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Glance at the nutrition label of any multivitamin supplement and, if you're like most people, you'll probably find words that you've never seen before, don't know how to pronounce, and have no clue if you need them in a vitamin. So you choose your multi based on a friend's recommendations, or the price tag, or heck, maybe even the bottle design. That's OK, but why not choose the best multivitamin for women based on your needs, age, or interests?
That's what we are here for. You don't need a nutrition degree to choose the best multivitamin for you when you have a team of experts doing the research for you. The ACTIVE Reviews Team researched the plethora of supplements out there to weed out the poor performers and highlight those doing what they claim to do. Let's get started!
The Best Multivitamin for Women - Our Top Picks
- Best Overall Multivitamin for Women: Ritual Essential Multivitamin for Women (18+)
- Best Multivitamin with Iron for Women: Swolverine Multivitamin
- Best Multivitamin for Active Women: Transparent Labs Multivitamin
- Best Prenatal Multivitamin for Women: Ritual Prenatal Vitamin for Women
- Best Multivitamin with Probiotics for Women: Athletic Greens - AG1
- Best Organic Multivitamin for Women: Kaged Multivitamin
- Best Multivitamin for Women over 40: Ritual Essential Multivitamin for Women (18+)
- Best Multivitamin for Women Over 50: Ritual Multivitamin for Women (50+)
- Best Multivitamin for Women over 60: Smartypants Masters Formula
- Best Vegan Multivitamin for Women: Kaged Multivitamin
- Best Gummy Multivitamin for Women: Olly Perfect Multi
Why Trust Us?
The health and safety of ACTIVE’s readers is of the utmost importance to us. To ensure your well-being when consuming dietary supplements, the ACTIVE.com editorial team prioritizes products that are independently tested by a third party. We’ve consulted with a team of nutritionists and dieticians to ensure the products we feature are of the highest standard. This helps us create the most accurate, authentic review content for our readers.
How We Chose the Best Multivitamins for Women
We chose the products that we recommended based on industry knowledge and brands we trust. We looked for multivitamins for women that ticked all the boxes in terms of highly-absorbable, quality ingredients, label transparency, and cost. We then narrowed it down even further to the multivitamins that we believe are the best for key factors such as age, pregnancy, and diet restrictions.
Best Overall Multivitamin for Women - Ritual Essential Multivitamin for Women (18+)
SPECS
- Ingredients: Vitamins E, B12, D3, and K2, Folate, Iron, Magnesium, Boron, Omega-3 DHA
- Dosage: 2 capsules daily
- Form: Capsule
- Price: $33
Ritual’s multivitamin for women (18+) has earned the spot of the best overall multivitamin for women. With their beadlet-in-oil technology, dry vitamin ingredients can be combined with oil while remaining separate. And it's not just any oil—it is omega-3 DHA sourced from vegan microalgae. Taking an oil along with a multivitamin is beneficial because the fat-soluble vitamins, A, D, E, and K are more readily absorbed. One feature we really like about Ritual's multivitamin is that you're not going to find an exhaustive ingredient list. There are nine key nutrients ranging from vitamins, minerals, and omega-3 DHA.
Not only that but the nine major nutrients have been made traceable by the company. For example, you'll find that their vitamin K2 came from Oslo, Norway, while magnesium was sourced from Ogden, Utah. We also really like the delayed-release capsule design because they are intended to dissolve once in the small intestine, which just so happens to be where the body can best absorb most multivitamins and minerals. Something to note, though, is that this vitamin does not contain calcium. That's likely because iron and calcium compete in a sense for absorption.(1) So if you do need to take a calcium supplement, it is recommended to take it later in the day.
What We Like
- Omega-3‘s included in the multivitamin
- Traceability of the ingredients
- Verified by USP, and the non-GMO project
- Third-party tested
- Vegan, gluten-free
What We Don't Like
- Having to take calcium at a later time in the day might make it difficult to remember to take it at all
- Does not contain Vitamin C
Read our full Ritual Vitamins review.
BUY: Ritual Essential Multivitamin for Women (18+)
Best Multivitamin with Iron for Women - Swolverine Multivitamin
SPECS
- Ingredients: Iron, Vitamins A-K, Folic acid, Biotin, Calcium, Magnesium, Zinc, Potassium
- Dosage: Take 2 capsules daily
- Form: Tablet
- Price: $19.99
Swolverine Multivitamin is our choice for the best multivitamin with iron for women. Swolverine is a company that prides itself on making clinically proven and effective supplements with ingredients—like iron—to help improve athletic performance.(2) It contains a full spectrum of vitamins and minerals tailored to women, with biotin, B vitamins, and bone-supporting minerals.
Complete with iron and calcium, these capsules are a comprehensive vitamin and mineral source. Plus, they’re convenient to take since the recommended dose is just two tablets per day.
What We Like
- Budget-friendly at about $0.66/serving
- 27mg of iron
- Easy to swallow
- Gluten-free
What We Don't Like
- Iron and calcium combo may not absorb as effectively
- Capsules aren't vegan/vegetarian-friendly
Best Multivitamin for Active Women - Transparent Labs Multivitamin
SPECS
- Ingredients: Vitamins A-K, Biotin, Magnesium, Zinc, Potassium, Ashwagandha, CoQ10
- Dosage: Take 4 capsules daily
- Form: Capsules
- Price: $29.99
Transparent Labs Multivitamin is formulated with both active men and women in mind. So while it isn't specifically made for women, it still has the bioavailable key ingredients to help the body properly absorb and use its essential micronutrients and is gentler on the stomach because it is iron-free.
Transparent Labs Multivitamin doesn't just support a healthy body, it also contains ashwagandha root extract, N-acetylcysteine (NAC), CoQ10, and boron citrate to aid in the support of a healthy mind. Transparent Labs Multivitamin is an excellent option for women looking to balance deficiencies, support a healthy immune system, and reduce fatigue after the wear and tear of an active schedule.
What We Like
- Contains ashwagandha root extract, N-acetylcysteine (NAC), CoQ10, and boron citrate
- No artificial sweeteners, coloring, or preservatives
- Vegan-friendly
- Iron-free and easier to digest
What We Don't Like
- 4 capsules daily is a lot for some
- Pricey per dose
BUY: Transparent Labs Multivitamin
Best Prenatal Multivitamin for Women - Ritual Essential Prenatal Multivitamin for Women
SPECS
- Ingredients: Vitamins B12, D3, and K, Folate, Magnesium, Boron, Folate, Choline
- Dosage: 2 capsules daily
- Type: Capsule
- Price: $39
Like the rest of the Ritual vitamins we have, or will, mention in this list, the Prenatal Multivitamin comes in the ever-popular beadlet in capsule design and includes 350 milligrams of DHA from microalgae, which is ideal for supporting fetal brain growth and development. The Omega-3s and 11 additional nutrients are completely traceable and can be found on the website.
With neural tube support including 1,000 mcg of folate and 55 milligrams of choline, you can feel good that you're loading up on the best nutrients for a developing baby.(3) Because of pregnant women's increased need for flavor variety, these capsules come with citrus or mint essence.
What We Like
- Omega-3‘s included in the multivitamin
- Traceability of the ingredients
- Verified by USP, and the non-GMO project
- Third-party tested
- Vegan, gluten-free
What We Don't Like
- Having to take calcium at a later time in the day might make it difficult to remember to take it at all
- Does not contain Vitamin C
BUY: Ritual Essential Prenatal Multivitamin for Women
Best Multivitamin with Probiotics for Women - Athletic Greens - AG1
SPECS
- Ingredients: Over 75 vitamins and minerals
- Dosage: 1 scoop daily
- Type: Powder
- Price: $79
Available in powder form, you simply mix a scoop of Athletic Greens AGI with a cup of water (or other beverage), then drink it up to meet all of your needs. We like that AG1's vitamins are in bioavailable forms so they are better absorbed by the body. An example of this is vitamin B12 in the form of methylcobalamin versus the less absorbable, yet common, form cyanocobalamin. Plus, this vitamin comes with prebiotics in addition to the probiotics. Prebiotics offer food for the probiotics so they can make a happy home doing all good things in your gut.
This multivitamin also includes a phytonutrient blend that comes from superfoods, and can also help to support the microbiome. To top it off, you'll find naturally occurring enzymes within to help decrease bloating and improve absorption. Pretty top-notch.
What We Like
- Whole Foods sourced ingredients
- Highly absorbable, bioavailable form
- Pre-and probiotics
- Phytonutrients blend of superfoods
What We Don't Like
- Delivery of powder mixed with fluid may not be the most convenient option for daily use
- One of the pricier vitamin and mineral supplements on the market
Best Organic Multivitamin for Women - Kaged Multivitamin
SPECS
- Ingredients: Vitamins A, C, D, E, K, B12, Iron, Magnesium, Potassium, Chromium, Zinc, Biotin, Calcium, Folate, Iodine
- Dosage: 2 capsules daily
- Type: Capsules
- Price: $34.99
If you’re looking for an all-natural approach to a multivitamin, we recommend Kaged Multivitamin. Aside from the broad spectrum of vitamins ranging from A through K, and minerals including iron, zinc, and selenium, this multi contains a whole food blend derived from organic fruits and vegetables. You'll get an extensive list of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants rolled into two daily capsules.
We love that the vitamins are food-based and in an easy-to-absorb bioavailable form. Additionally, each serving of Kaged Multivitamin has 100 milligrams of ACTIValoe, a purified aloe vera extract that contains more than 200 biologically active amino acids, antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and enzymes. Kaged is third-party tested, non-GMO, and Informed-Sport Certified, which provides proof of their commitment to delivering a high-quality product.
What We Like
- Whole food blend made from organic fruits and vegetables
- Certified organic, non-GMO verified
- Vegan, gluten-free
What We Don't Like
- May not be allergen-friendly
- On the spendier side at $1.16/serving
Best Multivitamin for Women over 40 - Ritual Essential Multivitamin for Women (18+)
SPECS
- Ingredients: Vitamins E, B12, D3, and K2, Folate, Iron, Magnesium, Boron, Omega-3 DHA
- Dosage: 2 capsules daily
- Form: Capsule
- Price: $33
Ritual Essential Multivitamin for Women is also our choice for the best multivitamin for women over 40 as it is recommended for women 18-49. With their beadlet-in-oil technology, dry vitamin ingredients can be combined with oil while remaining separate. What we really like about Ritual's multivitamin is that you're not going to find an exhaustive ingredient list. There are nine key nutrients ranging from vitamins, minerals, and omega-3 DHA that are traceable directly to the source.
We also really like the delayed-release capsule design because they are intended to dissolve once in the small intestine, which just so happens to be where the body can best absorb most multivitamins and minerals. Something to note, though, is that this vitamin does not contain calcium or vitamin C.
What We Like
- Omega-3‘s included in the multivitamin
- Traceability of the ingredients
- Verified by USP, and the non-GMO project
- Third-party tested
- Vegan, gluten-free
What We Don't Like
- Women over 40 may not necessarily need iron and folate
- Does not contain Vitamin C
BUY: Ritual Essential Multivitamin for Women (18+)
Best Multivitamin for Women Over 50 - Ritual Essential Multivitamin for Women (50+)
SPECS
- Ingredients: Vitamins B12, D3, and K, Folate, Magnesium, Boron
- Dosage: 2 capsules Daily
- Type: Capsule
- Price: $39
It shouldn't be a surprise that Ritual's Essential Multivitamin for Women 50+ took the spot for the best multivitamin for women over 50. We really like Ritual as a brand and their simplistic approach to multivitamin manufacturing. This particular supplement is very similar to the Essential Multivitamin for Women 18+ as it comes in capsule form with beadlets in oil inside, as well as traceable nutrients.
The Essential Multivitamin for Women 50+ does not have iron because iron requirements greatly decrease after menstruation ends.(4) Another difference between the 50+ and the 18+ is the variation in nutrient amounts such as folate, magnesium, and vitamin K2. This is simply due to the changing nutrient needs of women in their 50s and beyond.
What We Like
- Omega-3‘s included in the multivitamin
- Traceability of the ingredients
- Verified by USP, and the non-GMO project
- Third-party tested
- Vegan, gluten-free
What We Don't Like
- Having to take calcium at a later time in the day might make it difficult to remember to take it at all
- Does not contain Vitamin C
BUY: Ritual Essential Multivitamin for Women (50+)
Best Multivitamin for Women Over 60 - SmartyPants Masters Formula
SPECS
- Ingredients: Vitamins A-K, Biotin, Choline, Zinc, Selenium, Fish Oil, CoQ10
- Dosage: 4 gummies
- Type: Gummies
- Price: $30.01
Not only are the vitamin and mineral components complete in SmartyPants Masters Formula, but they've also added omega-3's and CoQ10 for heart health, lutein and zeaxanthin for the eyes, and zinc and vitamin C for added immunity and collagen production. Iron has been left out likely due to the decreasing need at this age.
These women's 50+ gummies are easy to chew and digest and taste great. So, if you have difficulty with swallowing pills or hate the aftertaste of some tablets, this is a solid choice for the average woman in her 60s.
What We Like
- Easy to ingest gummies
- Heart, eye, and skin support
- Iron left out
- Non-GMO
What We Don't Like
- Due to the added omega-3, you may experience "fish burps"
BUY: SmartyPants Masters Formula
Best Organic Multivitamin for Women - Kaged Multivitamin
SPECS
- Ingredients: Vitamins A, C, D, E, K, B12, Iron, Magnesium, Potassium, Chromium, Zinc, Biotin, Calcium, Folate, Iodine
- Dosage: 2 capsules daily
- Type: Capsules
- Price: $34.99
The reasons that Kaged Multivitamin is the best organic multivitamin for women also make it the best for vegans. Along with the broad spectrum of vitamins ranging from A through K, and minerals including iron, zinc, and selenium, this multi contains a whole food blend derived from organic fruits and vegetables. You'll get an extensive list of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants rolled into two daily capsules.
We love that the vitamins are food-based and in an easy-to-absorb bioavailable form. Additionally each serving of Kaged Multivitamin has 100 milligrams of ACTIValoe, a purified aloe vera extract that contains more than 200 biologically active amino acids, antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and enzymes. Kaged is third-party tested, non-GMO, and Informed Sport Certified, which provides proof of their commitment to delivering a high-quality product.
What We Like
- Whole food blend made from organic fruits and vegetables
- Certified organic, non-GMO verified
- Vegan, gluten-free
What We Don't Like
- May not be allergen-friendly
- On the spendier side at $1.16/serving
Best Gummy Multivitamin for Women - Olly Perfect Women's Multi
SPECS
- Vitamins and minerals: Full spectrum of Vitamins A-E, as well as minerals including biotin and folic acid
- Type: Gummy
- Dosage: 2 gummies daily
- Price: $13.99
Not everyone enjoys taking a pill, so if you’re looking for an affordable alternative, these gummies may be for you. Olly Perfect Women's Multi is our choice for the best gummy multivitamin because the company has gained notoriety for their easy-to-take, tasty chewable multivitamins for kids and adults. They taste good and are chock full of essential vitamins and nutrients, including biotin for skin and hair health.
What We Like
- Budget-friendly
- Vitamins A, C, and E support healthy skin and Vitamin D and Calcium help to maintain strong bones
- Easy to take
What We Don't Like
- Some reviewers report gut issues and indigestion
BUY: Olly Perfect Women's Multi
Benefits of Multivitamins for Women
Taking a daily multivitamin can be of great benefit to women who are pregnant or missing essential nutrients due to a diet that restricts certain foods. The majority of women's multivitamins contain folate, calcium, iron, magnesium, and vitamins A-K, these vitamins and minerals help fill in the gaps that may be missing from diet alone. As women age or enter different stages of their lives, such as pregnancy or menopause, nutritional needs will change as well. That is why taking care of your health by exercising, eating well, and supplementing when necessary for nutrient deficiency can be very beneficial for your overall well-being.
What to Look for in a Multivitamin for Women
Delivery Type
Let's start with a pretty easy one, the delivery type, or method. This is the form that the multivitamin is to be taken in—a capsule vs a tablet for example. The delivery type is mostly up to your preference. If you have difficulty swallowing pills, you'll probably want a multivitamin in powder or gummy form. If you don't mind swallowing pills, then a capsule form should be fine.
Regardless of your choice, the vitamin type is a good place to start when doing your research because it will help you very quickly rule out certain brands.
Dosage
This is how much you'll need to take to consume the nutrients listed on the label. In most cases, it will be the number of tablets, capsules, or gummies recommended. This can be found on the nutrient facts label under Serving Size, or elsewhere on the bottle accompanied by "Directions." Most people find it convenient to only have to take one capsule or gummy a day, but some multivitamins may require you to take more to get your daily fill of nutrients.
Vitamins and Minerals
This is where the obvious confusion sets in for most people. Which vitamins and minerals are important? Which can be skipped? The answers to these questions are related to a few key factors:
- Age. This is especially important for women with the main concerns being iron, folic acid, and calcium. Iron is a component of red blood cells and is especially important for menstruating women, and therefore should be included in most multivitamins aimed at women and girls 14-50 years old.(5) The same goes for folic acid. Folic acid is especially important to consume during childbearing years and should be included. Calcium requirements fluctuate over the course of a woman's life, with the highest recommended dosage between 14-18 years and 51-70 years old.(6)
- Delivery type. The delivery type plays a role in what can and can't be included in a multivitamin supplement. This is mostly true for gummy vitamins. They will usually not contain minerals such as iron or calcium to avoid overdose by a small child mistaking them for candy and because it is difficult to pack in many nutrients in the gummy itself.
- Lifestyle. Your daily lifestyle directly relates to what you want in a multi. If you exercise a lot and want to be sure you're getting anti-inflammatory antioxidants, look for an antioxidant blend within your supplement. If you just want to make sure your bases are covered and common nutritional gaps are filled, choose a clean supplement with fewer ingredients.
- Price. Price does play a pretty significant role in vitamin and mineral supplements. Generally, the very inexpensive, let's just call it what it is—cheap multivitamins—are going to include vitamin and mineral forms that are less expensive and most likely less bioavailable. This means that they won't be absorbed to their fullest potential.
Age Range
As mentioned above, the age range is important because our needs change throughout our lifespan. That's not to say that a general multivitamin for women can't get the job done. It just means that choosing a supplement tailored to your age can provide you with more targeted nutrients, and may be a better option.
Certifications
Because the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not approve vitamin and mineral supplements before they hit the shelves, the responsibility falls on the consumer to ensure they are getting a quality product. However, that is nearly impossible, because there's no way to know if the supplement company is being honest about its ingredients. That's where third-party certifications come in.
Third-party companies, like NSF International and QAI International, step in and test the product in their lab for safety and purity. These certifications are a good way to know that what the manufacturer claims to have on the label is what's actually in the bottle.
Some additional certifications to look out for include GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices) Certification, USDA Organic certification, Non-GMO Project verified, and others.
FAQs About Multivitamins for Women
Do women's multivitamins really work?
Good quality multivitamin and mineral supplementation should provide you with the nutrients listed on the label. This is even more important when you are aiming to prevent or correct a nutritional deficiency, such as iron. A good multivitamin with iron will do just that.
Is it OK to take a multivitamin every day?
Multivitamins are usually intended to be taken every day. This is especially due to the water-soluble vitamins: vitamin C, vitamin B12, folate, thiamin, riboflavin, and others. These vitamins cannot be stored by the body. What's not used is flushed out through urine, which is why they are replaced consistently.
What's the best time to take a multivitamin?
More important than time of day is taking your multivitamins with a meal. Having a balanced meal can help your body better absorb multivitamins, especially the fat-soluble ones like vitamins A, D, E, and K.
What are the best multivitamins for pregnant women?
It is imperative for the health and safety of the mother and baby that pregnant women take prenatal vitamins during pregnancy. It's even better if these women start on prenatal vitamins before they become pregnant. This is because higher levels of certain vitamins, particularly folate and iron, can help prevent complications during pregnancy and delivery.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
References
- Lönnerdal, B. (2010). Calcium and iron absorption—mechanisms and public health relevance. International Journal for Vitamin and Nutrition Research, 80(4), 293.
- Rubeor, A., Goojha, C., Manning, J., & White, J. (2018). Does iron supplementation improve performance in iron-deficient nonanemic athletes?. Sports Health, 10(5), 400-405.
- Zeisel, S. H. (2006). Choline: critical role during fetal development and dietary requirements in adults. Annu. Rev. Nutr., 26, 229-250.
- Jian, J., Pelle, E., & Huang, X. (2009). Iron and menopause: does increased iron affect the health of postmenopausal women?. Antioxidants & redox signaling, 11(12), 2939-2943.
- National Institutes of Health. (2022). Iron - Fact Sheet for Health Professionals. NIH Office of Dietary Supplements. Retrieved October, 2022, from https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Iron-HealthProfessional/
- National Institutes of Health. (2022). Calcium - Fact Sheet for Health Professionals. NIH Office of Dietary Supplements. Retrieved October, 2022, from https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Calcium-HealthProfessional/