:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/Best-multivitamins-for-women-Byrdie-Tout-d463a30242e744fcbdb620fcafa5d1fb.jpg)
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.
Our Top Picks
Best Overall
Pure Encapsulations O.N.E. Multivitamin
Contains vitamins A, B, C, D, and E
Increases energy levels
Gluten-free and non-GMO
One serving is just one capsule
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.
Best Budget
Bayer Women’s Petites Multivitamin
Budget-friendly
Easy to swallow
Free of gluten, artificial flavors, and artificial sweeteners
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
Two-month supply in one bottle
Includes probiotics and digestive enzymes
Gluten-free
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.
Free of pesticides and herbicides
Whole food-based supplement
Gentle on the stomach
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.
Best Prenatal
Klaire Labs Prenatal & Nursing Formula
Contains active form of folate and methyl B12
Contains chelated iron
Includes 2,000 IU of vitamin D
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.
Best for 50+
SmartyPants Masters 50+ Multivitamin
Contains Omega-3 DHA which supports brain and bone health
No synthetic colors, flavors, or preservatives
Free of the eight most common allergens
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.
Best Over 50, Runner-Up
HUM Base Control
Iron-free formula, which is suited for those post-menopause
Contains 22 key nutrients
Vegetarian-friendly
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.
Best Gummy
OLLY Women's Multivitamin Gummy
Tasty berry flavor
No synthetic colors, flavors, or sweeteners
Only 2 grams of sugar per serving
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.
Best With Iron
Nature Made Multi For Her
Contains 18 milligrams of iron
Contains calcium
One serving is just one tablet
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
Includes the only vegan-certified D3 sourced from lichen
Plant-based, medical grade, and doctor-formulated
Free of GMOs, pesticides, herbicides, and gluten
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.
USDA organic-certified product
Dark glass bottle for chemical stability
Activated form of vitamin B12
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.
Best With Folic Acid
Thorne Basic Prenatal
Contains metabolically active folic acid
NSF Certified
Tested for 760 contaminants
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.
Best for Athletes
Country Life Coenzyme B-Complex
Includes alpha-lipoic acid which helps with energy production
Free from typical vitamin B taste and odor
Contains metabolically active folic acid
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.
Best for Hair
MegaFood Skin, Nails & Hair 2
Contains skin, nail, and hair enhancing ingredients and minerals
Made without nine food allergies
Can be taken on an empty stomach
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.
Best for Bone Health
Garden of Life Living Calcium Advanced
Bone-supporting nutrients
Made without artificial ingredients
Vegetarian-friendly
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).
Best Powder
Ancient Nutrition Super Greens + Multivitamin
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
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.
Best With DHA
Ritual Essential for Women
Includes the recommended dose of DHA from algae
Capsules contain mint for improved taste
Money back guarantee
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.
Best Flavor
GEM Bite Daily Multi
Chewable and great taste
Higher bioavailability
Vegan
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.
Most Convenient
The Patch Brand Daily Patch
Same bioavailability as pills in the form of an easy-to-use patch
Nonirritating
Water-resistant
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.
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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.
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.