Best Multivitamin for Women (2024): Options for All Life Stages and Nutritional Needs

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 16 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

Best Multivitamins for Women

• Best Overall Multivitamin for Women: 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 Multi For Women
• Best Multivitamin Without Iron: O.N.E. Multivitamin by Pure Encapsulations
• Best Budget Multivitamin for Women: Nature Made Multi For Her
• Best Gummy Multivitamin for Women: OLLY The Perfect Women’s Multi
• Best Budget Prenatal Vitamin 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 60: 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+ 

Let’s Chat About Multivitamins 

Before diving into our top picks, 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. 

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 with 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 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 experience 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!

Best Multivitamin Overall: Transparent Labs Multivitamin

Good for: Women looking for a high-quality multivitamin that is third-party tested 

Best Overall

Transparent Labs Multivitamin

GGR Score: 4

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Product Highlights

• Ultra-potent multivitamin designed for active adults 
• No artificial sweeteners, coloring, or preservatives
• Available through a  subscription or 1 time purchase

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Subscribe and save
• More than 20 ingredients
• Reported to be easy on the stomach

Cons

• May be sold out
• Only available from company website
• Limited customers reviews
• Large serving size that requires you to take 4 pills

Bottom Line

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.

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. 

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. 

RELATED: Best Time to Take Ashwagandha

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. 

Best Multivitamin for Active Women: Ritual Essential for Women 18+

Good for: Young women who want to prioritize their health (in a charming way)

Best for Active Women

Ritual Essential for Women 18+

GGR Score: 4

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Product Highlights

• Clinically-backed formula for women age 18-49 
• Made with 9 high-quality, traceable ingredients
• Patented beadlet oil technology 
• Essenced with mint to maintain freshness

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Transparent ingredients
• Clinically studied
• Vegan
• Delayed-release
• Mild mint flavor

Cons

• Some users report they taste and smell like fish
• May cause indigestion

Bottom Line

Ritual Essential for Women is a clinically-backed, vegan multivitamin made with nine high-quality traceable ingredients.

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.

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 also felt like this product upset her stomach less than most multivitamins do, which is a big plus.

Best Multivitamin for Women Athletes: Legion Triumph

Good for: Women who are looking to boost performance, mood, and physical and mental health.

Best for Women Athletes

Legion Triumph - Women's Multivitamin

GGR Score: 4.3

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Product Highlights

• Can be purchased in a male or female dosage
• Contains clinically effective doses 
• Made in the USA 
• NSF-certified, FDA-inspected and cGMP-compliant facilities 
• Lab tested for purity
• Legion provides access to clinical studies

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Direct access to peer-reviewed studies
• All-natural ingredients
• Different ingredients for men and women
• No additives
• Users report improved mood and overall well-being

Cons

• One serving is 8 capsules
• Reports of the capsules smelling bad

Bottom Line

Legion Triumph is a multivitamin made with 100% natural ingredients and formulated with clinically effective doses of essential vitamins and minerals, as well as 10 well-researched ingredients documented to improve overall physical and mental health, athletic performance, and mood.

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.

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.”

Best Vegan Multivitamin for Women: Future Kind Essential Vegan Multivitamin

Good for: Vegans and plant-based eaters

Best Vegan

Future Kind Essential Vegan Multivitamin

GGR Score: 4

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Product Highlights

• Vegan multivitamin
• Easy-to-swallow softgel
• Subscribe and save options
• Third-party tested
• Glass bottles and eco-friendly packaging

 

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Vegan softgels
• Excellent source of Vitamin B12
• No fishy taste or smell
• Easy to swallow

Cons

• Lacks variety of vitamins and minerals

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. 

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

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.

Best Multivitamin for Women with Probiotics: Nutricost Multivitamin with Probiotics

Good for: Supporting gut health while maximizing nutrient intake

Best With Probiotics

Nutricost Multivitamins

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Product Highlights

• Budget-friendly
• High doses of 22 vitamins and minerals
• Probiotics for gut health
• Dairy-free, soy-free, non-GMO, gluten-free
• Third-party tested

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Affordable
• Research-backed doses of 22 vitamins and minerals
• Probiotics for gut health
• 60 servings per bottle
• 60 day money-back-guarantee

Cons

• Some customers say the capsules taste bad and can be hard to swallow

Bottom Line

Nutricost Multivitamins has research-backed doses of 22 vitamins and minerals, and is also one of the most affordable multivitamin supplements.

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,” says registered dietitian Perry Nix.

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 both of these categories.

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. 

Best Subscription Multivitamin for Women: Performance Lab NutriGenesis for Women 

Good for: Ladies who want subscribe and save options 

Best Subscription

Performance Lab NutriGenesis Multi For Women

GGR Score: 4

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Product Highlights

• Plant-based multivitamin designed for women's needs
• 26 vitamins and minerals
• Non-GMO, gluten-, caffeine-, soy-, and allergen-free
• Listed benefits: Hair and nail health, hormone balance, gut health, increased energy and vitality

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Can be taken with or without food
• Free of common allergens
• All dosages shown
• Plant-based capsule

Cons

• Only available via subscription
• Four capsules per serving (two in morning, two at night)

Bottom Line

NutriGenesis Multi for Women is a plant-based vitamin that contains 26 vitamins and minerals and no fillers or additives. Performance Lab claims their multivitamin helps support energy, gut health, hair and nails, immune function, and hormone balance.

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 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. 

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. 

Best Multivitamin Without Iron: Pure Encapsulations O.N.E. Multivitamin

Good for: Women looking for a high-quality multivitamin without the iron 

Best Without Iron

O.N.E Multivitamin by Pure Encapsulations

GGR Score: 4

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Product Highlights

• Developed with medical professionals and nutritional experts
• Ingredients are backed by clinical studies
• Free from wheat, eggs, tree nuts, peanuts, and gluten, 
• No artificial colors, flavors, sweeteners, coating, or shellacs
• Supports brain function, cellular health, and vision

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Clean formula
• Works for men and women
• Reportedly noticeable increase in energy
• Premium ingredients

Cons

• Smell/taste is reportedly unpleasant
• May cause digestion issues for some

Bottom Line

Pure Encapsulation O.N.E Multivitamins for Men and Women are formulated to support healthy cognitive function, cellular health, and eye health.

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!)

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 staff writer and 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.

Best Budget Multivitamin for Women: Nature Made Multi for Her

Good for: Health and cost-conscious women

Best Budget

Nature Made Multi For Her

GGR Score: 4.2

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Product Highlights

• Specifically engineered for women 
• Contains 23 key nutrients 
• United States Pharmacopeia (USP) verified

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Good value
• Easy to swallow
• USP tested and verified
• No added color or artificial flavors
• Well-established company

Cons

• Causes nausea in some women
• Reports of receiving bottles that will expire shortly

Bottom Line

Nature Made Multivitamin For Her Tablets are an affordable daily multivitamin for women containing 23 different nutrients including iron, folic acid, and vitamin D3.

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 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. 

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).

Best Gummy Multivitamin for Women: OLLY The Perfect Women’s Multi

Good for: Women who’d rather chew their nutrients 

Best Gummy

OLLY The Perfect Women’s Multi

GGR Score: 4.7

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Product Highlights

• Berry flavored gummy 
• 18 essential nutrients 
• Key vitamins and minerals 
• No artificial colors or flavors

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Gummy is easier to take than pills
• Does not need to be taken with food
• Taste is popular
• Budget-friendly

Cons

• Smell puts some people off
• Texture is not for everyone
• Contains sugar

Bottom Line

If you prefer gummy vitamins, the OLLY Women’s Multivitamin Gummy is an affordable choice, delivering a daily dose of 18 essential nutrients for overall health, immune support, skin and hair health, and the production of physical and mental energy.

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. GGR editor Frieda Johnson loves these gummies because they make taking her vitamins feel like a treat! 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. And if you aren’t satisfied for whatever reason, you can return the product within 30 days from purchase. 

Best Budget Prenatal Multivitamin for Women: Nature Made Prenatal Multi + DHA

Good for: Expecting moms who want to safeguard their bank accounts and health

Best Budget Prenatal

Nature Made Prenatal With Folic Acid + DHA

GGR Score: 4

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Product Highlights

• Budget-friendly prenatal vitamin
• Serving size is 1 softgel
• Third-party tested
• Provides essential nutrients for mom and baby

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Affordable
• Provides essential nutrients for mom and baby, including iron
• Contains DHA, crucial for baby's brain, eye, and nervous system development
• Third-party tested through USP

Cons

• Some women complain of nausea or other gastrointestinal issues from taking these
• Some reviewers complain of the smell

Bottom Line

If you're looking for a budget prenatal vitamin from a respected brand, the Nature Made Prenatal Vitamin with Folic Acid and DHA is a good choice. It contains all essential vitamins for mom and baby, plus the addition of DHA is important for baby's brain, eye, and nervous system development.

Nature Made Prenatal Multi + DHA is a budget-friendly multivitamin formulated to support the mom’s health and the development of a healthy baby. It provides essential prenatal nutrients—like calcium, folic acid, vitamin B12, and zinc—and contains the iron RDA (or 27 milligrams) for pregnant women. 

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. 

Expecting moms can also rest easier knowing that the Nature Made prenatal is third-party tested through USP. It also is free of artificial flavors and gluten. 

Best Prenatal Multivitamin for Women: FullWell Prenatal

Good for: Expecting moms looking for a high-quality prenatal without iron and DHA

Best Prenatal

FullWell Prenatal

GGR Score: 3.5

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Product Highlights

• Created with RDs, MDs, and OBGYNs
• Contains evidence-based forms and doses 
• Key nutrients to support fertility and pregnancy 
• FSA/HSA eligible
• Free from most common allergens

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Evidence-based ingredients
• Has key fertility and pregnancy nutrients
• Transparent ingredient list
• Rigorous third-party testing

Cons

• Serving size is eight pills
• Some users experience nausea

Bottom Line

FullWell’s Prenatal daily vitamin is formulated with evidence-based forms and doses of key nutrients critical to support fertility and a healthy pregnancy. However, the large serving size of eight pills may be a deterrent for some people.

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 women 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. 

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. 

GGR senior editor, Nicole Davis, wasn’t thrilled with the large eight-pill dose. “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.  

Best Organic Multivitamin for Women: Garden of Life mykind Organics Women’s Once Daily

Good for: Women who prioritize organic products and their health

Best Organic

Garden of Life mykind Organics Women’s Once Daily

GGR Score: 3.7

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Product Highlights

• Vegan, certified organic 
• 15 vitamins and minerals 
• Non-GMO, gluten free

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Third-party tested
• Only need once a day
• Promotes energy
• Organic and vegan

Cons

• A few reports of reactions to the niacin
• Large pill

Bottom Line

The Garden of Life mykind Organic Women’s Once Daily is a whole-food derived multivitamin for women delivering 100% of the daily value of 15 vitamins and minerals.

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.

GGR editor Frieda Johnson warns that these are rather large pills, so they may be difficult for some people to swallow. 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. 

Best Multivitamin for Women Over 60: MegaFood Multi for Women 55+

Good for: Post-menopausal women looking for a high-quality multi without iron

Best for Women Over 60

MegaFood Multi for Women 55+

GGR Score: 4

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Product Highlights

• Formulated for women over 56
• Formulated without iron
• Non-GMO project verified
• Derived from real food

Pros & Cons

Pros

• No iron
• Made from real foods
• Created by an integrative physician
• Non-GMO

Cons

• Hard to swallow
• May cause GI distress

Bottom Line

MegaFood MultiVitamin for Women 55+ is derived from premium whole foods and formulated to meet the specific biological needs of women over the age of 56.

MegaFood’s doctor-formulated multi recognizes and accommodates the nutritional needs of 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. 

Sheila Konen, GGR senior editor Nicole’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.

Best Multivitamin for Women with Iron: Optimum Nutrition Opti-Women Multivitamin

Good for: Increasing iron needs to support pre-menopausal women

Best with Iron

Optimum Nutrition Opti-Women Multivitamin

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Product Highlights

• Specifically formulated for women 
• 23 vitamins and essential minerals 
• 17 speciality ingredients

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Vegetarian
• Affordable
• Specifically for women
• Not difficult to swallow
• Over 40 active ingredients

Cons

• Affected some women’s menstrual cycle
• Some reports of stomach pains
• May cause hormone imbalances

Bottom Line

Specifically formulated to support an active lifestyle for women, the Optimum Nutrition Opti-Women Multivitamin is a daily supplement intended to support whole-body health.

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.

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 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).

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. 

GGR Head of Content, Kate Meier, says she feels like she has more energy while taking these since she has issues with low iron levels if she’s not taking it regularly. Taking a multi with added iron is certainly a convenient way of making sure your levels stay up!

Best Multivitamin for Women in their 40s and 50s: New Chapter Every Woman’s One Daily 40+

Good for: Women who want to approach middle age with health top of mind

Best for Women in their 40s and 50s

New Chapter Every Woman’s One Daily 40+ Multivitamin

GGR Score: 4.2

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Product Highlights

• Made with organic vegetables and herbs 
• Specifically formulated for women over 40
• ICS certified organic whole-food cultured
• Contains 20 key vitamins and minerals 
• Added superfoods, including ginger and fenugreek

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Made with whole foods
• Added superfoods
• Easy to swallow
• May not need to take with food

Cons

• May cause GI issues
• Reports of damaged packages

Bottom Line

Formulated from organic whole foods, New Chapter Every Woman’s One Daily Multi 40+ is formulated to support bone health, heart health, breast health, hormone production, immunity, energy, healthy aging, and stress levels.

New Chapter’s multi for women after 40 is formulated with fermented, certified organic veggies and herbs to enhance absorption. And 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.

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.

Other Multivitamins for Women We Researched

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 approve include: 

• SmartyPants Women’s Formula Gummy
• Garden of Life Vitamin Code Women
• HUM Base Control 

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: 

1. 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.
2. Nutrient quality: We enlisted products with high-quality and bioavailable nutrients, including vitamin D3 and chelated minerals.
3. 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. 
4. Form: From tablets to gummies to mint-infused soft capsules, there’s sure to be a form women will enjoy (or at least tolerate) taking. 
5. Third-party testing: Finding third-party-tested products is at the top of our priority list, regardless if it’s searching for the best vegan protein powders, best muscle recovery supplements, and everything far and in between. 
6. 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 used ourselves, that are third-party tested, and 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 women’s reproductive health and healthy pregnancy.
• Strong bones: Research¹² tells us that 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. 

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. 

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 lifestage; some multivitamins are tailored to match, including those formulated for pregnant women 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 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.

FAQs About Multivitamins for Women

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.

References

1. Dean O, Giorlando F, Berk M. N-acetylcysteine in psychiatry: current therapeutic evidence and potential mechanisms of action. J Psychiatry Neurosci. 2011;36(2):78-86. doi:10.1503/jpn.100057
2. Pizzorno L. Nothing Boring About Boron. Integr Med (Encinitas). 2015;14(4):35-48.
3. Osburn SC, Roberson PA, Medler JA, et al. Effects of 12-Week Multivitamin and Omega-3 Supplementation on Micronutrient Levels and Red Blood Cell Fatty Acids in Pre-menopausal Women. Front Nutr. 2021;8. 
4. Niklewicz A, Smith AD, Smith A, et al. The importance of vitamin B12 for individuals choosing plant-based diets. Eur J Nutr. 2023;62(3):1551-1559. doi:10.1007/s00394-022-03025-4
5. Buscemi S, Corleo D, Di Pace F, et al. The Effect of Lutein on Eye and Extra-Eye Health. Nutrients. 2018;10(9):1321. Published 2018 Sep 18. doi:10.3390/nu10091321
6. Murillo AG, Hu S, Fernandez ML. Zeaxanthin: Metabolism, Properties, and Antioxidant Protection of Eyes, Heart, Liver, and Skin. Antioxidants (Basel). 2019;8(9):390. Published 2019 Sep 11. doi:10.3390/antiox8090390
7. Nguyen H, Gupta V. Alpha-Lipoic Acid. [Updated 2022 Sep 26]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK564301/
8. Carlson SE, Gajewski BJ, Valentine CJ, et al. Higher dose docosahexaenoic acid supplementation during pregnancy and early preterm birth: A randomised, double-blind, adaptive-design superiority trial. EClinicalMedicine. Published online May 2021:100905.
9. Nkhata SG, Ayua E, Kamau EH, et al. Fermentation and germination improve nutritional value of cereals and legumes through activation of endogenous enzymes. Food Sci Nutr. 2018;6(8):2446-2458. Published 2018 Oct 16. doi:10.1002/fsn3.846
10. Cable JK, Grider MH. Physiology, Progesterone. [Updated 2022 May 8]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK558960/
11. Skoracka K, Ratajczak AE, Rychter AM, et al. Female Fertility and the Nutritional Approach: The Most Essential Aspects. Adv Nutr. 2021;12(6):2372-2386. doi:10.1093/advances/nmab068
12. Alswat KA. Gender Disparities in Osteoporosis. J Clin Med Res. 2017;9(5):382-387. doi:10.14740/jocmr2970w
13. Tardy AL, Pouteau E, Marquez D, et al. Vitamins and Minerals for Energy, Fatigue and Cognition: A Narrative Review of the Biochemical and Clinical Evidence. Nutrients. 2020;12(1):228. Published 2020 Jan 16. doi:10.3390/nu12010228
14. Yuen HW, Becker W. Iron Toxicity. [Updated 2022 Jun 27]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan-.

Sydney Lappe, R.D.

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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