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Let’s first address the likely elephant on the page: Most dietary supplements can be used by both men and women. Yep, men can enjoy the best protein bars for women and reap the same benefits of protein.
Multivitamins are often the exception, however. While the best multivitamins for men and women share some overlap, there are certain nutrients women should pay more attention to.
Of course, we always preach a foods-first approach to snag those daily nutrients. And you can’t solely multivitamin your way to good health, just as you can’t outrun a bad diet, although there are multi-factors that might warrant taking one.
So, what’s the best multivitamin for women? Our team of strong, powerful women at Garage Gym Reviews personally tested dozens of multivitamins. I, a registered dietitan, then reviewed the formulation and dosages of each one to round up 15 great options for just about every life stage, dietary restriction, and more!
Medical disclaimer: This article is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for medical advice. For health advice, contact a licensed healthcare provider.
NOTE: We intend the term “women” to include all women, including trans women. However, we recognize that almost all research on this topic has focused on cis women. For that reason, when we reference gender-based research and nutritional recommendations, we will clarify by saying “cis women.” We encourage trans and nonbinary people of all genders to check in with a trans-competent nutritionist regarding their supplements and training needs.
Transparent Labs Multivitamin is designed to support overall wellness for active adults. This supplement has limited but very positive reviews and may be sold out when you go to buy it.
What our tester says:
“It’s a bit much to take all four capsules at once since they’re rather large, and I still felt like one was stuck in my throat for a few minutes afterward.”
Transparent Labs Multivitamin is specifically formulated to be complete, and has some added bonuses as well. While the multivitamin provides a lengthy list of essential vitamins and minerals (besides iron and vitamin E) in bioavailable forms and ultra-high doses, the other ingredients make it unique, and we give this 4.5 out of 5 stars for the formulation.
The ultra-potent multivitamin provides organic ashwagandha, an adaptogen that may reduce stress and inflammation, improve sleep quality and memory, and elicit other notable benefits. It also supplies N-acetylcysteine1 (NAC), coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), and boron citrate2 which may lower inflammation while improving cognition, energy levels, and overall health.
All Transparent Labs products are free of artificial ingredients and undergo third-party testing. For anyone extra interested in the transparent details, you can view the certificates of analysis and composition provided by a third-party company. We give this formula 5 out of 5 stars for transparency and third-party testing.
One callout is the swallowability, which earned 3 out of 5 from one of our testers.
“The directions suggest taking 4 capsules with your first meal of the day,” reports one of our team members. “It’s a bit much to take all 4 of them at once since they’re rather large, and I still felt one stuck in my throat for a few minutes afterward.”
Matt Dustin, CSCS, PN1-NC, also tried these vitamins and said that even when you only take one or two at a time, the smell and flavor are quite strong, though this is common with multivitamins. He said, “I keep my daily supplements in a pill organizer, and these vitamins make the whole thing smell pretty bad.”
Targets women’s nutrient gaps with 9 key ingredients
Third-Party Testing
Yes
On-the-Go Women
Perfect for busy individuals who want a simple yet effective formula
Active Women
Ideal for women looking to support an active, health-focused lifestyle
Natural Shoppers
This multivitamin has traceable nutrients, is vegan-friendly and non-GMO, plus it has no synthetic colorants
Pros
Made Traceable with visible supply chain
Vegan-friendly and allergen-free
Easy-to-digest delayed-release capsule
Subscription makes reordering simple
Cons
Only covers select nutrients
Premium price for minimalist formula
Contains only 9 ingredients
Subscription may not suit everyone
Ingredients
9 traceable essential nutrients
Subscription
Monthly delivery model
Certification
Third-party tested, vegan-certified
Ritual Essential for Women 18+ is ideal for women who want a minimalist, high-quality multivitamin. Its clean label and traceable sourcing are big wins, though the pared-back formula may not suit those needing broader coverage.
What our tester says:
“The mint tab makes them smell and taste like mint, which is quite pleasant. Definitely more preferable than a typical pill flavor!”
While Ritual’s sexy and minty capsules are enough to turn heads and excite the senses, what’s on the inside matters the most. As our top pick for active women, let’s see what nutritional insurance it offers.
Ritual Essential for Women 18+ provides essential nutrients many women lack—like vitamin D, iron, and folate. It does not contain some common nutrients, such as calcium, but Ritual states that’s because U.S. adults typically get enough of these nutrients in their diets. They also focus on using “helper nutrients”—like vitamin D3, vitamin K2, magnesium, and boron—to help support the calcium already consumed from whole food.
Despite all of these ingredients, these vitamins earn 5 out of 5 for the side effects. Our tester said, “I actually do feel like I have less stomach upset with this than other multis I’ve taken.”
The suave multivitamin also contains omega-3 fatty acids to support heart health, cognition, athletic performance, and more. While omega-3 is typically sourced from fish, like in the best fish oil supplements, Ritual uses DHA from microalgae to make it a great option for vegan dieters.
Ritual is committed to traceable ingredients and the research behind them. In fact, one of their studies reviewing Essential for Women was published in the journal Frontiers In Nutrition3, and it’s pretty impressive that they go the extra mile to support the efficacy of their products.
Our tester for this multi, GGR editor Frieda Johnson, liked the minty flavor, saying, “It’s quite pleasant; definitely preferable to a typical pill flavor,” she says in our Ritual Vitamins review, giving them a 5 out of 5 for the taste and smell. She also felt like this product upset her stomach less than most multivitamins do, which is a big plus.
One big callout is the formulation. We only gave this a 2 out of 5, as many of the ingredients are underdose; however, Ritual claims this is intentional as many adults already get nutrients through their diets. This means Ritual is a good choice if you already eat fruits and veggies, but if you feel your diet is lacking, you may want to try something else.
They’re also not cheap, but you can use a Ritual Promo Code for a discount on your order.
Legion Triumph offers an impressive lineup of clinically dosed ingredients, making it a solid choice for athletic women who demand more from their multivitamin. Just be prepared for a high pill count.
What our tester says:
“8 pills equals one serving. Like who does that? I only took the full serving a few times. The rest of the time I just took 4 pills becuase it just seemed so excessive.”
Legion Triumph is one of our favorite multivitamins for a number of reasons. First, it’s NSF-certified and FDA-inspected, so we know we can trust the label for its transparency. If you’re an athlete who competes in a sport where drug testing is a possibility, then knowing exactly what is in your supplements is vital.
There are 22 essential vitamins and minerals in Triumph, including all the majors: vitamins A, C, D, E, K1, K2, B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B12, folate, iron, biotin, and calcium. You’ll also find 10 ingredients that Legion says are scientifically proven to boost performance, mood, and overall health, and we give the formulation 5 out of 5 stars.
We like that Triumph includes these herbs and extracts specifically for women:
Maca and tribulus terrestrus, which are linked to improving libido and women’s sexual health
Grape seed extract, said to aid in heart health and improving blood glucose control
Chasteberry, which may alleviate symptoms of menstruation
Kate Meier, GGR’s head of content and an athlete who competes in Olympic weightlifting, has been using Triumph regularly.
“I like that I know that what is on the label is actually what’s in the bottle,” she says. “I don’t love that you have to take eight pills for a full serving; I typically do four in the morning with breakfast and four in the evening with dinner.”
The 8-capsule serving can be quite overwhelming, which is why we only give this 3 out of 5 for swallowability.
Lauren Strong, CPT, also gave this 3 out of 5 for the side effects. She said, “I probably would not take this in the morning because of the iron, as I’ve found that supplements with iron give me a stomach ache.”
Includes just B12, D3, and Omega-3 in bioavailable forms
Vegan Focused
Designed to address common nutrient gaps in plant-based diets
Earth Friendly
Comes in eco-friendly packaging with carbon offset
Third-Party Tested
Verified for purity and label accuracy
Sensitive Stomachs
Easy to digest and gentle on the gut
Eco-Conscious
Ideal for those who prioritize sustainability and low waste
Plant-Based Eaters
Tailored to vegan and vegetarian women who need focused nutrition
Pros
Targets the most common vegan deficiencies
Eco-friendly packaging and carbon-neutral
Third-party tested for peace of mind
Easy on digestion
Cons
Not a full-spectrum multivitamin
Doesn't include iron or calcium
Capsule has mild citrus scent
Packaging
100% eco-friendly and recyclable
Servings
30 servings per bottle
Nutrients
B12, D3, and Omega-3 from algae
Future Kind’s Essential Vegan Multivitamin is a smart pick for women on plant-based diets who want to cover core nutrient gaps. It’s not a full multivitamin, but its simplicity and sustainability are big pluses.
The Future Kind Essential Vegan Multivitamin is formulated specifically for vegans and vegetarians to fill nutrient gaps most commonly seen in plant-based eaters. Folks who eat a plant-based diet are typically deficient in vitamin B12, because it’s an essential nutrient not made by plants.
We haven’t tested this formula ourselves yet, but as a Registered Dietitian, I can comment on the formulation.
The added vitamin B12 is especially important for women to consume because it plays a critical role during pregnancy4 and deficiencies may be linked to neuro, vascular, immune, and inflammatory disorders.
The Future Kind multivitamin is actually only has a few ingredients:
Vitamin D3: 50 mcg (250% DV)
Vitamin B12: 400 mcg (16667% DV)
Algal Omega 3 oil: 900 mg
EPA (eicosapentaenoic acids): 135 mg
DHA (docosahexaenoic acids): 270 mg
We like this simple formulation but only give it 2 out of 5 stars. These are great ingredients, but it’s not a complete multivitamin.
The Vitamin D3 is sourced from lichen, the B12 features two sources (methylcobalamin and adenosylcobalamin), and the Omega-3 is sustainably sourced from algae, which provides fatty acids without a fishy smell or taste.
We also give this 5 out of 5 for the affordable price, but again, you’re getting a pretty mild vitamin compared to other formulas.
Nutricost Multivitamins has research-backed doses of 22 vitamins and minerals, and is also one of the most affordable multivitamin supplements.
What our tester says:
“If you find yourself struggling to get enough micronutrients through diet alone, this multivitamin is likely to cover any nutrient gaps you may have.”
This Nutricost multivitamin contains some of the major vitamins and minerals that are considered to be essential to women’s health. “If you struggle to get enough nutrients through diet alone, this multivitamin is likely to cover nutrient gaps,” registered dietitian Perry Nix says in our Nutricost Multivitamin review.
Beyond the vitamin and mineral content, this pill also contains 45 milligrams of probiotics, which are “good bacteria” that can help fight off intestinal infections, improve lactose digestion, and even reduce blood cholesterol. Having a healthy number of good bacteria in your body can even help boost your immune system and keep you from catching whatever is going around.
On average, probiotic supplements have between 1 billion and 10 billion CFUs in a single serving. While we’re unsure of the CFU count per serving of this supplement, we do know that each dose contains fungal protease, fungal lactase, and lactobacillus acidophilus, which are all living microorganisms that provide health benefits to their host.
According to Perry, the probiotic enzyme blend used in this multivitamin is meant to diversify your microbiome and improve gut health. She also says that taking a vitamin with probiotics like these may improve your digestion and get rid of digestive symptoms like bloating and diarrhea.
Because of these factors, we gave this multivitamin a 3 out of 5 rating for formulation.
GGR’s Senior Director of Content Kate Meier tried the Nutricost Multivitamin with Probiotics and said it was easy to swallow both capsules at the same time and there was no off-putting taste. She rated it a 5 out of 5 for swallowability, taste, and smell.
If you’re going to take a multivitamin, you might as well knock out your probiotic supplementation while you’re at it. Not only will you save money by not having to buy two supplements, but you’ll save counter space, too. For under $15 a bottle, you’re gaining a lot, considering the quality of the product, and this earns 5 out of 5 for the price.
Uses bioengineered NutriGenesis forms for optimal absorption
Gender Specific
Tailored to women’s nutritional needs and hormonal balance
Ultra Clean
No gluten, soy, GMOs, or synthetic additives
Subscription Ready
Offers a convenient monthly auto-delivery option
Regular Users
Perfect for daily supplementation with reliable reordering
High Absorption
Great for those looking for effective ingredient delivery
Health Purists
Ideal for women who avoid artificial additives and allergens
Pros
Made with NutriGenesis bioidentical nutrients
Fully vegan and allergen-free
Gender-specific formula for women
Cleanest formula in the category
Cons
Subscription recommended for best value
4 capsules per serving
Not widely available in stores
Capsule Count
120 vegan capsules per bottle
Servings
30 servings per container
Nutrients
17+ vitamins and minerals
Performance Lab’s NutriGenesis Multi For Women delivers a potent, plant-based multivitamin backed by innovative nutrient tech. The price is steep, but the formula is one of the cleanest you’ll find.
If you struggle to stay consistent with your vitamin regimen, Performance Lab can help by delivering a NutriGenesis Multi for Women shipment directly to your door. You’ll have the option to subscribe to 1-, 2-, or 4-month supplies, with a slight price break when you sign up for longer subscriptions. It’s still pricey, however, and earns 3 out of 5 for the value.
It’s worth noting that the serving size is four capsules, and each one-month supply comes with 120 capsules. The recommended dosing is two capsules in the morning and two capsules in the afternoon.
Performance Lab NutriGenesis multivitamin contains everything you’d expect in a daily multivitamin: Vitamin A, B, C, D, E, K, and different minerals like iron, magnesium, and zinc. You’ll also have biotin and folate included in multi-mix for stronger hair, nails, and skin, so this earns 5 out of 5 for the formulation.
You may also like knowing NutriGenesis is suitable for vegans and is free from major allergens like soy, fish, shellfish, dairy, peanuts, tree nuts, and wheat.
We haven’t used this product ourselves yet, so I can’t comment on the taste, smell, or swallowability, but I like the formulation.
Widely used in clinical and integrative health settings
Methylated Vitamin B
Supports energy and cognitive health
Once-Daily Dose
One capsule per day for convenience
Iron-Sensitive Users
Designed for women who are iron replete or sensitive to iron
Mentally Focused
Includes nutrients that support cognitive health and stress response
One-Pill Users
Ideal for women who want a once-daily option
Pros
Doesn’t include iron, which many women don’t need
Contains bioavailable B12 and folate
Third-party tested for purity
Trusted by healthcare professionals
Cons
Only available in capsule form
Pricier than drugstore multis
Not suitable for women who need iron
No probiotics or botanicals
Serving Size
1 capsule per day
Testing
Third-party tested for purity and potency
O.N.E. Multivitamin is a professional-grade option for women who don’t need iron. It’s streamlined, effective, and widely trusted—but may be overkill for more casual users.
Is Pure Encapsulations the O.N.E. for you? Chosen as the best without iron, mainly due to its tidy but mighty single-dose capsule, it very well could be!
The O.N.E. Multivitamin by Pure Encapsulations is a robust multi that supplies essential vitamins and minerals in high concentrations. In addition to lacking iron, it also lacks calcium, so you’ll need to ensure you get enough of these minerals from food sources or supplementation. (Don’t worry, we have you covered with the best iron supplements!)
We still give this 4 out of 5 for the formulation, but it’s worth pointing out those missing ingredients.
It also provides inositol, a type of sugar that helps regulate insulin levels, and three pigment compounds—lycopene, lutein5, and zeaxanthin62 to enhance cognitive function, cellular health, and eye health. Alpha-lipoic acid7 (ALA) and coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) are also added for antioxidant support.
Pure Encapsulations also doubles down on its claim that they provide “Everything you need and nothing you don’t.” Their supplements are free from a bounty of unnecessary additives, artificial ingredients, and common allergens like gluten, artificial sweeteners, and preservatives.
GGR expert product tester Amanda Capritto likes that a serving is only one pill. “It does have a semi-strong earthy smell—not offensive, but definitely noticeable,” she says, giving it 3 out of 5 for the taste and smell.
Amanda also gave this a 4 out of 5 for swallowability, saying, “These are a typical size for a veggie capsule; I didn’t have any problems taking them. One capsule is one serving size, which is nice.”
Great for women looking for reliable supplements under $10
Busy Lifestyles
One-a-day formula makes supplementing easy
Value Buyers
Perfect for bulk buying or long-term users
Pros
Very affordable and accessible
Contains iron and folic acid
USP verified for label accuracy
Trusted national brand
Cons
Synthetic ingredients used
May not contain specialty nutrients
Basic formula without add-ons
Not vegan
Serving Size
1 tablet per day
Servings
90 per bottle
Testing
USP Verified
Nature Made Multi For Her offers reliable coverage of daily essentials at a low price. It’s a no-frills choice for budget-minded shoppers who want a simple solution.
Costing only $0.15 per serving, Nature Made Multivitamin for Her is undoubtedly the most budget-friendly option on our list. But low cost shouldn’t be confused with low quality, as the multivitamin provides over 20 essential nutrients for cis women’s health.
One mineral to note is its 18 milligrams (or 100% DV) of iron from ferrous fumarate, which is considered a well-absorbed form of iron. It also provides 19% DV of calcium, but there are some minor conflicts of (nutrient) interest to consider.
For one, calcium can actually inhibit the absorption of iron. Secondly, it’s best to take iron on an empty stomach or at least two hours before eating, although Nature Made recommends taking the multivitamin with water and a meal, and many people need to take iron with at least a small amount of food to avoid stomach upset. While the utmost importance is getting daily nutrients, we recommend contacting your primary care provider for any dosing recommendations, especially if you think you’re deficient in iron or any other nutrient.
With all that said, we give the formulation a 3 out of 5. However, we love that it’s USP verified and give it 5 out of 5 for third-party testing.
Lauren Strong, CPT, gave this 3 out of 5 stars for swallowability. She said, “It’s a pretty large pill, not a capsule. I definitely try to do a big, purposeful swallow with this one because it doesn’t just slide down the hatch.”
She also commented that the iron content is quite high, so she didn’t take it every day but didn’t experience any side effects on the days she used it.
Nature Made notes that the multi 2 is free of added colors, artificial flavors, and gluten. It’s also third-party tested and verified by United States Pharmacopeia (USP).
At $0.15 per serving, this is a very affordable vitamin that earns 5 out of 5 for the price.
If you’re looking for another great option and don’t want to deal with a large tablet, you’ll love our next pick, OLLY The Perfect Women’s Multi gummies.
Type
Tablets
Dosing Instructions
Take 1 tablet per day with water and a meal
Servings per container
90
Key ingredients/Vitamins
Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin B12, Calcium, Iron, Zinc, Selenium
Fun flavor and format makes it appealing to younger users
Gummy fans
Perfect for women who prefer chewables over capsules
Beauty supporters
Includes biotin and antioxidants for hair and skin
Pros
Great-tasting gummy format
No artificial colors or flavors
Biotin and antioxidants included
Vegan-friendly
Cons
Lacks iron and calcium
Higher sugar content than capsules
May melt in high heat
Less potent than capsule formulas
Serving Size
2 gummies daily
Flavors
Blissful Berry
Nutrients
18+ vitamins and minerals
OLLY The Perfect Women’s Multi is a fun and flavorful way to get your daily nutrients. While it’s not the most potent option, it’s an easy win for consistency.
What our tester says:
“These don’t upset my stomach like most pills do. They do have a bit of a weird aftertaste, but not too bad.”
Whether you prefer not to swallow pills or are simply just a kid at heart (raises hand), OLLY’s multi gummies for women might be worth sinking your teeth into. It’s a “multi-tasking blend” of vitamins A, C, D, E, and B vitamins with minerals—like calcium, iodine, and zinc—to complete the (iron-free) package.
Like most gummy vitamins, the “Blissful Berry” chews contain added sugar—2 grams per serving—sourced from glucose syrup and beet sugar. However, all other colors and flavors are derived from natural ingredients like carrot, blueberry, and chokeberry juices. We know many will want to avoid the sugar, however, so we give this formulation 3 out of 5 stars.
GGR editor Frieda Johnson loves these gummies because they make taking her vitamins feel like a treat, and she gave them 5 out of 5 for the flavor. She also likes that the company is a Certified B Corp and is making an effort to minimize their environmental impact.
OLLY’s multivitamin gummies for women are also NSF-certified, earning 5 out of 5 for third-party testing. And if you aren’t satisfied for whatever reason, you can return the product within 30 days from purchase.
Read our Olly Vitamins review for our full thoughts on this company’s offerings.
Formulated specifically for pregnancy and fetal development
Mainstream Buyers
Easy to find online or at most retailers
Budget Shoppers
One of the most cost-effective prenatal options
Pros
Combines multivitamin and DHA in one
Very affordable for a prenatal
USP verified for label accuracy
Trusted national brand
Cons
Not vegan
Large softgel may be hard to swallow
Contains synthetic folic acid
Fishy aftertaste possible
Serving Size
1 softgel per day
Servings
90 per bottle
DHA Amount
200 mg per serving
Nature Made Prenatal Multi + DHA is a wallet-friendly choice for pregnancy nutrition. It’s not the cleanest formula, but it gets the job done at a great price.
Nature Made Prenatal Multi + DHA is a budget-friendly multivitamin formulated to support the mom’s health and the development of a healthy baby. At only $0.40 per serving, this is one of the most affordable prenatal vitamins we’ve seen, and it earns 5 out of 5 for the price.
It provides essential prenatal nutrients—like calcium, folic acid, vitamin B12, and zinc—and contains the iron RDA (or 27 milligrams) for pregnant people.
While all nutrients are essential, the major callout in the prenatal is docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). DHA, a type of omega-3 fatty acid, is especially critical for the growing baby’s brain, eye, and nervous system development. Newer 2021 research8 suggests that supplementing with at least 200 milligrams of DHA may decrease the risk of preterm birth.
Overall, I give the formulation 4 out of 5 stars.
Expecting moms can also rest easier knowing that the Nature Made prenatal is third-party tested through USP. It is also free of artificial flavors and gluten.
If you don’t need a prenatal vitamin but still want something affordable, we love Nature Made Multi For Her, another great choice from the same company.
Type
Softgels
Dosing Instructions
Take 1 softgel daily with water and a meal for optimal absorption
Servings per container
90
Key ingredients/Vitamins
Folic acid, DHA, Iron, Magnesium, Zinc, Vitamin A, Vitamin K
Designed by a registered dietitian for optimal fertility and pregnancy health
Transparent Label
Every ingredient listed with rationale
Pregnant Women
Built to support pregnancy from preconception through postpartum
High-Standard Users
Ideal for women who want professional-grade supplementation
Clean-Eating Fans
Avoids artificial ingredients and common allergens
Pros
Developed by a fertility dietitian
Very affordable for a High doses of key nutrients
Third-party tested
No synthetic additives
Cons
Requires 8 capsules per day
Premium price point
Not vegan
Serving Size
8 capsules daily
Capsule Count
240 per bottle
Nutrient Focus
Methylated B vitamins, choline, iron
FullWell Prenatal is a high-quality, RD-formulated option that delivers on both transparency and nutrition. The high pill count may be a downside, but the nutrient coverage is top-tier.
Formulated by a dietitian and recommended by OBGYNs, FullWell Prenatal is our top pick as a prenatal multivitamin. The prenatal provides essential nutrients—including folate, calcium, and magnesium—to support a healthy pregnancy. It also offers choline, which FullWell declares up to 95% of pregnant people don’t consume enough, to support healthy fetal and placenta development.
Unlike Nature Made’s prenatal, FullWell’s is intentionally devoid of iron since iron needs and tolerance vary from woman to woman. You also won’t find any DHA, as FullWell explains its stability is compromised when mixed with other nutrients, but they offer a prenatal and fish oil bundle.
We love the formulation and give it a 5 out of 5.
All FullWell products are manufactured at an FDA, GMP, and UL-certified facility and third-party tested, although the organization responsible for the third-party testing is unrevealed. However, you can view your selected product’s certificate of analysis (COA) upon request.
Nicole Davis, CPT, PN1-NC, wasn’t thrilled with the large eight-pill dose, and gave it a 3 out of 5 for swallowability. “I don’t think I’d be able to easily stomach that not pregnant, but pregnant is a no-go,” she said.
She did say that since they include a high dose of vitamin D, the high dose might be more manageable if it can replace an additional pill you’re currently taking.
Our main callout is the price and smell. At $1.67 per serving, this isn’t cheap and earns 2 out of 5 for the price.
Nicole also gave these a 1 out of 5 for the taste and smell, saying, “These smell fishy…it’s kinda gross.”
Take all 8 capsules at once if tolerable or divide the dose by taking 4 at breakfast and 4 at lunch; you can also break open the capsules and mix them into a cold beverage
Servings per container
30
Key ingredients/Vitamins
Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Folate, Vitamin B12, Biotin, Choline, Iodine, Selenium, Copper, Potassium
Ideal for women who prioritize certified organic supplements
Minimalists
One tablet a day makes it simple and consistent
Vegan Lifestyles
Perfect for plant-based eaters wanting clean support
Pros
USDA Organic and NSF certified
Vegan and gluten-free
Made from whole foods
One tablet per day
Cons
Lower in some nutrient amounts
May not be suitable for high-performance needs
Slight herbal scent
Pricier than typical drugstore multis
Serving Size
1 tablet daily
Servings
30 tablets per bottle
Certification
USDA Organic and NSF Certified
Garden of Life mykind Organics Women’s Once Daily is one of the cleanest, most organic options available. It’s great for eco-conscious users, though those needing higher nutrient doses may want more
Certified USDA Organic, Garden of Life mykind Organics Women’s Once Daily tops our list as the best organic multi. Oh, and it’s also Non-GMO Project Verified, Certified Vegan, B Corp Certified, and Certified Carbonfree—so I guess you could say they take their products quite seriously…
Beyond certifications, Garden of Life mykind Organics is whole foods-based and contains over 30 organic fruits, veggies, and herbs. It provides 15 essential women’s nutrients at 100% DV or higher while supplying lower iron, manganese, and zinc doses.
It’s also third-party tested by “the leading third-party independent testing agency,” although the agency name is not revealed.
Former GGR editor Frieda Johnson warns that these are rather large pills, so they may be difficult for some people to swallow, and she only gives this 3 out of 5 for swallowability. Frieda said, “These are pretty big pills, and my bottle says the serving is 2 (though online it says 1 pill/serving??), so not fantastic in terms of swallowability.”
She also gave this 3 out of 5 for side effects, saying, “A bit of an unpleasant aftertaste, mild stomach upset after taking.”
She also says that her bottle says to take two pills, but the nutrition label shown online says a dose is one pill, so make sure to read the label on the bottle you receive to verify the proper dosage.
Great for women 55+ looking for age-specific nutrition
Sensitive Stomachs
Formulated to be easy on the gut
Holistic Seekers
Includes botanicals like chaste tree berry
Pros
Designed specifically for 55+ women
Gentle on digestion
No iron, calcium, or magnesium (for age-appropriateness)
Third-party tested for purity
Cons
Requires 2 tablets daily
Higher price point than some senior multis
Not vegan (contains vitamin D from lanolin)
No calcium or iron included
Serving Size
2 tablet per day
Servings
60 tablets per bottle
Testing
Glyphosate residue and herbicide-free
Garden of Life mykind Organics Women’s Once Daily is one of the cleanest, most organic options available. It’s great for eco-conscious users, though those needing higher nutrient doses may want more
MegaFood’s doctor-formulated multi recognizes and accommodates the nutritional needs of cis women over 55. It includes 20 essential nutrients—like antioxidant-rich vitamins, vitamin D, and zinc—to support cognition, bone health, and overall healthy aging.
The multi is also suitably formulated without iron, as iron needs decline after menopause due to the loss of menstrual cycles. It’s also devoid of calcium and magnesium, as MegaFood details those minerals are recommended to be taken at least two hours apart from a daily multivitamin.
The nutrients are also derived from whole food sources, including carrots, oranges, and green tea leaf extract. It’s important to note that while the multi is tested for 125+ herbicides and pesticides, there’s no indication of it being third-party tested for purity, so we only give the formulation 4 out of 5 stars.
Even with high-quality ingredients, this vitamin is affordable and earns 5 out of 5 for the price per serving.
Sheila Konen, GGR Head of Content Nicole Davis’s mom, tried these and was impressed that they didn’t upset her stomach, even when taken at different times of day and on an empty stomach. She gave them 5 out of 5 for the side effects, saying, “I’ve taken these at different times of the day and on an empty stomach with no unfavorable side effects, which is saying something because I have a sensitive stomach.”
Overall, Sheila was very impressed with her experience and said, “I feel like adding this to my daily routine is adding to healthy habits.”
Formulated for active lifestyles and fitness routines
23+ Nutrients
Wide range of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants
Active Women
Designed to support energy, recovery, and immune health
Supplement Stackers
Pairs well with protein, creatine, and pre-workouts
Gym Regulars
Perfect for women looking for a multivitamin to complement training
Pros
Includes iron for women who need it
Designed for active women
Affordable for its nutrient profile
Well-known brand among athletes
Cons
Requires 2 capsules per serving
Not vegan
May be overkill for casual supplement users
Some synthetic ingredients
Serving Size
2 capsules per day
Bottle Count
120 capsules
Nutrient Count
23 vitamins and minerals
Optimum Nutrition’s Opti-Women delivers a well-rounded formula with iron, making it ideal for active women or those with increased iron needs. A solid choice from a gym-trusted brand.
Opti-Women may not be offered in the best Optimum Nutrition flavors, but its formulation is robust with 40 active ingredients. Thankfully, Opti-Women’s lengthy ingredient list is divided into 23 vitamins and minerals in potent amounts and 17 specialty ingredients, earning a 5 out of 5 for the formulation.
Because Opti-Women is our best pick for a multi with iron, we’ll first mention that it provides 18 milligrams (100% DV) of ferrous fumarate to support cis women’s health and menstruation cycles. It also contains vitamin C to enhance iron absorption, though it contains calcium that could inhibit its effectiveness.
Dipping into the 17 specialty ingredients, some we’ve already explored—like ALA, lycopene, lutein, and zeaxanthin. It also provides other unique ingredients—such as dong quai, garcinia extract, and butcher’s broom—which are really just a bunch of herbal remedies with various implications like improving menstrual symptoms and circulation (and should be used cautiously, particularly if you’re taking certain medications).
Despite these strong ingredients, Kate Meier, NASM-CPT, USAW-L1, CF-L1, gave these 4 out of 5 for taste and swallowability. She said, “The taste is exactly what you’d expect from a multivitamin capsule, with a slight taste that’s barely noticeable.”
The Vegetarian Society also approves the capsules, although it’s unclear if the nutrients are derived from plant or animal-based sources. But we do know that Opti-Women is manufactured at an Informed-Sport registered site like all Optimum Nutrition’s products.
Kate added that she feels like she has more energy while taking these since she has issues with low iron levels if she’s not taking them regularly and gives them 5 out of 5 for the effects. Taking a multi with added iron is certainly a convenient way of making sure your levels stay up!
Supports energy, immune function, and hormone balance in women 40+
Herbal Support
Includes superfoods like turmeric and maca root
Women 40-50+
Tailored to perimenopausal and midlife needs
Busy Women
Great for women who need a quick, once-daily option
Holistic Seekers
Includes herbs for stress and hormone support
Pros
Once-daily convenience
Includes whole-food fermented ingredients
Focuses on hormone and energy support
Organic and NSF certified
Cons
Lower amounts of some nutrients
Strong herbal scent/taste
Pricey for a single-tablet option
Not vegan (vitamin D source)
Serving Size
1 tablet daily
Bottle Count
72 tablets
Features
Organic, fermented ingredients
New Chapter’s Every Woman’s One Daily 40+ offers age-specific, fermented nutrition in a single convenient tablet. It’s a great option for midlife women looking for herbal and energy support.
New Chapter’s Multi for women after 40 is formulated with fermented, certified organic veggies and herbs to enhance absorption. According to a 2018 review published in Food Science & Nutrition9, fermentation helps improve the bioavailability of nutrients.
The multi provides over 20 vitamins and minerals but does not contain iron. The micros are joined with probiotics and various blends for breast, hormone, stress, energy, cardiovascular, and digestive support.
New Chapter especially calls out vitamin B12 for cellular energy support, zinc for immune support, and vitamin C for collagen protection. It also highlights chaste tree for hormone support, which may help stimulate progesterone. While necessary during menstruation and pregnancy, progesterone10 could also protect against neurological disorders and osteoporosis.
With so many ingredients, this a large pill, but it still earns 3 out of 5 for swallowability. Our tester said, This is a pretty large pill, but I didn’t have any issues swallowing it.”
An important takeaway is that while the multivitamin is NSF-certified, it does contain proprietary blends mostly formulated with herbs. Review the label containing over 20 ingredients to ensure they’re safe for you and won’t interact with any medications.
Our tester for this product felt that she saw improvement in her skin and hair while taking this. She also noted that while she typically feels nauseous when taking combined vitamin supplements, she has not with these, and gave them 5 out of 5 for the side effects. She explained, “I typically feel nauseous with combined vitamin supplements, but I don’t with this one.”
If you want another option designed for women who are over 50, you may want to consider MegaFood Multi for Women 55+.
Type
Tablet
Dosing Instructions
Take 1 tablet daily at any time, even on an empty stomach
Servings per container
72
Key ingredients/Vitamins
Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin K, Vitamin B6, Folate, Iodine, Selenium, Copper, Manganese, fruit and vegetable blends, turmeric
Third-Party Testing & Certifications
Certified Gluten-Free by NSF, Non-GMO Project Verified, Certified Kosher, Carbonfree Certified, Certified B Corp
With (almost) limitless mineral and vitamin supplements on the market, it’s challenging to confine other great products into one list. That said, other women’s multivitamins we researched and approved include:
Garden of Life Vitamin Code Women: We love Garden of Life vitamins. However, we chose the Organic Once Daily formula instead, as we prefer the formulation a little more.
HUM Base Control: This vitamin has a solid formulation and is affordable but received a slightly lower overall score than the other options on our list.
Let’s Chat About Multivitamins
Let’s make sure we’re on the same page about what multivitamins are. At its essence, a multivitamin contains various vitamins and minerals—the National Institutes of Health refers to multivitamins as multivitamins/minerals (MVM) for this reason.
The nutrients in multivitamins and the amounts and forms vary between brands. And especially if promoting a specific benefit, like improved energy and gut health, some multivitamins also contain herbs and probiotics for a nutritional boost.
Vitamins found in most multivitamins include:
Vitamin A
Vitamin B complex or B vitamins (like folic acid and vitamin B12)
Vitamin C
Vitamin E
Vitamin K
And often these minerals:
Calcium
Iodine
Iron
Magnesium
Manganese
Selenium
Zinc
Supplement labels quantify the amount of each provided nutrient as Daily Values (%DV) based on one serving.
Calcium
Calcium plays an important role in bone health. Unfortunately, women today often suffer from poor bone health later in life, such as osteoporosis-related health problems. Maintaining sufficient amounts of calcium in your diet can help to prevent or decrease potential bone health issues. Despite that, research has found that many young women consume well under the recommended daily dose of calcium. This is not good because calcium plays an essential role when it comes to bone growth and maintaining healthy bone density levels.
Another important reason for women to stay on top of their calcium intake is that when women go through menopause, they experience accelerated bone mineral loss, and proper calcium intake throughout life may help to mitigate this. Bone mineral loss can result in having weaker bones and may increase your chances of bone fractures. In order to prevent issues like this, it’s ideal to consume the daily recommended dose of calcium on a regular basis, especially in your earlier years.
Iodine
Now let’s talk about the important mineral Iodine. It has a key role when it comes to the proper functioning of thyroid hormones, and these hormones play a large role in cognitive functioning and metabolism. While iodine is important for everyday health in women, it’s especially important during pregnancy. Iodine and thyroid hormones are needed to facilitate the various fetal growth and formation processes. You can only obtain iodine through dietary sources such as dairy products, seafood, or supplements which makes it a bit more challenging to maintain proper levels and increases the importance of supplementation.
Iron
Another important mineral to touch on is iron. It’s not uncommon for people to be deficient in iron, it’s actually one of the most common nutritional problems for people all over the world. People who are very iron deficient become anemic which has a variety of negative health implications. Only about 5 to 10 percent of iron comes from diet and the main concern with iron consumption is your ability to effectively absorb iron.
People often don’t understand how they’re iron deficient when they are getting proper amounts through their diet. This can happen because there are multiple factors that may influence your ability to absorb iron, and excessive blood loss resulting from blood donation, gastrointestinal lesions, and menstruation can all increase your chance of iron-related health issues.
Zinc
Iron and zinc often go hand in hand. They tend to be found in the same food sources and both play an important role in women’s health. Zinc is a micronutrient and has been reported to have antioxidant effects. If you become deficient in zinc, you may experience cellular damage and atherosclerosis. People with heart disease are often found to have low levels of zinc.
Magnesium
In order to stay healthy, it’s important to maintain normal cell and organ functioning, and magnesium plays an essential role in these processes. Magnesium is an essential electrolyte and is readily available in your body. It plays a role in maintaining homeostasis, proper brain functioning, and mood regulation. It’s fairly rare for adults to experience magnesium deficiencies but if you do not maintain a balanced diet, it’s possible.
For women, the amount of magnesium your body needs to function properly can increase if you have certain physiological conditions. Magnesium supplementation is often recommended for women who struggle with PCOS or premenstrual syndrome. Women experiencing pregnancy and menopause may also require supplementation.
Manganese
You’re probably aware of the fact that development and growth are lifelong processes for living organisms, including humans. Trace elements like manganese are essential to this process. Maintaining proper levels of manganese helps your body to properly metabolize amino acids, cholesterol, and carbohydrates which is very important when it comes to overall health.
Being deficient in manganese is pretty unlikely. On the flip side, excessive intake of it can be toxic, so while it’s fine to have trace amounts of it in a multivitamin, you don’t want to seek out supplements with high amounts of it, and it isn’t a must-have in a multivitamin.
Women’s Multivitamins
Now, women need a balance of nutrients just as men do for good health. But largely due to menstrual cycles, pregnancy, and the stages of menopause, there are key nutrients for women’s health, such as:
Calcium
Folate/folic acid
Iron
Vitamin B12
Vitamin D
Of course, this just scratches the surface of what all women’s multivitamins can offer. So without further delay, let’s hop into our top picks and get down into the details!
How We Picked and Tested the Best Multivitamins for Women
OK, how did we narrow our search with so many multis out there? We’ll let you in six of our selection secrets:
Nutritional variety: Because every woman has unique dietary needs, variety was at the core of our picks. At a minimum, we offered supplements formulated for general, prenatal, and postmenopausal health.
Nutrient quality: We enlisted products with high-quality and bioavailable nutrients, including vitamin D3 and chelated minerals.
Added ingredients: If other ingredients are added beyond minerals and vitamins, we ensure their purpose is valid—like probiotics for gut health and DHA for fetal development. When possible, we avoid formulas with artificial colors, fillers, preservatives, and other unnecessary ingredients.
Form: From tablets to gummies to mint-infused soft capsules, there’s sure to be a form you will enjoy (or at least tolerate) taking.
Pricing: Every woman should have access to a multivitamin, so we rounded up options with varying prices without compromising quality.
GGR’s Supplement Testing Methodology
We make it a priority here to fully vet the products we feature on our pages. When it comes to dietary supplements, we have a strict supplement testing methodology we abide by to prioritize products that we have or would use ourselves, that are third-party tested, and that use scientifically backed ingredients and dosages.
Benefits of a Multivitamin for Women
Getting your daily nutrient needs from whole foods should take priority. However, some women may struggle to get all essential nutrients from diet alone; this is where a multivitamin comes in handy.
That said, the most significant benefit of a women’s multivitamin is that it helps conveniently fill in any nutritional gaps. Providing the body with adequate amounts of micronutrients supports:
Reproductive health and pregnancy: A 2021 review published in Advances in Nutrition11 reiterates that various vitamins and minerals—such as folic acid, iron, calcium, vitamin D, and magnesium—are essential for supporting cis women’s reproductive health and healthy pregnancy.
Strong bones: Research12 tells us that cis women are four times more likely to develop osteoporosis than men, and supplementing with bone-supporting nutrients—like calcium, vitamin D, and magnesium—can help build and maintain strong bones.
Cognition and brain health: According to a 2020 review published in Nutrients13, various B vitamins and minerals—like thiamine, folate, zinc, and iron—are essential for supporting the structure and function of brain cells.
Energy production: All B vitamins (besides folate) are involved in at least one step of the energy-production system, which allows calories to be used as energy. Vitamin C, iron, and magnesium are also key players in energy metabolism, and supplementing with these micros may combat physical fatigue.13
Immune function: Along with protein sources that contain the amino acid glutamine, vitamins C and D, zinc, selenium, and iron are critical nutrients for immune support.
Really, the body uses all vitamins and minerals to keep things running smoothly. Women can experience good health and wellness when all nutrients are adequately available.
Who Should Take a Multivitamin?
Any female-identifying person with nutrient deficiencies should take a multivitamin to ensure they’re getting all the vitamins and nutrients needed for overall health. Additionally, anyone who menstruates should consider taking a multivitamin as some nutrients—notably iron—can be lost during the menstruation process. Athletes are another prime candidate, as studies have shown that athletes have a higher micronutrient need than the general population, according to research.
Who Should Avoid Multivitamins?
Anyone who’s already getting all of their micronutrients from a well-balanced diet should avoid multivitamins, as some vitamins and minerals can be harmful if taken in large quantities. Additionally, other medications may prevent you from taking a multivitamin. For example, people taking anti-clotting medications should know that Vitamin K could weaken their effectiveness.
Additionally, anyone who’s pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant should consult with a physician before taking a multivitamin.
Dosing and Interactions
Because every woman has a unique health story and the contents of multivitamins can vary greatly, it’s nearly impossible to formulate a universal dosing recommendation. But we can speak to some general dosing guidelines and interaction warnings, such as:
Because water-soluble vitamins (the B vitamins and vitamin C) are readily excreted and not easily stored in tissues, they tend not to cause issues even if taken in large amounts.
Fat-soluble vitamins (vitamins A, D, E, and K) might cause severe issues if overconsumed because they can accumulate in the tissues.
Taking certain forms of vitamin A in excess during pregnancy can increase the risk of congenital disabilities in infants, while large amounts of vitamin A can increase the risk of lung cancer in smokers and potentially former smokers.
Iron toxicity14 is especially risky in children, although adults can also experience the harmful effects of too much iron.
Vitamin K can interact with blood thinners and lower their effectiveness.
Check with your doctor about possible interactions from certain ingredients, especially if taking medication. For instance, CoQ10 may decrease warfarin’s anticoagulant (blood clotting) effect.
We can’t overemphasize enough that contacting a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN) or another healthcare professional is essential before taking a multivitamin or dietary supplement.
Best Time To Take a Women’s Multivitamin
As it turns out, there’s actually not a specific time of the day that’s best for taking a multivitamin. Manufacturers and researchers generally suggest taking it with the largest meal of your day because a lot of the nutrients found in these supplements are fat-soluble, meaning they need a fat source (such as dairy or olive oil) to be absorbed by the body. In other words, it doesn’t matter if you take it in the daytime or nighttime.
Third-Party Testing
While the FDA does not tightly regulate dietary supplements, it does establish Current Good Manufacturing Practices (CGMPs) standards for quality assurance. Companies can voluntarily have their products undergo third-party testing to verify their purity and overall safety. Reputable, third-party testing stamps to look out for include:
Informed-Sport
National Sanitation Foundation (NSF)
NSF Certified for Sport
US Pharmacopeia (USP) Verification
Products can also be certified to help consumers make well-informed decisions related to specific dietary restrictions and preferences, like being Certified Gluten-Free or USDA Organic. When you doubt third-party testing and other certifications of interest, you could always contact the company for more information or select another trusted product.
Buying Guide: What to Look for in a Women’s Multivitamin
There truly is a lot to consider when looking for a women’s multivitamin, although using these tips can help navigate your search:
Lifestage and health needs: Nutritional needs vary depending on your age and life stage; some multivitamins are tailored to match, including those formulated for pregnant people and older adults.
Health conditions and medications: Health conditions and medications can significantly influence what to look for in a multivitamin. For instance, a multivitamin with iron might be best for you if you are deficient in iron, while a multivitamin formulated with additional herbs can interact with some medications.
Nutrient amounts: While nutrient amounts that align with the cis women’s RDAs are mostly safe, you should approach high-dose multivitamins cautiously unless advised by your healthcare team.
Dietary restrictions and preferences: Choose a product that factors your dietary restrictions and preferences, such as being gluten-free, vegan, or organic.
Intake form: Do you prefer pills, capsules, gummies, or powders? Try to select a multi that matches this preference so you’ll be more likely to adhere to taking it.
Budget: Evaluate how much you’re willing to spend taking a multivitamin consistently.
Third-party testing: Prioritize third-party products tested by reputable organizations such as USP and NSF International.
While all people (regardless of gender) should aim to get nutrients from a whole foods-based and balanced diet, a multivitamin may be a good solution to fill any nutritional gaps. It’s wise to consult with a healthcare provider before starting a multivitamin, especially if it provides high doses of certain nutrients.
Should women take a multivitamin every day?
Taking a multivitamin it a good way to fill in any nutritional gaps. Some nutrients—such as iron, calcium, and vitamin D—may be included in the multivitamin and are all essential for maintaining good health in women.
What main vitamins should a woman take daily?
While there’s no universal guidance, as every woman’s nutritional needs will vary, there are key nutrients cis women should pay extra attention to, such as folate/folic acid, iron, vitamin D, calcium, and magnesium.
What is the best time to take a multivitamin?
Ideally, multivitamins (especially those containing iron) are taken with a meal. Because many multivitamins contain B vitamins, which are known to boost energy and stimulate the brain, it’s often suggested to take them with breakfast in the morning.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any diseases.
Sydney Lappe is a St. Louis-based Registered Dietitian with 6+ years of nutrition editing and writing experience. She holds a Master’s Degree in Nutrition and Dietetics and completed undergrad work in psychology. While fitness wasn’t in Sydney’s routine growing up, it quickly became a large part of her daily life while studying the facets of health and nutrition. Also managing chronic pain, she has come to fully realize movement is a special gift to never take for granted and hopes to inspire others to invest in their physical, mental, and emotional wellness while they can. Including her passion for all things health, Sydney enjoys spending time with her loved ones, being active in various capacities, drinking bottomless cups of coffee, eating a hearty bowl of oatmeal, and letting her creativity roam through writing and graphic design.
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table of contents
Best Multivitamins for Women
Best Multivitamin Overall: Transparent Labs Multivitamin
Best Multivitamin for Active Women: Ritual Essential for Women 18+
Best Multivitamin for Women Athletes: Legion Triumph
Best Vegan Multivitamin for Women: Future Kind Essential Vegan Multivitamin
Best Multivitamin for Women with Probiotics: Nutricost Multivitamin with Probiotics
Best Subscription Multivitamin for Women: Performance Lab NutriGenesis for Women
Best Multivitamin Without Iron: Pure Encapsulations O.N.E. Multivitamin
Best Budget Multivitamin for Women: Nature Made Multi for Her
Best Gummy Multivitamin for Women: OLLY The Perfect Women’s Multi
Best Budget Prenatal Multivitamin for Women: Nature Made Prenatal Multi + DHA
Best Prenatal Multivitamin for Women: FullWell Prenatal
Best Organic Multivitamin for Women: Garden of Life mykind Organics Women’s Once Daily
Best Multivitamin for Women Over 50: MegaFood Multi for Women 55+
Best Multivitamin for Women with Iron: Optimum Nutrition Opti-Women Multivitamin
Best Multivitamin for Women in their 40s and 50s: New Chapter Every Woman’s One Daily 40+
Other Multivitamins for Women We Researched
Let's Chat About Multivitamins
How We Picked and Tested the Best Multivitamins for Women
Benefits of a Multivitamin for Women
Dosing and Interactions
Best Time To Take a Women's Multivitamin
Third-Party Testing
Buying Guide: What to Look for in a Women’s Multivitamin