We may earn a commission if you buy something from any affiliate links on our site.
Nowadays, we know that an inside-out approach to wellness should be top of mind – a practice made easier once you’ve unearthed the best multivitamin for women. Dr. Jennifer Martin-Biggers, HUM’s vice president of scientific affairs and education, puts it like this: Multivitamins are not a substitute for a healthy diet but rather provide the nutrients missing.
- Free from fillers and allergens: Purolabs Multivitamin Complex, £29.99
- For women 18+: Ritual Essential For Women 18+, £30
- The prenatal: Thorne Basic Prenatal, £25
- The vitamin personalised for you: Nourished PCOS Relief Stack, £37.99
- The vitamin drink: Shreddy Peach Iced Tea Multivitamin Drink, £16.50
- The skin saviour: Dr Barbara Sturm Skin Recovery +, £65
- For busy lifestyles: Beauty Pie For Jugglers KSM-66 Ashwagandha Multi Nutrient, £60
- The iron-enriched: JS Health Vitamins Iron +, £15.70
- For hair growth: Moon Juice SuperHair Daily Hair Nutrition Supplements, £55
Read more: Shop The Best Beauty Advent Calendars 2023 Has To Offer
What are multivitamins and why are they so beneficial?
“Multivitamins are dietary supplements that contain vitamins and minerals in differing quantities and often at levels that are recommended for overall health support and to meet dietary shortfalls,” Martin-Biggers says. “The body absorbs vitamins and minerals from multivitamins similarly to the way it does from food. The nutrients are broken down in the digestive system and then absorbed into the bloodstream, where they are transported to different parts of the body to carry out their functions.” According to Mastaneh Sharafi, PhD, RD, vice president of scientific and clinical affairs at Ritual, there are a multitude of factors aside from diet that might create these nutrient gaps. “Genetic variations, age, and current life stage” are a few concerns that may lead someone to consider a multivitamin. “Multivitamins offer many of the vitamins and minerals that are essential to your health,” Martin-Biggers says. “For instance, a multivitamin may help contribute to better energy levels, a properly functioning immune system, improved mood and bone health.”
Who can benefit from multivitamins?
So, should everyone be taking a multivitamin? Sammi Haber Brondo, MS, RD, explains that their usages are highly individualised. “In general, I’d recommend one for pregnant women (who should take a prenatal multivitamin) or anyone who knows from blood work that they’re deficient in certain nutrients.” Otherwise, she says a multivitamin could be beneficial for the following groups of people: “those who live in areas without much sunlight and therefore don’t get much vitamin D, those following a vegan diet, which is often lacking in vitamin B12, and those who don’t eat many fruit or vegetables, and therefore don’t naturally consume as many vitamins and minerals.” Dietician Dr. Megan Rossi notes that because of potential nutrient deficiencies as you age, it can also be beneficial for those 50 and older to take multivitamins too. That said, always consult with a trusted healthcare provider before selecting an appropriate vitamin or supplement.
What should you look for in a multivitamin?
Below, Sharafi and Martin-Biggers detail the nutrients they’d consider in a good multivitamin:
- Vitamin D and calcium: “[These] are two important nutrients to look for in a multivitamin, as they are critical for strong bones, your immune system, and skin health,” Martin-Biggers says.
- Omega-3 DHA: “It’s important for supporting brain health, heart health, and vision, yet up to 95 per cent of women aged 18 and up are not getting their recommended daily value of Omega-3s from their diet,” Sharafi says.
- Folate: “Folate supports red blood cell health, normal energy-yielding metabolism, and neurotransmitters in the brain, which is why it’s important to include this in your multivitamin routine,” Sharafi says. “However, up to a third of the population has a genetic polymorphism which makes it more difficult for them to efficiently utilise folic acid.”
- Vitamin E: “This important nutrient helps fight against free radicals, yet many women aged 18 and up don’t get the recommended daily amount of vitamin E through diet alone,” Sharafi says. “When it comes to this nutrient, it’s important to look for a multivitamin with vitamin E sourced from mixed tocopherols.”
- Zinc: “Zinc is involved in over 300 enzymes and biological activities in the body and plays an important role in our skin’s health,” Martin-Biggers says.
- Vitamin B12: “B12 can often be hard to come by in a plant-based diet,” Sharafi admits. “B12 is important for helping support energy-yielding metabolism and normal cell division.”
- Iron: “Iron is lost during menstruation, so boosting your iron intake with a multivitamin can be beneficial,” Martin-Biggers notes.
- Vitamin K2: “Vitamin K2 can be more difficult to find in typical Western diets than vitamin K1. Vitamin K2 MK7 form is shown to be absorbed more efficiently than other vitamin K forms and can help support bone health and vascular health,” Sharafi explains.
- Magnesium: “Magnesium plays a role in various different processes in the body (from bone health to cell division and more). The caveat is that we need a lot of it for it to do its job well, and many of us don’t get enough through diet alone,” Sharafi says.
We‘ve selected a tight edit of the best multivitamins based on our expert’s recommendations, choosing only products with ingredients that have a clinical basis for supplementation. As well as this, we’ve tried and tested the slew of supplements on the market to sift the good from the ineffective, and the easy-to-take from options that are inconvenient. Ready to find the right women’s multivitamin for you? Read on to discover the best supplements to consider.
The effortless choice
Taking your daily vitamins needn’t be a chore, and Vitamin Well’s supplement is an excellent case in point. This fizz-free water not only delivers thirst-quenching hydration, but gets you biotin, niacin, vitamins B5, B6 and C in one citrusy beverage. “There are many flavours in Vitamin Well’s range of mineral-enriched waters, all mildly sweetened with fruit sugars and pleasant to sip. They taste like dropping sliced fruit in a glass of water and are loaded with electrolytes and extracts that immediately boost your energy. In Enhance, that’s green tea and zesty orange, while Hydrate stars strawberry alongside magnesium, folic acid and zinc. They’re so refreshing, I’ve found myself seeking them out at home and away – they’re a choice antidote for the fatigued frequent flier.” — Tracy Achonwa, contributing writer
The all-inclusive
If you’re after a one-and-done multivitamin, Lyma’s supplement should be at the top of your list. An expert blend of 10 pioneering ingredients is in each capsule, including patented forms of prebiotics, vitamins and adaptogens developed for peak bioavailability. Alongside ashwagandha, vitamins D, K2, keratin and essential fatty acids, you get super nootropic Cognizin® in every dose – a potent version of choline with neuroprotective benefits. Though it may be pricey, it’s a sound investment for full body health, with robust clinical trials supporting its longevity claims.
For your dose of daily greens
Bursting with good greens (chorella, kale and spirulina to name a few) this sellout supplement is a great choice for women looking to up both their vitamin and veg intake. Its draw lies in the pineapple-packed formula, which transforms the oft unpalatable greens powder into a tipple you’ll look forward to taking. On the nutrients front, it boasts a broad spectrum of vitamins recommended for women – including vitamins B through E, folic acid, biotin and chromium. Plus, supercharged with probiotics and digestive enzymes, it also does your gut health a world of good.
The delayed-release
“The patented delayed-release capsule contains high-quality nutrients including omega-3 DHA from microalgae, vitamin D3 from lichen, and methylated folate, says Sharafi of Ritual’s multivitamin known as an excellent supplement for women 18–50. “It’s USP verified, Non-GMO Project verified and, in a peer-reviewed clinical trial, was shown to increase vitamin D and omega-3 DHA levels in 12 weeks.” This is designed to aid not only hair, skin, and nails, but also red blood cell formation, antioxidant support, bone and brain health.
The filler-free
Free from all synthetic additives – including the fillers, artificial flavours and bulking agents commonly used in supplements – this pick from Purolabs provides 34 essential nutrients with no hidden nasties. To support healthy skin, strong bones and good metabolism there is a blend of vitamins A-E, iodine, zinc and calcium in each one-a-day capsule, as well as a wide spectrum of nutrients for optimal immunity and wellbeing overall. Derived from high-quality, plant-based ingredients, it’s also a great choice for vegans, with a suits-all formula that does not contain allergens like gluten or soya.
For healthy ageing
If you’ve found your energy waning with each passing year, look to Wellwoman’s supplement for revitalising support. Incorporating key ingredients for the nutrient deficiencies that arise with age, these tablets include copper, iron and vitamin B2 to maintain normal energy release. Also in the mix are vitamins C and E to protect eye health, plus vitamins B6, B12 and pantothenic acid to support healthy brain function.
For a hair growth boost
As well as a choice blend of vitamins A through E for overall health, these capsules from Moon Juice are cut with quality nutrients known to boost hair growth. Saw palmetto extract and pumpkin seed powder defend hair follicles from DHT – the hormone responsible for hair loss – while adaptogenic ashwagandha combats the effects the stress to prevent hair fall. As if that wasn’t enough, highly bioavailable biotin, folate and iodine work to support stronger strands from the inside out, promising healthier hair in as little as four weeks.
All-round pick
From B vitamins through to selenium and zinc, Wellwoman’s multivitamin delivers the essentials for female health. Its 22 nutrients nourish hair, skin, and nails and regulate hormonal activity, plus provide immune support and an iron boost to keep you balanced and well during your monthly cycle.
The iron-enriched
Iron is a key mineral in several major metabolic processes: oxygen transport, energy production and hormone regulation among them. For menstruating women (especially those with a heavy flow) topping up lost iron is essential, not least because it assuages lethargy and reduces anaemia risk. JS Health’s supplement takes iron and pairs it with energy-boosting Vitamin B12, protecting against deficiency with a formula designed for max bioavailability.
For busy bees
Bringing balance to those with busy lifestyles is no mean feat, but Beauty Pie rises to the challenge with an expert vitamin and botanical blend. Working in synergy to improve cognitive function and reduce fatigue, vitamins C and B5 are enhanced by adaptogenic Ashwaghandha and reinvigorating Ginseng. The result is a supplement that supports you through the demands of a stacked schedule, protecting against stress and giving the brain all the nutrients needed to stay on top form.
The prenatal
Prenatal supplements help fill nutrient gaps to support a healthy pregnancy for both mum and baby. One crucial nutrient is folic acid or folate. “Getting enough folate, a B vitamin, is especially important for women who may become pregnant, since adequate folate can help lower the risk of having a baby with spina bifida or anencephaly,” Rossi says. Through additional nutrients like calcium, vitamin A, choline, manganese, and more, this looks to provide support from pre-conception through nursing.
The postnatal
How should you address bodily changes post-pregnancy? Enter Wild Nutrition’s postnatal supplement. The multivitamin is powered by methylated folate and iodine to support the specific needs of a new mother, plus plenty of minerals needed throughout pregnancy for the healthy growth and development of babies. Food-derived, these vitamins are unique in that you can take the recommended dose with or without a meal, providing energy, hormonal and cognitive support with three daily capsules.
The vitamin drink
Providing vitamins A, C, E, B6 and B12 in a peach-tinged tipple, Shreddy’s multivitamin drink is primed for the pill averse. It’s completely vegan and especially great for those on plant-based diets, which are often lacking in all-important vitamin B12. Mix 10g of the powder into a glass of water for an energising serve that nourishes skin, hair and nails with daily use.
The gummy
Not interested in capsule-form multivitamins? This Olly pick is a tasty gummy vitamin that makes bridging your dietary gaps that much easier. Not to mention it’s enriched with a blend of vitamins A, B, C, D, E, biotin, and folic acid to support mental energy, glowing skin, and strong bones.
The iron-free
It is often recommended that postmenopausal women avoid iron supplements. Luckily, there are good iron-free multivitamins that leave out the mineral, like this option by New Chapter. The NSF-certified supplement is rich in vitamins, minerals, and superfood botanicals gentle enough to take on an empty stomach.
The subscription
The future of vitamins is here, and it’s 3D printed. Nourished makes gummy vitamins tailored to you, using patented technology to print the precise blend of nutrients you lack. Take a quick quiz on your diet, health and lifestyle to reveal stacks recommended specifically for you, like this PCOS blend of inositol, vitamin D3 and zinc designed to counter symptoms of the syndrome. It’s hassle-free too, with subscriptions delivered to your door before you run out of your supply.
The pick for people of colour
Made with the specific nutritional needs of Arab, Asian and Afro-Caribbean women in mind, SOW’s multivitamin seeks to balance deficiencies people of colour are most susceptible to. For starters, it supports with vitamin D – whose natural synthesis is inhibited by melanin in darker skin – then calls on a choice blend of antioxidants, coenzymes and botanicals to provide protection and immune defence. B vitamins, folate, magnesium and spirulina all feature in this daily complex, designed in response to the disparate risk faced by ethnic minorities during the global pandemic.
The skin saviour
Science-led skincare is Dr. Barbara Sturm’s forte, so it should come as no surprise that her supplements support skin health. Including zinc, vitamin C and powerful antioxidant plant compounds such as purslane, this multivitamin has been expertly blended to repair and protect skin from the inside out.
For women 50+
Brondo is a fan of One A Day Women’s multivitamin, which offers a selection of supplements to support whatever concerns you may have. Formulated specifically for women over 50, this supplement looks to promote the overall health of the eyes, bones, heart, joints, and immune system.
The instant fix
Coming in a gel format that’s readily absorbed by the body, ZAAG’s shots combine a whooping 29 nutrients for optimal body function. Almost every health hero there is features in its blend – selenium, essential amino acids, magnesium, vitamins B and D, omegas, reservatrol and many more – as well as nootropics for improved focus and performance. N acetyl carnitine, a molecule that kickstarts fat metabolism in the muscles, makes this multivitamin particularly good for those lacking energy or looking to accelerate their workout goals. And chock full of adaptogens, it’s also a strong defence against burnout – if you’re countering the stress of a busy schedule, this is the blend for you.