Ever wonder what keeps your body running smoothly and your wellness on track? It’s all about nutrients! That’s why finding the best multivitamin for women can be a game-changer. Nutrients — like carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins and minerals — are the fuel your body needs to function, grow and stay healthy. Each one plays its own role in keeping you energized and feeling your best.
Women’s nutritional needs change throughout life. Hormonal changes, pregnancy, menopause and aging all affect what your body needs. While a balanced diet is ideal, it’s not always feasible to meet all your needs through food alone. That’s where supplements come in. The best multivitamin for women is formulated to shore up any nutritional gaps you might have, based on your current life stage, activity level, health status and diet.
According to Jennifer Nicole Bianchini, MS, RDN, IFNCP, RYT and founder of Body to Soul Health, “Multivitamins can be an important tool to help fill nutrient gaps that may occur in our daily lives. Modern challenges like nutrient-depleted soil and the prevalence of processed foods, along with gut health issues, can make obtaining sufficient nutrients from diet alone more difficult, even if we eat balanced meals and prioritize plants. Women’s nutrient requirements vary depending on factors like metabolism, gut health and stages of the reproductive cycle, making supplementation particularly beneficial. [In fact,] multivitamins can support vital areas such as hormonal balance, energy production, bone health, immune function and overall well-being.”
So, how do you pick the right one? As a registered dietitian who’s spent nearly a decade reviewing supplements, I’ve learned firsthand that there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. Women’s multivitamins differ widely in formulations, ingredients and quality testing standards. Finding the right one is like shopping for jeans — you might have to try a few before you find the perfect fit.
We wanted to ensure you know exactly what to look for in a women’s vitamin supplement, so our team consulted four registered dietitians and reviewed over 20 products. After narrowing the list down, we tested 11 multivitamins, focusing on factors like ease of use, taste, ingredients, nutritional composition and overall value. Here, you’ll discover which options made the cut.
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A note on supplements
The products included in this list are dietary supplements. Statements about these products have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Dietary supplements are not appropriate for everyone and may interact with other supplements or medications, so talk to your healthcare provider before adding a dietary supplement to your routine.
Update, June 30, 2025: We checked all product prices and availability. Our No. 1 pick for the best multivitamin for women overall is unchanged.
Best multivitamin for women overall
Other top women’s multivitamins we recommend for 2025
Types of multivitamins for women
Different multivitamins are designed to meet various needs depending on your age, lifestyle and health goals. Here’s a breakdown of the most popular options for women:
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Once-daily multivitamins: These one-pill-a-day formulations are perfect for those who prefer simplicity or who struggle to remember multiple doses. The catch? Since all the nutrients are packed into one pill, it tends to be larger.
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Prenatal multivitamins: Pregnancy and breastfeeding require higher amounts of certain nutrients to support maternal health and fetal development. Experts recommend starting prenatal vitamins at least 3 months before conception and continuing them through the postpartum period or until breastfeeding ends.
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Over-40 and over-50 multivitamins: “These formulations typically include higher levels of bone-supporting nutrients, like calcium, magnesium and vitamin D; antioxidants for healthy aging and reduced iron levels to suit postmenopausal needs,” says Johannah Katz, MA, RD, LDN. Gastrointestinal private practice registered dietitian Cheryl Harris, MPH, adds that another difference is that over-50 formulations tend to be higher in vitamin B12 because of biological changes that make it harder for our bodies to absorb the nutrient. “Lutein is another nutrient [often] added to 50+ multis, which is protective of eye health,” Harris adds.
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Active lifestyle multivitamins: These multivitamins, designed to support energy production, muscle function and tissue repair, often contain higher levels of vitamins and minerals. Some brands are NSF or Informed-Sport certified, meaning they are free from substances banned by most competitive sports organizations.
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Whole-food or food-based multivitamins: These products contain nutrients primarily derived from whole foods instead of synthetic ingredients. While research is still ongoing, whole-food-based nutrients may offer better absorption. However, synthetic versions are often recommended for more precise treatment in cases of nutrient deficiencies.
Factors to consider when purchasing multivitamins for women
Choosing the right multivitamin for women can be challenging with so many options. Here are the key factors to consider before making a purchase:
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Life stage: The vitamins and minerals your body needs change as you age. Selecting a multivitamin tailored to your specific life stage — pregnancy, breastfeeding or menopause — ensures you get the nutrients you need for optimal health. As Alexia Zolis, RD, puts it, “A formulation specific to your age contains amounts of vitamins and minerals tailored to your body’s requirements.”
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Form: While ease of absorption is important, what matters most is selecting a form that fits your lifestyle. Softgels are often easier to swallow than capsules or tablets but can be pricier. If pills aren’t your thing, go for gummies or liquids — just keep in mind that these might have added sugars.
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Formulation: The right multivitamin depends on your health status, activity level and diet. That said, “Vitamin D, calcium and B12 are a few key nutrients to look for in a multivitamin,” says Zolis. Our experts also recommended women look for formulations containing folate, vitamin B12, vitamin K, zinc, omega-3s (if you don’t eat fish) and iron (for women who menstruate). “While magnesium is not typically included in multivitamins at appropriate doses due to its bulk, this mineral is extremely important and worth the callout,” adds Bianchini. Because magnesium deficiencies are relatively common, consider purchasing a separate magnesium supplement if the mineral isn’t present in your multivitamin.
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Bioavailability: When choosing a multivitamin, checking the ingredients label for bioavailability is crucial. Bioavailability refers to how well your body can absorb and utilize the nutrients in the supplement. According to Bianchini, “B vitamins are more readily absorbed in methylated forms,” so look for B12 listed as methylcobalamin and B9 as methylfolate. This ensures your body can use these vitamins efficiently. “The same principle applies to minerals. Look for chelated forms such as magnesium glycinate, zinc citrate or iron bisglycinate. These forms are bound to amino acids and that makes them easier for your body to absorb and more gentle on your digestive system,” she explains.
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Dietary needs: If you follow a vegan, vegetarian or allergy-friendly diet, ensure the multivitamin aligns with your restrictions. Check the label for animal-derived ingredients or allergens that might not suit your dietary preferences.
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Third-party testing: To guarantee that your multivitamin contains the right ingredients and dosages, choose a product that’s third-party tested for purity and potency. Look for trusted certifications from organizations like NSF, USP or Informed Choice.
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Value: Since multivitamins are taken daily, cost matters. Compare the price per serving to ensure the product fits your budget, especially since some brands require multiple servings daily.
How we chose multivitamins for women
As a registered dietitian with nearly a decade of experience staying on top of the latest dietary supplements, I’ve had plenty of opportunities to guide clients and family members in selecting the right vitamins. However, additional expert perspectives are invaluable, so I consulted four fellow registered dietitians to get their insights on multivitamins for women and the key factors to consider.
After reviewing more than 20 products from over 15 brands, our team — along with the help of moms and friends — put 14 multivitamins to the test. Each product was evaluated for its ease of use, taste, price and overall user experience.
Other products we tested
Not every vitamin we tested made the cut, but that doesn’t mean they’re bad options. (Kelli McGrane, RD)
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New Chapter Every Woman’s One Daily Multivitamin: This multivitamin is perfect for women who prefer a whole-foods-based option with a simple daily routine. With just one tablet per day, it provides a broad spectrum of essential nutrients, including vitamins and minerals derived from organic whole foods. However, the retail price of $84 makes it inaccessible to many, although you may be able to find it for less when it’s on sale.
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Garden of Life Organics Once Daily Women’s Multivitamin: For those looking for an organic, whole-food-based multivitamin, this one from Garden of Life is a standout. It’s certified organic and packed with nutrients from real-food sources, making it an excellent option for health-conscious women. However, ensure you’re not allergic or sensitive to any of the ingredients listed and keep in mind that the tablets are quite large and have a slight herbal taste.
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Nature Made Multi For Her Gummies: These budget-friendly gummies contain 13 essential vitamins and minerals, including all eight B vitamins, fat-soluble vitamins and several minerals, so they cover many nutritional bases. While not as comprehensive as other brands like SmartyPants, these gummies are well-suited for women who typically follow a balanced diet and don’t require more extensive supplementation.
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FullWell Prenatal: Developed by a registered dietitian, FullWell Prenatal is one of the most comprehensive prenatal vitamins available, covering a full range of nutrients needed during pregnancy. However, it comes with a significant downside — eight pills per day — which some might find challenging to swallow. Additionally, it’s on the pricier side, and you’ll need to purchase a separate omega-3 supplement.
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MegaFood Women’s 55+ Advanced: This whole-food-based multivitamin is a solid choice for women over 55. It’s affordable and requires only two daily tablets, making it easier to fit into a daily routine than other multivitamins. While similar in formulation to Thorne Women’s 50+, MegaFood offers a more budget-friendly alternative. However, the pills are larger and may be harder to swallow compared to Thorne’s smaller tablets. Thorne still wins for its rigorous quality testing.
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Mary Ruth’s Liquid Morning Multivitamin + Hair Growth: This liquid multivitamin is a rare find, especially for those who struggle with swallowing pills. It’s third-party tested and packed with essential nutrients that support overall health and hair growth. Despite its high-quality formulation, our tester didn’t enjoy the taste, and the slightly thick consistency of the liquid was off-putting. It has many positive reviews, but it’s not for everyone.
FAQsDo women really need to take a multivitamin?
While getting vitamins and minerals from whole foods is always the ideal approach, multivitamins can benefit those who struggle to meet their nutritional needs through diet alone. Certain people may benefit particularly, including those over 50, pregnant or breastfeeding, following limited or restrictive diets or with medical conditions that impair nutrient intake or absorption.
What’s the difference between a women’s multivitamin and a regular multivitamin?
Women’s multivitamins are specifically formulated to address the unique nutritional needs of females. They typically contain higher levels of certain nutrients, such as iron and folic acid, which are especially important for women. Additionally, these supplements may include extra compounds or herbs to support health concerns like bone health, menopause and fertility.
When is the best time of day to take a multivitamin?
The best time to take your multivitamin is whenever it fits best into your routine. While some are designed to be taken on an empty stomach, it’s generally recommended to take your dose with a meal. Not only will the food help prevent nausea or stomach discomfort, but the fat in your meal also helps the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins, like vitamin D.
Can multivitamins interfere with medications?
Yes, certain vitamins, minerals and other ingredients, like herbs, can affect the effectiveness of some prescription medications. It’s important to always check with a doctor or other healthcare professional before taking any new dietary supplements.
Are gummy vitamins as effective as tablets or capsules?
Yes, assuming you’re purchasing a product from a reputable manufacturer, gummy vitamins are just as effective as tablets or capsules.
Meet our experts
Our health content is for informational purposes only and is not intended as professional medical advice. Consult a medical professional on questions about your health.