How Many Pills to Take: We all want to get the most out of our vitamins without swallowing tons of pills. Look for a multivitamin that only needs 1-2 pills a day. Try to take it with a meal that has some healthy fats to help your body use it better.
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How To Choose The Perfect Multivitamins For Busy Women Who Want To Maintain Youthful Energy In 2024
When you are deficient in essential vitamins, your overall health may be compromised in the long run. Taking multivitamins is a convenient way to support your health.
But with so many options, which ones should you choose? This brief guide will help you navigate the world of multivitamins so you can choose the perfect multivitamins for you.
You'll also find our top picks for 2024 at the bottom of the page.
What you need to know when choosing the right multivitamins for you
Women during their reproductive period have unique requirements related to their menstrual cycle and hormonal balance. They typically have a higher demand for certain nutrients, including folate, iodine, iron, and vitamins D and B6.[1]
After menopause, women's nutritional requirements shift. In this phase of life, women often experience an increased need for vitamin D, calcium, and specific B-vitamins, namely B6, B9, and B12.*[1]
It's crucial to be aware of potential vitamin deficiency indicators. Some key signs to watch for include:
The Must-Have Checklist for Women's Multivitamins
Primal Multivitamin
One A Day
Multi Complete with Iron
Essential Multivitamin 18+
Women's Multi
Note: We try to update product information as often as we can. Please visit product websites for more information.
1. Primal Multivitamin
by Primal Harvest[1]
GRADE
A+
PROS
Formulated with 21 vitamins and minerals including D3, C, K, and B vitamins
Contains zinc and calcium
CONS
Only available online
Due to popularity, sometimes runs out of stock
BOTTOM LINE
2. One A Day
by One A Day
GRADE
B+
PROS
Contains 19 key vitamins and minerals
Only 1 capsule per day
Gluten-free
CONS
No 90-day money-back guarantee
No bioflavonoid complex
BOTTOM LINE
One A Day is a multivitamin that many people like. It has 19 important vitamins and minerals, including vitamins A, C, D, E, B12, zinc, and calcium. You only need to take one pill a day, which makes it easy to use. It also has lycopene, which is good for you. But it doesn't have bioflavonoids, which some other vitamins do.
You can't buy this vitamin directly from the company that makes it. You have to get it from other stores. Also, if you're not happy with it, you can't return it for as long as you can with our top choice.
Even though it's not perfect, One A Day still gives you a lot of good vitamins and minerals in just one pill each day.
3. Multi Complete with Iron
by Nature Made
GRADE
B
PROS
Features iron and key vitamins
1 tablet serving size
Gluten-free
CONS
No pre-, pro-, or postbiotics
Price (only a 15-day supply)
BOTTOM LINE
Nature Made's Multi Complete with Iron is a lot like other multivitamins. It has many different vitamins and minerals. You only need to take one pill each day, which is nice and easy.
But this vitamin doesn't have extra good stuff like antioxidants that some other vitamins have. Also, if you don't like it, you can only return it within 30 days. We think that's not very long to try out a vitamin, especially since each bottle has 130 pills.
So, while this vitamin gives you lots of important nutrients, it might not be the best choice if you want extra health benefits or more time to decide if you like it.
4. Essential Multivitamin 18+
by Rituals
GRADE
C
PROS
Blend of digestive enzymes and organic herbs
Non-GMO, gluten-free, and dairy-free
Many organic ingredients
CONS
No direct probiotics or postbiotics
30-day money-back guarantee (shorter than some competitors)
BOTTOM LINE
Ritual's Essential Multivitamin 18+ is a vitamin pill for adults. It has a mix of 5 vitamins and 3 minerals. The vitamins are D, E, B12, folate, and K2. The minerals are iron, magnesium, and boron.
This vitamin also has omega-3 DHA, which is good for your health. But if you're looking for a vitamin that has lots of different nutrients, this one might not be the best choice. It doesn't have as many types of vitamins and minerals as some other multivitamins do.
5. Women's Multi
by OLLY
GRADE
C+
PROS
With Ginger, fennel seed and peppermint
Formulated with digestive enzymes
Vegan-friendly capsules and formula
Clean Label Project certified
CONS
No probiotics
Must be taken before meals
BOTTOM LINE
OLLY's Women's Multi is a tasty way to get your daily vitamins. It has 16 important vitamins and minerals. It also has CoQ10 to help with energy, and antioxidants like Vitamins A, C, and E to keep you healthy.
But there are a few things to think about. It doesn't have calcium, which is important for women. It's cheaper than some other vitamins, which might make you wonder if it's as good. It also has a lot of sugar, which might not be great if you're watching your sugar intake.
So, while OLLY's Women's Multi is okay, there might be better choices out there for some women.
1. Primal Multivitamin
by Primal Harvest[1]
- 21 Vitamins and Minerals
- Formulated with Bioflavonoid Complex
- 1 Easy-to-Swallow Capsule Per Day
- Made in the US with globally sourced ingredients
- Third-Party Lab tested
Learn More
Based on 3739 Reviews of Primal Harvest
CITATIONS
DISCLAIMER: This scientific research is for informational purposes only. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. Primal Harvest provides this information as a service but does not endorse it. This information should not be read to recommend or endorse any specific products.
1. Integrative HMP (iHMP) Research Network Consortium. “The Integrative Human Microbiome Project: dynamic analysis of microbiome-host omics profiles during periods of human health….” Cell host & microbe vol. 16,3 (2014): 276-89. doi:10.1016/j.chom.2014.08.014
2. Sender, Ron et al. “Revised Estimates for the Number of Human and Bacteria Cells in the Body.” PLoS biology vol. 14,8 e1002533. 19 Aug. 2016, doi:10.1371/journal.pbio.1002533
3. Durack, Juliana, and Susan V Lynch. “The gut microbiome… opportunities for therapy.” The Journal of experimental medicine vol. 216,1 (2019): 20-40. doi:10.1084/jem.20180448
4. Al Bander, Zahraa et al. “The Gut Microbiota…An Overview.” International journal of environmental research and public health vol. 17,20 7618. 19 Oct. 2020, doi:10.3390/ijerph17207618
To see a list of our other references, please click here.
[1] This website is owned and operated by Primal Harvest® and BeautyLux® brands.
*These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA Food & Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Note: The information contained within this site is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice. If you have, expect to have, or suspect you may have any medical condition, you are urged to consult with a healthcare provider. All content, including text, graphics, images, and information, contained on or available through this website is for general information purposes only. Results do not necessarily reflect typical results from the use of these products. Please visit product websites for more information.
Trademarks utilized on our website belong to their respective owners and no implied or expressed endorsement of our website or services is intended. Rankings can be affected by the relationship Picklynx has with our picks.
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All Rights Reserved.
2. One A Day
by One A Day
GRADE
B+
PROS
Contains 19 key vitamins and minerals
Only 1 capsule a per day
Gluten-free
CONS
No 90-day money-back guarantee
No bioflavonoid complex
BOTTOM LINE
One A Day is a multivitamin that many people like. It has 19 important vitamins and minerals, including vitamins A, C, D, E, B12, zinc, and calcium. You only need to take one pill a day, which makes it easy to use. It also has lycopene, which is good for you. But it doesn't have bioflavonoids, which some other vitamins do.
You can't buy this vitamin directly from the company that makes it. You have to get it from other stores. Also, if you're not happy with it, you can't return it for as long as you can with our top choice.
Even though it's not perfect, One A Day still gives you a lot of good vitamins and minerals in just one pill each day.
3. Multi Complete with Iron
by Nature Made
GRADE
B
PROS
Features iron and key vitamins
1 tablet serving size
Gluten-free
CONS
30-day return policy
BOTTOM LINE
Nature Made's Multi Complete with Iron is a lot like other multivitamins. It has many different vitamins and minerals. You only need to take one pill each day, which is nice and easy.
But this vitamin doesn't have extra good stuff like antioxidants that some other vitamins have. Also, if you don't like it, you can only return it within 30 days. We think that's not very long to try out a vitamin, especially since each bottle has 130 pills.
So, while this vitamin gives you lots of important nutrients, it might not be the best choice if you want extra health benefits or more time to decide if you like it.
PROS
Formulated nwith vitamins D, E, B12, K2, and folate
With iron and magnesium
Includes omega-3 DHA
CONS
2-capsule serving size
No vitamin C
BOTTOM LINE
Ritual's Essential Multivitamin 18+ is a vitamin pill for adults. It has a mix of 5 vitamins and 3 minerals. The vitamins are D, E, B12, folate, and K2. The minerals are iron, magnesium, and boron.
This vitamin also has omega-3 DHA, which is good for your health. But if you're looking for a vitamin that has lots of different nutrients, this one might not be the best choice. It doesn't have as many types of vitamins and minerals as some other multivitamins do.
Our Choice
4. Essential Multivitamin 18+
By Rituals
GRADE
C
PROS
Contains 16 essential vitamins and minerals plus CoQ10
Chewable gummies
No artificial colors or glavors; gluten-free
CONS
Lack of calcium
Low price may raise a question about quality
Women's Multi by OLLY offers a convenient and tasty solution for daily nutrition. With 16 essential vitamins and minerals, along with CoQ10 for energy and antioxidants like Vitamins A, C, and E, it covers the basics of a multivitamin.
However, the lack of calcium is a notable omission, and the low price point might lead to concerns about the overall quality of the ingredients. Additionally, the high sugar content could be a drawback for those mindful of their sugar intake. Overall, while Women's Multi by OLLY is a decent choice, these issues could make other options more appealing.
5. Women's Multi
By OLLY
GRADE
C+
If you lead a hectic life and often feel low on energy, taking multivitamins may support your overall health.
But the question is: which multivitamins are the best for you?
We are bombarded with endless choices of multivitamins. If you don’t know what to look for, you might waste your money on supplements that don’t work for you at all.
Keep reading this brief guide — we’ll help you find the best multivitamins for busy women like you so you can feel your best and thrive in your daily life.
Have dietary restrictions*
Are pregnant or trying to conceive*
Experience stress often*
Are aging*
Travel frequently*
According to the National Institutes of Health, women tend to use multivitamins more than men, especially as they grow older.[1]
According to research, women tend to lack the following essential vitamins and minerals:
- Iron*
- Calcium*
- Iodine*
- Vitamin D*
- Vitamin B12*
- Folate (B9)*
- Riboflavin (B2)*
Potential signs of vitamin deficiency:
- Brittle, weak hair and nails*
- Fatigue and low motivation*
- Thinning hair*
- Having brain fog or feeling sluggish*
- Feeling run-down*
- Feeling weak*
- Muscle issues*
- Frequent headaches*
- Regularly feeling cold*
- Skin issues like dryness*
*These statements are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Always consult your personal physician for an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.
Pay attention to these signs. Because your body may be trying to tell you that you need to take certain nutrients.
Ignoring these nutritional needs over time may compromise your long-term health… and that’s something you’ll want to avoid!
And yes, this is where multivitamins come in.
Can multivitamins help women with their nutritional needs?
In short, yes!
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) reports that multivitamin and mineral supplements (also known as MVMs) generally help with nutritional adequacy and micronutrient consumption.[2]
Not all multivitamins are created equal
But wait! You can’t just buy anything that’s labeled as “multivitamins.”
Why? That’s because the quality of multivitamin products varies.
There's essential information you should be aware of before selecting a multivitamin.
Otherwise, you might end up wasting your time and money.
Easy-to-Read Labels: A good multivitamin should clearly show what's inside and how much. Stay away from ones that don't tell you how much of each ingredient you're getting.
Tested by Outside Experts: Pick a multivitamin that's been checked by independent labs. These tests make sure the vitamin is high-quality and doesn't have anything bad in it, like harmful metals or leftover farm chemicals. It's also good to choose one without extra fake stuff, like artificial colors or unnecessary added ingredients.
8 Key Ingredients Your Women's Multivitamin Should Have
Vitamin D3: This is the best type of vitamin D. It helps keep your bones strong and your immune system healthy.*
Vitamin B12: This vitamin is good for your nerves and energy. Look for "methylcobalamin" on the label, as it's the easiest for your body to use.*
Zinc: Zinc keeps your immune system and skin healthy. Older adults often need more of it.*
Calcium: Women often don't get enough calcium from food. It's important for strong bones, so make sure it's in your multivitamin.*[3]
Folic Acid (or Folate): This is really important if you're pregnant or want to be. It's also good for your mood, hair, skin, and nails.*
Biotin: This vitamin helps keep your hair, skin, and nails healthy. It's also good for your nerves.*
Vitamin C: This vitamin is great for your immune system. It also helps your body make collagen and absorb iron, among other things.*
Bioflavonoid Complex: These are antioxidants that help keep your joints, immune system, brain, and overall health in good shape.*
Includes citrus bioflavonoids plus the antioxidants lutein and lycopene
1 capsule a day
Made in the USA with globally sourced ingredients
90-day money-back guarantee
Primal Harvest's Primal Multivitamin has lots of good vitamins and minerals. It has vitamins C, D, E, A, and K, plus zinc, selenium, iodine, and manganese. It also has some special ingredients like lutein, lycopene, and citrus bioflavonoids that act as antioxidants. This vitamin tries to support your overall health and fill in any gaps in your diet. The pills are easy to swallow, too.*
This multivitamin is tested by outside experts and is made in the USA, but some ingredients come from other countries.
Our team thinks this product is worth the money. We like that you can sign up for a subscription to get it regularly. If you do, you save 20% and get free shipping. You can also save money if you buy more than one bottle at once.
We also noticed that customers really like their service. Plus, you can get your money back within 90 days if you're not happy. That's why we picked it as our top choice.
Primal Harvest's Primal Multivitamin has lots of good vitamins and minerals. It has vitamins C, D, E, A, and K, plus zinc, selenium, iodine, and manganese. It also has some special ingredients like lutein, lycopene, and citrus bioflavonoids that act as antioxidants. This vitamin tries to support your overall health and fill in any gaps in your diet. The pills are easy to swallow, too.*
This multivitamin is tested by outside experts and is made in the USA, but some ingredients come from other countries.
Our team thinks this product is worth the money. We like that you can sign up for a subscription to get it regularly. If you do, you save 20% and get free shipping. You can also save money if you buy more than one bottle at once.
We also noticed that customers really like their service. Plus, you can get your money back within 90 days if you're not happy. That's why we picked it as our top choice.
3 minerals and 5 vitamins
High sugar content may be concerning for some users
BOTTOM LINE
In short, taking multivitamins can help you meet your nutritional bases. Yes, taking proper nutrients from food sources may be the best in most cases.
But it may be hard to follow a perfectly balanced diet all the time. We simply have too much to do and too little time in our busy schedules, right?
As a result, many women may miss out on specific, yet vital, nutrients. This is often true for women who: