In this fast-paced life, while providing the best care to their family and excelling in work life, women often forget to take care of themselves.
Women face many common health issues like low energy levels, stress, hair loss, back or joint pain, and frequent infections. One of the primary reasons for experiencing all these is nutritional deficiency.
Meeting daily nutrient requirements may be challenging with an everyday diet as it might not sufficiently provide the required vitamins and minerals for the steady functioning of body processes.
In addition to healthy food choices, multivitamin supplements are a superb option for optimizing daily micronutrient intake.
Multivitamin supplements provide a blend of essential vitamins and minerals. They may contain other health boosters like digestive enzymes, omega-3 fats, amino acids, herbal extracts, and superfoods.
Multivitamins are also formulated based on gender, physiological condition, and health goal, for example, multivitamins for women, prenatal multivitamins, multivitamins for hair growth, joint support, etc. They are dosed explicitly to address health issues and meet nutrition needs.
One can choose multivitamin tablets, capsules, flavoured gummies, syrups, powders, and softgels.
In this article, we will specifically review multivitamins for women. Let’s begin by exploring some of the health benefits of taking multivitamins.
Benefits of Multivitamins for Women
Source: Freepik
Multivitamins are safe to use, and one can expect the following health benefits with regular intake.
Boost Immunity
Multivitamin supplements are often enriched with specific immunity-boosting nutrients like vitamin C, zinc, selenium, and vitamin D. Regular intake of multivitamin and multimineral supplements may strengthen the immune cell functioning and protect us from common infections and minimize inflammation.
A recent study performed on older adults found improved clinical parameters of many nutrients and overall health status after regular multivitamin supplementation for 12 weeks 1.
Healthy Brain Functioning
B vitamins like vitamins B1, B3, B9, and B12 and vitamin D impact our brain function to a great extent. They act as cofactors or coenzymes during metabolic processes and contribute to the structure and function of cellular membranes 2.
Some vitamins are also needed to synthesize certain neurotransmitters, reducing inflammation and DNA synthesis.
Hence, multivitamins help secure a steady supply of these essential nutrients and prevent insufficiency.
One might not realize the effect of these nutrients on cognition during the early stages of life. But prolonged deficiency increases the likelihood of depression, cognitive decline, dementia, and other neurological conditions, as we age.
Beautiful Hair and Skin
Skin is the largest organ in the body. It experiences many changes due to various internal and external factors leading to premature ageing, wrinkling, and loss of elasticity.
Since it is a proven fact that our nutrient intake significantly impacts our skin and hair health, adequate vitamin and mineral supplementation might prove to be a safe and effective strategy for skin enhancement.
Every woman dreams of having healthy skin and lustrous hair. Meeting daily vitamin and mineral intake should also be a part of your skin and hair care routine.
Vitamins D, C, E, and K are the best vitamins for the skin; ensuring one gets enough of these can keep the skin looking healthy and youthful. Similarly, B vitamins, vitamins A, D, iron, and zinc are necessary for hair growth.
One can find a lot of multivitamins in the market specifically curated to address beauty and hair concerns. Apart from necessary vitamins and minerals, they usually contain a natural blend of fruit extracts, amla, lycopene, green tea, grapeseed, soy isoflavone, etc.
Reduced Depression Risk and Better Mood
As discussed above that, vitamin insufficiency may affect our cognitive health. It can also result in mood disturbances or disorders. For instance, low folate, zinc, vitamin B6 and B12 levels are associated with mild psychiatric symptoms and depression. Further, depression and anxiety represent significant risk factors for cognitive decline and dementia.
Multivitamin supplements may help women curb everyday stress and anxiety while uplifting mood and alertness.
To examine this, thirty-seven older women between 50-75 years of age were given a multivitamin tablet daily for about four weeks in a study. At the end of the study, researchers noted improvement in stress and mental fatigue compared to the placebo group 3.
Alleviate Nutritional Deficiencies
Nutritional deficiencies may occur due to an imbalanced diet, food unavailability, medical conditions, or frequent indigestion.
It may sometimes become challenging to meet everyday nutrient needs in a hectic routine and demanding lifestyle. Incorporating a multivitamin supplement into a regular diet is an excellent approach to plugging any nutritional gap.
An ideal multivitamin supplement usually delivers most vitamins and minerals at 100% of daily needs. The requirement of some micronutrients varies for men and women; therefore, the nutrient content may vary based on the formulation.
Dietary supplements have been shown to facilitate overall nutrient intake and lessen the prevalence of nutrient inadequacies 4.
Strengthen Bone Structure
Women are more susceptible to bone conditions like osteoporosis, and it has been observed that the rate of bone loss intensifies during the early post-menopausal years due to reduced oestrogen levels.
Bone strength includes both density and quality, and it demands healthy levels of essential bone-building nutrients like calcium, vitamin D, magnesium, zinc, and phosphorus. Women with low bone density are more vulnerable to injuries, stress fractures, and back and joint pain.
Multivitamins can support our diet by providing adequate nutrition to preserve bone mass. One can also opt for exclusive bone and joint support supplements containing vital vitamins, minerals, chondroitin, glucosamine, omega fats, and collagen.
Promote A Healthy Weight
Yes! You have read it right.
Multivitamins may also help maintain a healthy weight by boosting metabolism and fat burn.
It has been shown that a lack of micronutrients like vitamin D, B vitamins, and calcium can cause weight gain and low energy levels. Multivitamin and mineral supplementation may reduce body weight and fat and improve blood lipid profiles by increasing energy expenditure and fat oxidation.
For instance, a study performed on obese Chinese women found lower body mass index and better cholesterol levels after taking multivitamin supplements for 26 weeks 5.
How to Select the Most Effective Multivitamins
Source: Freepik
Choosing the right multivitamin may be exhausting and confusing. But following these tips might help you select the right product with maximum benefits.
- The right balance of nutrients per the requirements and fitness goal should be the following criteria to analyze. The nutrition requirements of men and women are different. Further, they increase for women during pregnancy or lactation phase. Choose a multivitamin that gives 100% of the daily value of most nutrients. Women must look for nutrients like iron, calcium, folic acid, vitamin B12, vitamin D, and biotin.
- Avoid multivitamins with more than 100% RDA as they may lead to toxicity, especially fat-soluble vitamins like A, D, E, and K.
- The supplement must be free from unwanted artificial ingredients, colours, sweeteners, and fillers.
- The product must be FSSAI-approved and GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices) certified. A certified product ensures quality production, accurate labelling, and the absence of contaminants. Opting for a reputed brand and checking the certifications before buying is better.
- If you are a vegan or prone to allergies, opt for an allergen-free, non-GMO, and vegan multivitamin supplement. Read the allergen warning carefully.
- Consider multivitamin syrups or gummies if you aren’t uncomfortable swallowing pills or tablets.
- Hormonal issues like PCOD or post-menopausal symptoms are common among women. In that case, look for multivitamins with additional botanical ingredients like chaste berry, Ginkgo Biloba, etc., that help balance hormones.
- Pregnant or lactating women can particularly opt for prenatal or postnatal multivitamins.
- Check the dosage and serving size.
How do we find the best Multivitamin Supplement for Women?
Once you have shortlisted a few multivitamin supplements based on the above-listed parameters, it is time to filter out one specific product that satisfies the below-mentioned benchmarks.
- Quality
Quality should be the priority while finalizing any product. Choose the supplement manufactured under a certified and licensed unit. Some supplement manufacturers also opt for third-party lab testing to fulfil their commitment to delivering high-quality products without any undeclared ingredients.
- Ingredients
While comparing the ingredients, opt for a multivitamin with the least other ingredients list. Avoid products with harmful additives, preservatives, and fillers.
Some multivitamin supplements advise 3-4 tablets or pills in a single dose to complete the daily dosage. Avoid such products as they may be inconvenient and put an unnecessary load on your pocket.
- Health Concerns
One must consult a doctor before taking a multivitamin supplement to avoid nutrient-drug interactions if you are on certain medications. The doctor can advise you on the best time to consume or a suitable composition to prevent any potential interactions.
- Consumer Rating
One can compare various multivitamins based on consumer ratings and feedback. A reputed brand will always adhere to zero compromises on safety.
Top 11 Multivitamins for Women’s Health by Nutrabay
- Nutrabay Pro Active Multivitamin for Women
- Muscletech Platinum MultiVitamin
- Doctor’s Choice Ova Health for PCOD, PCOS, and Women’s Wellbeing
- Wellbeing Nutrition Slow Multivitamin for Women 50+
- Universal Nutrition Daily Formula
- BigMuscles Nutrition The Real Vitamin Advanced
- Fast&Up Vitalize – Multivitamins with Natural Beetroot Extract (Tube of 20 Tabs)
- MuscleBlaze Women Daily Multivitamin
- HealthAid MultiMax for Women
- Swisse Ultivite Women’s Multivitamin (36 Herbs, Vitamins & Minerals)
- Himalayan Organics Multivitamin with 40 Ingredients & Probiotics
Nutrabay Pro Active Multivitamin for Women
This supplement provides the best multivitamin tablets in India. Nutrabay Pro Active Multivitamin for Women has been developed explicitly considering the nutrition needs and general health issues women face day-to-day. It contains a potent combination of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
Apart from keeping your energy levels up, this supplement may help improve sleep health, minimize stress, strengthen immunity, and amplify energy levels.
Nutrabay Pro Active Multivitamin for Women is safe for all women, including active athletes and older adults, for a healthy lifestyle. The product is FSSAI approved and holds ISO and GMP certifications.
MRP: ₹599
Quantity: 60 N
Form: Tablets
Dosage: 1 tablet a day
MuscleTech Platinum Multivitamin
The next multivitamin in our list of best multivitamins is MuscleTech Platinum. Its formula contains a highly effective blend of 18 vitamins and minerals with added amino acids to support an active lifestyle. The product provides vitamins like A, C, E, B6, and B12 at 100% to fulfil daily requirements. The presence of 536 mg of herbal matrix and an enzyme complex for enhanced absorption makes it an actual, complete formula for peak performance.
MRP: ₹1699
Quantity: 90 N
Form: Tablets
Dosage: 3 tablets a day
Doctor’s Choice Ova Health for PCOD, PCOS, and Women’s Wellbeing
Doctor’s Choice Ova Health may be an ally for women who commonly face hormone-related issues like PCOD, hair loss, facial hair, low energy levels, and many more. This product contains a pure mixture of natural herbs like Aloe Vera, Shatavari, Maca, Chasteberry, Cranberry, Ashwagandha, and Asian Ginseng, which supports healthy menstrual flow and hormonal balance and improves fertility. These natural herbs aid in revitalizing the reproductive system functioning and strengthening the uterus muscles. Busy lives, work commitments, stress, balancing work and family – if this sounds typical, one must consider Doctor’s Choice Ova Health.
MRP: ₹1599
Quantity: 250 G
Form: Powder
Dosage: 1 tsp (5g) a day
Wellbeing Nutrition Slow Multivitamin for Women 50+
Wellbeing Nutrition is known for its innovative and unique formulations, using the most potent scientifically-backed ingredients to deliver nutrition in its purest form. Slow Multivitamin for Women 50+ is a product crafted specifically for women over 50 years. It provides 25 plant-based vitamins and minerals with vegan omega-3 fats, caffeine, and Astaxanthin in a capsule form made with delayed-release technology that allows nutrients to absorb better. The supplement is US FDA-approved and is entirely safe to use.
MRP: ₹2199
Quantity: 60 N
Form: Capsules
Dosage: 2 capsules a day
Universal Nutrition Daily Formula
Universal Nutrition Daily Formula is another most-loved multivitamin supplement containing 23 essential vitamins and minerals with a digestive enzyme blend. Its mixture of essential micronutrients helps maintain suitable energy levels throughout the day. The product is FSSAI approved; hence one can be assured of its quality.
MRP: ₹1500
Quantity: 100 N
Form: Tablets
Dosage: 1 tablet a day
BigMuscles Nutrition The Real Vitamin Advanced
Another multivitamin on our top list is BigMuscles Nutrition The Real Multivitamin, crafted using vital micronutrients to support the functionality and enhance the body’s ability to absorb the nutrients and train longer and harder. Besides vitamins and minerals, one can also enjoy the benefits of Alpha-Lipoic Acid, Choline, Inositol, Lycopene, Lutein, Carotenoids, Cryptoxanthin, and Zeaxanthin.
MRP: ₹549
Quantity: 60 N
Form: Tablets
Dosage: 1 tablet a day
Fast&Up Vitalize – Multivitamins with Natural Beetroot Extract (Tube of 20 Tabs)
Fast&Up Vitalize aids enjoy the benefits of multivitamins in a delicious effervescent form. Made with premium effervescent technology, this product offers quick absorption and action. It allows the individual to evade swallowing tablets or capsules and relish vitamins and minerals in a refreshing drink. Fast&Up Vitalize is ideal for vitality, reducing stress, and staying energetic to support health and fitness goals by providing vitamins and minerals in a balanced portion with natural beetroot extract.
MRP: ₹390
Quantity: 1 Tube of 20 tablets
Form: Effervescent tablets
Dosage: 1 tablet a day
MuscleBlaze Women Daily Multivitamin
MuscleBlaze Daily Multivitamin is another superb option for women to supply essential micronutrients for a healthier lifestyle. It provides 11 vitamins and nine minerals with natural Panax Ginseng and Ginkgo Biloba herb extracts to boost antioxidant levels and minimize everyday stress. It is a must-have for physically active women struggling daily to manage work-life balance.
MRP: ₹799
Quantity: 60 N
Form: Tablets
Dosage: 1 tablet a day
HealthAid MultiMax for Women
Another best-selling supplement to support daily female health is HealthAid MultiMax. Women above 12 years can take this supplement to reduce fatigue, regulate hormonal activity, reduce oxidative stress, and strengthen immune health. The product does not cause any side effects and is free from preservatives, artificial flavourings, and allergens like gluten, soy, and lactose.
MRP: ₹1900
Quantity: 60 N
Form: Tablets
Dosage: 1 tablet a day
Swisse Ultivite Women’s Multivitamin (36 Herbs, Vitamins & Minerals)
Swisse Multivitamin is enriched with brain health-boosting and stress-relieving plant-based ingredients like ginger, Chamomile, and Siberian Ginseng. It is a premium quality formula intended for women, containing vitamins, minerals, herbs, and antioxidants. All the components included in this multivitamin are harmless, free from contaminants, and excellent for supporting skin, nails, hair, energy, and overall health.
MRP: ₹2349
Quantity: 60 N
Form: Tablets
Dosage: 1 tablet a day
Himalayan Organics Multivitamin with 40 Ingredients & Probiotics
As the name suggests, this plant-based multivitamin contains plant extracts with essential vitamins and minerals. Himalayan Organics Multivitamin provides the benefits of natural extracts of amla, neem, aloe vera, moringa, ginseng, grapeseed, and giloy that takes care of energy levels, bones, and joints, brain functioning, and improve antioxidant capabilities. Its prebiotic and probiotic blend assures quick results and rapid absorption post-digestion.
MRP: ₹955
Quantity: 180 N
Form: Tablets
Dosage: 1 tablet a day
Conclusion
Selecting the right multivitamin for women’s health is a crucial step towards maintaining overall well-being and vitality. The array of options available in the market can be overwhelming, but this list of the 11 best multivitamins for women’s health serves as a valuable guide to help make an informed choice.
What vitamins should I take as a woman daily?
Women should take all essential vitamins daily based on needs, specifically vitamins A, C, E, D, folic acid, and B12.
Should a woman take a multivitamin every day?
If it is challenging to meet the requirement of all the required micronutrients through diet alone, then one can opt for a multivitamin. One can take a multivitamin supplement for a month or two and then give a gap of around 20 days to avoid toxicity or overdosage.
What are the four highly essential vitamins?
Vitamin A
Vitamin C
Vitamin D
Vitamins B12
What are the best types of multivitamins for women?
Although one may find many good multivitamin brands in the market, supplements providing maximum vitamins and minerals at 100% RDA without harmful additives, colours, or preservatives are considered the best.
What are the best Women’s Health Supplements?
Nutrabay Pro Active Multivitamin for Women
Carbamide Forte Multivitamin Tablets for Women
Fast&Up Vitalize
OneLife Multi Woman Multivitamin for Women
Wellbeing Nutrition Slow Multivitamin for Her
What multivitamin supplements should a woman over 50 take?
Nutrabay Pro Active Multivitamin for Women
Wellbeing Nutrition Slow Multivitamin for Women 50+
Himalayan Organics Whole Food Multivitamin for Women
HealthAid MultiMax for Women
Swisse Ultivite Women’s Multivitamin
- Fantacone, M. L., Lowry, M. B., Uesugi, S. L., Michels, A. J., Choi, J., Leonard, S. W., Gombart, S. K., Gombart, J. S., Bobe, G., & Gombart, A. F. (2020). The Effect of a Multivitamin and Mineral Supplement on Immune Function in Healthy Older Adults: A Double-Blind, Randomized, Controlled Trial. Nutrients, 12(8), 2447[↩]
- Kennedy, D. (2016). B Vitamins and the Brain: Mechanisms, Dose and Efficacy—A Review. Nutrients, 8(2), 68[↩]
- Macpherson, H., Rowsell, R., Cox, K. H. M., Reddan, J., Meyer, D., Scholey, A., & Pipingas, A. (2016). The Effects of Four-Week Multivitamin Supplementation on Mood in Healthy Older Women: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2016, 1–11[↩]
- Blumberg, J., Frei, B., Fulgoni, V., Weaver, C., & Zeisel, S. (2017). Impact of Frequency of Multivitamin/Multi-Mineral Supplement Intake on Nutritional Adequacy and Nutrient Deficiencies in U.S. Adults. Nutrients, 9(8), 849[↩]
- Li, Y., Wang, C., Zhu, K., Feng, R. N., & Sun, C. H. (2010). Effects of multivitamin and mineral supplementation on adiposity, energy expenditure and lipid profiles in obese Chinese women. International Journal of Obesity, 34(6), 1070–1077[↩]