for thyroid function.
Consider Form and Dosage
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Form: Capsules, tablets, powders, or gummies. Select the one that suits your taste and ability to absorb.
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Dosage: Adhere to recommended daily allowances (RDAs) and refrain from taking megadoses except when ordered by a medical professional.
Quality and Certification
Want to buy women's multivitamins tailored to your health needs? Consult a health expert at Nutriessential and explore our products to make the right choice.
FAQs
1. Do women require the same multivitamin products as men?
No. Women have different biochemical requirements, such as increased demands for iron during the menstruating age, calcium to support bone structure, and folate to nourish reproductive cells. Studies are clear that sexual nutrient requirements will direct multivitamin formulation.
2. Should routine multivitamins be varied during perimenopause?
Yes. When hormones fluctuate during perimenopause, nutrients such as vitamin D, B-complex, and omega-3s for bone and mood health become more essential. Many women's multivitamins designed for the 40+ crowd will add adaptogens or phytoestrogens such as soy isoflavones to assist during this change.
3. Can women's multivitamins help with hair loss?
Some nutrients, like B vitamins (especially biotin), iron, zinc, and vitamin D are all important for hair growth. These are present in women's multivitamins. So, taking these multivitamins can be helpful in addressing nutritional deficiencies. But, whenever the severity of hair loss arises from hormonal fluctuations or some medical conditions, a consultation with a health expert is necessary to identify the root cause. They may recommend supplements to help with your condition.
4. How can women assess the quality of a multivitamin before purchasing it?
Look for companies that offer certified third-party testing and are transparent in labeling (bioavailable nutrient forms). Ensure that the products don't contain fillers. High-quality manufacturing practices should be investigated. For a woman's overall health, you can look for supplements with methylated folate (L-5-MTHF) and active B12 (methylcobalamin) in order to enhance absorption.
5. Can women take multivitamins along with other supplements, like collagen or probiotics?
Multivitamins are generally safe to take with collagen or probiotics. But it depends on doses and timing. For better absorption, women should take their multivitamins with food. Probiotics can either be taken on an empty stomach or as per directions. Also, they should not take calcium-rich multivitamins together with iron pills since they will inhibit absorption. Moreover, if the other supplement also contains comprehensive multivitamins, you must be highly cautious because excess dietary vitamins and minerals can result in toxicity and be harmful. Any supplement should be taken upon consultation with a health expert.
6. How long do women have to take multivitamins for health benefits to be experienced?
Some health benefits, like an energy boost or decreased menstrual symptoms, can be felt in weeks, while others, like increased bone density, require months. Blood levels increase within 4-8 weeks; this is dependent, though, on the individual deficiency involved and the consistency of supplementation. If your physician has diagnosed a deficiency, you should get blood tests and get their advice before taking supplements.
