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The 19 Best Multivitamins for Women, According to Nutritionists

So you can be your healthiest self.

Two multivitamin products for women on a tan background, Sakara The Foundation and Ritual Essential for Women

Byrdie

Adding the right multivitamin to your routine can optimize your nutrient intake and help ensure you're ingesting enough vitamins and minerals each day. Although multivitamins are especially beneficial for pregnant women or those looking to conceive, women following vegan diets and those experiencing high stress levels can benefit from multivitamins, too.

We enlisted help from nutritionists Brooke Alpert and Brigid Titgemeier and conducted hours of research on the best nutritionist-recommended multivitamins for women, spanning a range of budgets and particular health needs. After considering dozens of options, we compiled this list, noting any independent tests for efficacy and each formula's inactive ingredients and intended age range. We also researched how easy it is to incorporate the supplement into your daily routine, looking at pill size, taste (if any), and the number of pills included in a serving size. We then combined these insights with our expert recommendations to compile a list of the best in show.

What We Like
  • Contains vitamins A, B, C, D, and E

  • Increases energy levels

  • Gluten-free and non-GMO

  • One serving is just one capsule

What to Consider
  • Doesn't contain iron

Type: Capsules | Age Range: Teens and adults | Dosage: Once daily | Certified: Non-GMO, gluten-free

We're giving top honors to this product, which is designed to support healthy cognitive function, cellular health, eye health, and overall daily wellness. In addition to providing highly bioavailable forms of vitamins A, B, C, D, and E, each convenient once-daily capsule contains important vitamins and minerals like choline, inositol, lycopene, lutein, and zeaxanthin. Another plus? One serving also has over 100% of the recommended daily intake of folate in its most bioavailable form. Do note, though, that this supplement doesn't contain iron, so vegans, vegetarians, or pregnant women might need to choose an additional (or different) supplement.

What We Like
  • Budget-friendly

  • Easy to swallow

  • Free of gluten, artificial flavors, and artificial sweeteners

What to Consider
  • Two tablets per serving

Type: Tablets | Age Range: Teens and adults | Dosage: Two daily | Certified: Free of shellfish, dairy, soy, and egg

At less than 10 cents per tablet, Bayer’s One A Day Women’s Petites multivitamin is our top pick for a budget multivitamin. One container includes 80 servings and is priced at around $10. This is a great choice for women at any age in life, featuring key nutrients such as vitamins A, B6, C, D, and E, plus folic acid, calcium, and iron. We also love that this product is free of artificial flavors, sweeteners, and colors. Just be sure to take two capsules, the recommended serving, to reap all the health benefits.

Best Budget, Runner-Up

Country Life Multivitamins

Country Life Core Daily Multivitamins
PHOTO: Amazon
What We Like
  • Two-month supply in one bottle 

  • Includes probiotics and digestive enzymes 

  • Gluten-free

What to Consider
  • Contains corn which some may not be able to tolerate 

  • Contains a lower dose of vitamin D

Type: Tablets | Age Range: Teens and adults | Dosage: Once daily | Certified: Gluten-free, vegetarian

At first glance, it does not seem like this is a budget-friendly option; however, upon closer inspection, the price of one bottle covers a two-month supply. For those that want to keep their supplement regimen simple, the dosage of this multivitamin is only one tablet. It features coenzymated B vitamins, meaning the vitamins are in their active form and thus more bioavailable. This multivitamin also includes iron, aloe, and a cranberry blend that helps support your urinary tract health. One note—this multivitamin is lower in vitamin D compared to some of the other products on this list. For those with a deficiency, you may need an additional vitamin D supplement.

What We Like
  • Free of pesticides and herbicides

  • Whole food-based supplement

  • Gentle on the stomach

What to Consider
  • Contains less iron than recommended daily dose

Type: Tablets | Age Range: Teens and adults | Dosage: Once daily | Certified: Non-GMO, glyphosate residue-free, B corporation, certified kosher, free of gluten, magnesium stearate, dairy, and soy

We know pesticides and harsh chemicals can make their way into food, but what about supplements? Innate Response is one of the first companies to guarantee that its products are free of any residue of glyphosate, an herbicide that can kill certain weeds and grasses. Vegans and plant-based eaters can not only feel good about consuming a product that is aligned with their values but can be sure they're getting a big bang for their buck by choosing a product that is glyphosate-free. Each batch of ingredients is tested for over 125 different pesticides and herbicides. It's worth pointing out that this capsule contains less iron than the recommended daily dose, so we recommend getting in additional iron.

What We Like
  • Contains active form of folate and methyl B12

  • Contains chelated iron

  • Includes 2,000 IU of vitamin D

What to Consider
  • Serving size is three capsules per day

Type: Capsules | Age Range: Women 18+ | Dosage: Three capsules daily | Certified: Free of milk/casein, eggs, fish, shellfish, peanuts, wheat, and gluten

For women looking to conceive, the safety and efficacy of supplements are super important. Klaire Labs Prenatal and Nursing Formula Supplement is a top choice because it provides absorbable forms of the key nutrients that are needed by pregnant and nursing women. Free of milk/casein, eggs, fish, shellfish, peanuts, and wheat, this product is ideal for women looking to avoid common allergens as well as those looking for vitamins free of artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives. This pick includes ingredients not typically found in prenatal vitamins, such as chelated minerals, active B vitamins, lutein, and zeaxanthin.

What We Like
  • Contains Omega-3 DHA which supports brain and bone health

  • No synthetic colors, flavors, or preservatives

  • Free of the eight most common allergens

What to Consider
  • Calcium is not included

Type: Capsules | Age Range: Women 50+ | Dosage: Once daily | Certified: Gluten-free, non-GMO, free of common allergens

As women age, it's important for them to consume adequate amounts of bone-supporting nutrients. Smarty Pants Women’s 50+ Multi is jam-packed with many of these types of nutrients and more—like omega-3 DHA, vitamin C, B6, zinc, vitamin D3, vitamin B12, and folate—which work together to support the health of your brain, heart, and immune system. Plus, it's free of milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, soy, wheat, peanuts, and tree nuts—making it an excellent choice for those with dietary restrictions and allergies. We only wish calcium was included, a huge supporter of bone density.

What We Like
  • Iron-free formula, which is suited for those post-menopause

  • Contains 22 key nutrients

  • Vegetarian-friendly

What to Consider
  • Strong smell

Type: Tablets | Age Range: Women over 50 | Dosage: One tablet daily | Certified: Gluten-free, dairy-free, non-GMO, soy-free, iron-free

This pick from Hum is catered to postmenopausal women. Its specially curated formula includes 22 vitamins and minerals and is iron-free—a plus, seeing as women over 50 don’t need iron at this life stage. Each serving helps to fill nutritional gaps in your diet while supporting bone health. We also love that it undergoes independent testing to ensure each product is free of harmful chemicals and environmental contaminants. Despite the vitamin's stronger odor, we found that it has no taste and appreciate that a single dosage is only one tablet.

What We Like
  • Tasty berry flavor

  • No synthetic colors, flavors, or sweeteners

  • Only 2 grams of sugar per serving

What to Consider
  • Does not appear to be non-GMO

Type: Gummies | Age Range: Women 18+ | Dosage: Two gummies daily | Certified: B corporation, NSF certified ingredients, gluten-free

Olly’s gummy vitamins for women provide 18 essential nutrients for overall wellness. Ideal for picky eaters or for those that have a hard time swallowing pills, this product is a great way to support your nutrient intake if your diet is less than perfect. These chewable vitamins come in a berry flavor that is made with no artificial colors, flavors, and is gluten-free. There are 90 gummies per bottle which is a 45-day supply. As a bonus, we love that there are only 2 grams of sugar per serving.

What We Like
  • Contains 18 milligrams of iron

  • Contains calcium

  • One serving is just one tablet

What to Consider
  • Doesn't contain magnesium in the most absorbable form

Type: Tablet | Age Range: Women 18+ | Dosage: Once daily | Certified: USP-verified, gluten-free

With 23 key nutrients, Nature Made's multivitamin is a solid choice, especially for those looking for both iron and calcium. It contains 18 milligrams of iron, which is the recommended daily dose for women ages 19-50. Plus, you get other key nutrients like vitamins D3, C, A, E, K, B6, and B12. However, if you are looking for a multivitamin with magnesium specifically, this one does contain 100 mg, but it's not in the most form that is most absorbable. FYI: When taking a supplement that contains iron, do not take it with coffee, tea, bran, or milk, as this can affect absorption.

Best With Probiotics

Sakara The Foundation

Sakara The Foundation
PHOTO: Sakara
What We Like
  • Includes the only vegan-certified D3 sourced from lichen

  • Plant-based, medical grade, and doctor-formulated

  • Free of GMOs, pesticides, herbicides, and gluten

What to Consider
  • Serving size is six pills

Type: Tablet, capsule, and soft gels | Age Range: Women 18+ | Dosage: Once packet daily (6 pills) | Certified: Non-GMO, plant-based, gluten-free

Best known for delicious and beautiful plant-based meals, Sakara now offers shoppers another way to nourish themselves from the inside out via Sakara The Foundation. One purchase contains 30 days worth of supplements. Buyers are instructed to take one packet, which includes six pills, with breakfast or lunch (and plenty of water). Each packet includes two superfood multivitamins, one macro-mineral (a blend of calcium and magnesium), one algae omega (an alternative to fish oil, this sources omega-3 fatty acids from algae), one adaptogenic B complex (a blend of B vitamins and ashwagandha), and one probiotic formula.

What We Like
  • USDA organic-certified product

  • Dark glass bottle for chemical stability

  • Activated form of vitamin B12

What to Consider
  • Contains less iron than recommended daily dose

Type: Tablet | Age Range: Women 18+ | Dosage: Once daily | Certified: Non-GMO, USDA organic, vegan, NSF gluten-free, kosher

Garden of Life Organics' women’s once-daily multivitamin is specially formulated from nutritious and organic whole foods. Each once-a-day pill provides 15 vitamins and minerals including activated forms of vitamin B12. This product is also certified organic and is vegan, gluten-free, non-GMO, and free of synthetic binders and fillers. We also love its glass packaging, which is known to preserve tablets’ chemical stability.

What We Like
  • Contains metabolically active folic acid

  • NSF Certified

  • Tested for 760 contaminants

What to Consider
  • Serving size is three capsules

Type: Capsules | Age Range: Women 18+ | Dosage: Three capsules daily | Certified: Gluten-free, dairy-free, soy-free, artificial flavor-free, NSF

For women of child-bearing age or women who are already pregnant, consuming adequate folate is necessary for optimal health. Meeting the recommended intake of folate may also be helpful for women that struggle with depression. Thorne’s Basic Prenatal contains 1,000 micrograms of metabolically active folic acid, 283% of the recommended daily intake for folate. Once again, you can absolutely take a prenatal regardless of whether or not you are actively trying to conceive.

What We Like
  • Includes alpha-lipoic acid which helps with energy production

  • Free from typical vitamin B taste and odor

  • Contains metabolically active folic acid

What to Consider
  • Large capsules

Type: Capsules | Age Range: Teens and adults | Dosage: Two capsules daily | Certified: Vegan, kosher, B corporation, gluten-free

Simply put, Country Life’s Coenzyme B-Complex is an all-star supplement for active users. What makes this product stand out among the rest is the use of Quatrefolic, a metabolized form of folate that bypasses many conversion steps in the body so that it can be absorbed quicker. In addition to containing the eight B vitamins, each serving of this supplement features alpha-lipoic acid, an antioxidant that helps cells utilize glucose for fuel—which is especially helpful in energy production.

What We Like
  • Contains skin, nail, and hair enhancing ingredients and minerals

  • Made without nine food allergies

  • Can be taken on an empty stomach

What to Consider
  • High biotin may only benefit those with deficiencies

Type: Tablets | Age Range: Women 18+ | Dosage: Two capsules daily | Certified: Non-GMO Project, free of gluten, dairy, soy, B corporation, glyphosate residue-free, kosher

Looking for a trusted source of supplements to support hair, skin, and nail health? MegaFood is one of the original companies to use whole food sources for their supplements and keep harsh chemicals out of their bottles. Two plant-based tablets contain vitamins A, C, E, and B6, biotin, zinc, and selenium, as well as carrots, organic oranges, brown rice, and nettle leaf. Overall, this formula strives to nourish and support a healthy complexion, nails, and hair. It even made it onto our top hair, skin, and nail vitamins list.

What We Like
  • Bone-supporting nutrients

  • Made without artificial ingredients

  • Vegetarian-friendly

What to Consider
  • Dosage is six tablets a day

Type: Capsules | Age Range: Adults | Dosage: Six capsules daily | Certified: Gluten-free

Garden of Life's bone density formula contains 1,000 milligrams of calcium per serving, along with nourishing nutrients such as vitamin D, folate, and B vitamins—a combination that supports the various interactions that help support bone health. Mindfully formulated to keep your bones strong, this pick boasts clinically proven ingredients, like vitamin K and calcium—that, when combined, support those craving additional bone density focuses (such as postmenopausal women).

What We Like
  • Can be added to smoothies or blended with milk

  • Contains probiotics and digestive enzymes

  • Helpful for those that do not eat a lot of vegetables 

What to Consider
  • Has a somewhat bitter taste

Type: Powder | Age Range: Women 18-49 | Dosage: One scoop daily | Certified: Organic, non-GMO, made without dairy, nuts, or gluten

For those who have a hard time swallowing pills, opting for a powdered multivitamin can make it easier to comply with your daily supplement. Although this product contains slightly lower doses of some nutrients like iron and vitamin D compared to other products on this list, when combined with a varied diet, this supplement will meet your needs. Add a scoop to your morning smoothie, shake it with a nut or dairy milk, or enjoy it alone with water. 

What We Like
  • Includes the recommended dose of DHA from algae

  • Capsules contain mint for improved taste

  • Money back guarantee  

What to Consider
  • Daily dosage is two pills

Type: Capsule | Age Range: Adults 18+ | Dosage: Two capsules daily | Certified: Vegan, gluten free, USP verified

DHA is a type of essential omega-3 fatty acid. Unless you are eating fish at least two times per week or consuming flax seeds and walnuts daily, chances are you may not be meeting your omega-3 needs. Ritual uses vegan DHA from algae, making this accessible to vegans as well as omnivores. Unlike other products on this list, this multivitamin only contains Vitamin D, K2, E, B12, folate, iron, magnesium, boron, and DHA in an effort to keep their product as foundational as possible. Ritual believes that many nutrients in other multivitamins are already covered through diet, so they include nutrients where it tends to be harder to meet individual needs. 

What We Like
  • Chewable and great taste

  • Higher bioavailability

  • Vegan

What to Consider
  • Have a slightly grainy texture

Type: Bites | Age Range: Adults | Dosage: One bite daily | Certified: Gluten-free, soy-free, vegan

Unlike the other multivitamins on the list, this one comes at 35 calories—but for a good reason. This pick is not a typical multivitamin; it’s one you can eat every day. With a tasty citrus ginger flavor, each Bite features 20+ whole-food vitamins, minerals, superfoods, probiotics, and prebiotics to help fill the gaps in your foundational nutrition. GEM is also big on making their bite-sized offerings a part of your regular supplement regimen for best results. With continued use, you should notice improved energy levels and healthier gut, skin, brain, bone, and immunity.

What We Like
  • Same bioavailability as pills in the form of an easy-to-use patch

  • Nonirritating

  • Water-resistant

What to Consider
  • Can slip off when active

Type: Patch | Age Range: All ages | Dosage: One patch daily | Certified: Gluten-free, sugar-free, latex-free, vegan

The Patch Brand offers an easy way to soak up your daily vitamins and support your immune system. Each patch features premium ingredients such as vitamin C, zinc citrate, vitamin D3, ginkgo biloba extract, and echinacea purpurea extract. Simply apply the patch 30 minutes before your needed boost and enjoy the benefits of these steadily released ingredients throughout the day. 

Illustration of Types of Multivitamins for Women

Byrdie

What to Look for in Multivitamins for Women

  • Testing: Testing is one of the best indications that you’re choosing a quality multivitamin, according to Titgemeier. “There are companies that conduct independent testing to assess the ingredient quality, consistency of product label, freshness, and more. They then give supplements their seal of approval to indicate it meets their standards,” she explains. A few to look for: ConsumerLab.com, NSF International, Informed-Choice, and US Pharmacopeial Convention (USP).
  • Age: According to Titgemeier, there are generally three stages of adulthood for women that need to be considered when choosing a multivitamin: regular menstruation, pregnancy, and post-menopause. Your nutrient needs will vary greatly based on your stage, particularly when it comes to things such as iron, folate, and calcium. It’s always best to chat through your particular needs with your doctor when choosing a multivitamin.
  • Inactive Ingredients: Along with the nutrients offered, Titgemeier says to look at the other ingredients in the vitamin (technical term: excipients) as well. She says these will be listed as “other ingredients” on the ingredient panel, and it’s important to ensure that they align with your dietary needs and preferences. For example, if you’re a vegetarian, you’ll want to avoid supplements with gelatin; if you have a soy allergy, you’ll want to make sure there’s no soybean oil in the formula.
FAQ
  • Are multivitamins good for pregnant women?

    Alpert says that multivitamins are good for pregnant women, "but there are specific ones for pregnant women that focus on the most important nutrients." With that said, if you’re pregnant, she recommends choosing a high-quality prenatal vitamin over a regular women’s multivitamin.

  • How many multivitamins should be taken per day?

    When it comes to how many multivitamins you should take per day, Alpert says that it fully depends on the brand and formula. “There isn’t one stock answer,” she says. Some formulas may require just one pill a day, while others may be broken up into multiple pills taken at different times throughout the day. It’s important to thoroughly read through directions (as well as consult your doctor) rather than guess what dosage is best.

  • Are gummy vitamins less effective?

    In terms of efficacy, Alpert says gummy vitamins aren’t any more or less potent than pills or capsules. “The most important thing with vitamins is to make sure they are the ones you will remember to take and can comfortably tolerate,” she says. Just be aware that, while not any less effective, some gummy formulas contain high amounts of sugar, so thoroughly read through the inactive ingredient list of a product before making a purchase.

Meet Our Experts

We reached out to registered nutritionists to better understand what to look for in a multivitamin and to help evaluate our picks.

  • Brooke Alpert is a New York City-based registered nutritionist. She is also the author of The Diet Detox.
  • Brigid Titgemeier is a registered dietitian-nutritionist. She is also the founder of My Food is Health.

Why Trust Byrdie

As a registered dietitian, Sydney Greene takes supplement recommendations seriously. Every product has been researched and vetted by her against clinical research, product reviews, and independent testing websites. These are products she would not only feel comfortable recommending to her clients but she would take them herself if needed.

Grace Gavilanes is a contributing writer for Byrdie. She writes about wellness and beauty, and her work has appeared in across the health and wellness industry.

According to our Diversity Pledge, 15% of products in our newly-published market roundups will feature Black-owned and/or Black-founded brands. At the time of publishing, we were not able to find enough multivitamins from Black-owned and/or Black-founded businesses to meet this percentage. If you know of one we should consider, please email us at contact@byrdie.com and we will evaluate the product ASAP.

Updated by Jill DiDonato
Article Sources
Byrdie takes every opportunity to use high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial guidelines to learn more about how we keep our content accurate, reliable and trustworthy.
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