Multivitamins for Women, According to a Dietitian

Approximately 50 percent of Americans take a supplement, the most common of which is a multivitamin. Especially for women, a multivitamin is a great way to bridge any nutritional gaps that may occur. While you can technically get all the nutrients that you need from food, not everyone eats a perfectly balanced diet all the time, so a multivitamin is a great insurance policy to back you up.
It’s interesting to note that women are more likely than males to take a multivitamin, especially as they age. It seems that women are quick to understand the potential health benefits of multivitamin use, including chronic disease prevention and improved immunity.
Whether you’re looking to boost your overall health, prevent a deficiency, or fill a gap in your diet, there are many women-specific multivitamin options to choose from based on everything from your age and activity level to specific nutrients of concern and budget.
A high-quality multivitamin known for its purity Life Vitamin Code For Women is specifically formulated for women to support breast, reproductive, bone, skin, and heart health. It’s made from nutritious and raw whole foods, so more of the vitamins and minerals are absorbed into your bloodstream in comparison to synthetic-made multivitamins. Unlike other multivitamins, you can take them on an empty stomach with a simple glass of water.
MultiVitaminsfor woman contain both vitamins and minerals, including folate, calcium, magnesium, zinc and vitamins A, C, D3, E, and B-complex, that support women’s specific nutritional needs. With live enzymes and antioxidants, they may help keep your digestion and immune systems running strong. The vitamins are made from whole food ingredients, which are thought to be better absorbed than synthetic (laboratory-made) nutrients, although more research is needed.
Note that the vitamin contains fermented soy, so it is not suitable for those with soy allergies. The blend also contains superfood anti-inflammatory ingredients such as ginger, turmeric, and chamomile to promote optimal overall health.
Nutrition needs for women change as they age. Iron supplementation is not typically recommended for postmenopausal women, as their need for iron goes down with the cessation of menstruation.
The fermented, whole food, once-daily multivitamin is easy on digestion and promotes optimal absorption. The certified organic multi provides additional holistic support through herbs and spices such as turmeric, which may reduce inflammation and be helpful for those with arthritis.
Multivitamins are great for those with allergies, as they are gluten-free, dairy-free, and soy-free. The vegetarian, non-GMO tablets are easy to swallow and can be taken on an empty stomach. The antioxidant-rich ingredients support a strong immune system and encourage healthy hair, skin, and nails.
Additionally, the formula is calcium-free and provides 9 milligrams of iron. The lack of calcium promotes optimal absorption of iron, which can be helpful for those who lose blood monthly while menstruating. The multi also provides immune-boosting vitamin C and bone-building vitamin D3.
What to Look for in a Multivitamin for Women
Iron and Calcium:
Iron and calcium are best taken separately, as calcium may interfere with the absorption of iron. Choose a multi that contains one of the minerals, then if needed, take additional supplementation of the other separately a few hours later.
Folic Acid:
Due to a common genetic mutation, some people are unable to easily convert synthetic folic acid to its active form called 5-MTHF. Because you may not know if you have the genetic mutation, it is best to choose multivitamins that contain natural folate or 5-MTHF instead of folic acid. While folate is a nutrient of concern in pregnancy because of neural tube defects, the B vitamin is also critical for healthy cell growth and can support hair, skin, and nail health in those who are not pregnant.
Form:
Multivitamins come in a wide variety of forms including tablets, capsules, and gummies. If you have trouble swallowing pills, gummy vitamins are a great-tasting alternative. In regard to formulation, consider your individual health needs and speak with your physician to ensure you are choosing an optimal and safe multivitamin.
FAQs
Do multivitamins work?
The short answer to this question is yes; however, everybody is different, and nutrient needs vary from person to person. Taking a multivitamin increases nutrient intake and helps people meet the recommended intake of vitamins and minerals when they cannot meet these needs from food alone.
There is no one set standard for multivitamins: some products are geared towards pregnant women, others towards adults of a certain age. For the average healthy individual who has a varied diet, it might make sense to use a multivitamin when needed, for example, during travel, cloudy winter months, or periods of stress. However, for women of reproductive age, older individuals, or vegans and vegetarians, taking a multivitamin daily may be best to ensure they are meeting their daily nutrient needs. Whether or not a multivitamin with work for you depends on the product and level of compliance in taking it.
What is the best time to take a multivitamin?
Taking your multivitamin with a meal is ideal for a few reasons. The first is that some vitamins— specifically vitamins A, E, D, and K—need to be taken with fat in order to be optimally absorbed. Second, taking a multivitamin with food can decrease any stomach upset or nausea. A third reason is that adding a multivitamin alongside a meal may help boost compliance. There is not enough research to give a definitive answer to the best time of day, but many individuals have success when taking a multivitamin in the morning with breakfast.
Do I need to take a multivitamin every day for it to be effective?
Nutrient needs vary from person to person and whether or not you need to take a multivitamin daily depends on your needs, goals, and diet. If you have a diagnosed deficiency, it might be necessary to take your multivitamin every day to build up nutrient levels. Nutrients such as Vitamin B12, Vitamin D, Folic Acid, Calcium, and Iron may take longer to reach optimal levels if you are diagnosed as deficient and daily maintenance might be necessary.