The 9 Best Vitamins for Women of 2023

Best Overall

Garden of Life Mykind Organics Women’s Daily Tablets

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We are big fans of the Garden of Life Mykind women's multivitamin since they prioritize using organic food sources. This vegan multivitamin provides a spectrum of nutrients needed for women’s optimal health. It contains at least 100 percent of most essential nutrients including vitamins A, C, D, E, and K. We like that this multivitamin contains the most absorbable active forms, like vitamin D in the form of D3, and vitamin B12 in the form of methylcobalamin. It’s also NSF certified and ConsumerLab.com approved. This means it has gone through additional third-party testing to ensure that it contains the amounts of nutrients listed on the label and is free of contaminants. 

Although it contains more vitamins B6, B12, and biotin than recommended, these vitamins are water-soluble, which means your body will eliminate any excess amounts. Garden of Life’s tablets are soy-free, dairy-free, and gluten-free, making them ideal for anyone looking to avoid those products. The recommended serving is two tablets daily with food.

Compare this label with your individual needs and consult a healthcare professional to make sure the nutrients, doses, and food sources included are appropriate for you.

Price at time of publication: $40 ($1.33 per serving)

^{Key Specs:
Active Nutrients: Many | Form: Tablet | Dose: 2 tablets daily | Servings Per Container: 30}

Best Prenatal

Ritual Essential Prenatal

4.8

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Ritual’s Essential Prenatal multivitamin is a favorite among those looking for essential nutrients needed to support a healthy pregnancy. The capsules provide 12 major vitamins and minerals including the most absorbable forms of vitamin D, as vitamin D3, and vitamin B12, as methylcobalamin. This multivitamin also contains omega-3 DHA, an important nutrient needed for growth and development during pregnancy.

Ritual’s products are 100 percent traceable, third-party tested, vegan, gluten-free, and contain no artificial colors. The delayed-release capsules are mint or citrus-scented, which may be helpful for pregnant women experiencing morning sickness or who have aversions to certain smells. Just two capsules are needed daily. Ritual is a subscription service that can be adjusted or canceled at any time. 

Although the capsule exceeds normal recommendations for vitamin D, it does not exceed the upper limit of 100 micrograms, and this higher dose may, in fact, be beneficial. It is important to note that these capsules lack vitamins A and C, and are low in choline, an essential nutrient for growing a baby. A healthcare provider can help determine if this prenatal vitamin best suits individual needs.

Price at time of publication: $43 ($1.44 per serving)

^{Key Specs:
Active Nutrients: Many | Form: Capsule | Dose: 2 capsules daily | Servings Per Container: 30}

Best Multivitamin for Women Over 50

Garden of Life mykind Organics Women 55+

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We recommend this pick because they are NSF certified, gluten-free, soy-free, dairy-free, vegan, and made from an organic food blend. Garden of Life’s Mykind 55+ tablets provide 100 percent of most vitamins needed to support health in the most absorbable forms from whole foods.

Women over the age of 50 years can have unique nutritional needs that may benefit from vitamin supplements. According to Ammeter, “Women over 50 are at risk for a decreased appetite, which can lead to not eating enough, as well as a decline in oral health that can affect the ability to chew…Some older women [also] have a decreased ability to absorb vitamin B12.” She adds, “Women over 50 are generally at risk for low bone density (osteoporosis or osteopenia) and losing muscle mass, which decreases strength and can affect mobility.” 

Studies show that women experiencing low bone density and a decrease in appetite can benefit from multivitamin supplements, especially those containing vitamin B12 and vitamin D. 

One potential downside is the number of ingredients listed. A healthcare professional can give further clarity if there is any individual concern about the ingredients in this multivitamin.

Price at time of publication: $36 ($1.20 per serving)

^{Key Specs:
Active Nutrients: Many | Form: Tablet | Dose: 1 tablet daily | Servings Per Container: 30}

Best Vitamin D

Nordic Naturals Vitamin D3-25 mcg

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We like Nordic Naturals Vitamin D3 because it provides 1,000 IU of D3 as cholecalciferol in the form of a mini softgel. Vitamin D is a nutrient women need for bone health, reducing inflammation, and breaking down carbohydrates in the body. But most people consume less than the recommended amounts of vitamin D. While our bodies naturally make vitamin D from ultraviolet sun exposure, this can be difficult to get enough of in the winter months, especially if you live in a colder climate and don't have the right shoes for walking on ice. Vitamin D is in limited food sources like fatty fish, fish oils, and mushrooms which is another reason women might benefit from this supplement. 

Vitamin D3, or cholecalciferol, is the most absorbable and preferred supplement form. Nordic Naturals vitamin D3 is gluten-free, contains no artificial colors, and has a natural orange flavor. We also like that all Nordic Natural products are budget-friendly, and third-party tested, and you can access a certificate of analysis for each lot number.

You should discuss your vitamin D levels and how to supplement with a healthcare provider if you are taking weight loss medications, statins, steroids, blood-pressure-lowering medications, or if you are taking a supplement that already contains vitamin D. If you are looking to learn more about the different forms of vitamin D and explore a variety of supplement options, read more about the best vitamin D supplements.

Price at time of publication: $18 ($0.15 per serving)

^{Key Specs:
Active Nutrients: Vitamin D3 (as cholecalciferol) | Form: Mini softgel | Dose: 1 gel (1000 IU) daily | Servings Per Container: 120}

Best B12

Nature Made Sublingual B-12 1,000 mcg

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Nature Made B12 provides 1,000 micrograms of vitamin B12 in sublingual lozenges that are USP-verified and contain no colors or preservatives. These don't require you to swallow a pill as sublingual lozenges are placed under the tongue to dissolve. Vitamin B12 is important for women of all ages but is especially important during childbearing age. B12 is essential for the development and function of the central nervous system, as well as for healthy red blood cell formation. 

Vitamin B12 is present in food sources of animal origin, like meat, fish, poultry, eggs, and dairy products, and B12 may best be absorbed best from dairy products. Therefore vegetarians and vegans will likely need a B12 supplement to avoid B12 deficiency. Additionally, according to Ammeter, “if an individual is taking metformin long term, has low stomach acid due to medications, or has a history of weight loss surgery, a sublingual vitamin B12 supplement can be helpful.” 

We like Nature Made’s B12 sublingual lozenge because you only need one daily. The daily recommendation for vitamin B12 intake is 2.4 micrograms for adult women. The supplement absorption rate is only 1.3% at doses of 1,000 micrograms. So, you are only absorbing about 13 micrograms from this supplement. Vitamin B12 is water-soluble and has a low potential for toxicity, so even at large doses it is generally considered to be safe. While we like these bypass the gut for absorption, some may not appreciate the cherry flavor or that they have artificial flavors and sweeteners.

Price at time of publication: $9 ($0.18 per serving)

^{Key Specs:
Active Nutrients: Vitamin B12 (as cyanocobalamin) | Form: Lozenge | Dose: 1 lozenge (1,000 mcg) daily | Servings Per Container: 50}

Best Vitamin C

Thorne Vitamin C

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We like Thorne’s Vitamin C with Flavonoids because it offers 500 micrograms of ascorbic acid and is ConsumerLab.com approved, gluten-free, dairy-free, and soy-free. Vitamin C is needed for collagen synthesis, wound healing, immune response, and to help iron absorption in our bodies. Vitamin C also acts as an antioxidant, helping to reduce inflammation from potentially cancer-causing molecules. A unique feature of this choice is the citrus flavonoids that are added as an extra source of antioxidants. Note if you take an iron supplement or are iron deficient, these added flavonoids may slightly interfere with optimal iron absorption.

If your diet is rich in fruit and vegetables, then you are probably getting enough daily vitamin C. However, if you have a limited food variety, are a smoker, or are at risk for kidney disease, then you may benefit most from a vitamin C supplement, specifically in the ascorbic acid form.

Those taking a statin or lipid-lowering medication or undergoing chemotherapy or radiation should consult with a healthcare provider to assess vitamin C levels and determine if a supplement is needed. Although there is not a big concern for vitamin C toxicity if you are taking a supplement that already contains vitamin C, consult with a provider before adding anything additional.

Price at time of publication: $47 ($0.0.26 per serving)

^{Key Specs:
Active Nutrients: Vitamin C (as ascorbic acid) | Form: Capsule | Dose: 1 capsule (500 mcg) daily | Servings Per Container: 180}

Best B Complex

Thorne Research Thorne Basic B Complex

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Thorne's Basic B Complex supplement is our top B complex choice because it is NSF certified, contains naturally derived flavors and colors, and is soy-, dairy-, and gluten-free.

Also, this supplement contains higher doses of B vitamins, which may be more appropriate to correct a deficiency. Women who are pregnant, vegan, age 50 or older, have had weight loss surgery, or have digestive or gastrointestinal issues may be at higher risk for B vitamin deficiencies and may benefit most from a B-complex supplement.

These capsules include the eight B-complex vitamins that have a variety of functions in the body, including helping break down carbohydrates, protein, and fat, and helping to regulate the effects of stress and the immune system.

Price at time of publication: $25 ($0.42 per serving)

^{Key Specs:
Active Nutrients: B vitamins (many) | Form: Capsule | Dose: 1 capsule daily | Servings per container: 60}

Best Folate

NatureMade Folic Acid 400mcg Tablets

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NatureMade Folic Acid tablets provide 400 micrograms of folic acid—167% daily value—in a USP-verified, gluten-free tablet that you only need to take once daily. Folate is a B vitamin that is an essential nutrient needed for development, growth, and DNA synthesis. You can get folate in your diet from foods such as chicken liver, legumes, and dark leafy greens. Folate is an important supplement for women who are pregnant and women in their childbearing years, as folate deficiency increases the risk of future and recurrent neural tube defects during pregnancy. 

If you are pregnant, you will benefit from supplementing beyond just folate and may best benefit most from taking folate as part of a prenatal multivitamin. Therefore, just a folate supplement may be best for women of childbearing age to ensure adequate folate should they become pregnant.

These tablets also contain a small amount of calcium, a mineral important for maintaining the structure of bones, teeth, and muscles. Older adults, pregnant women, and women of childbearing age have increased needs for calcium and may appreciate this addition to this supplement.

Folate deficiency is generally associated with alcohol use, those who have malabsorptive disorders, and those with a diet lacking variety. Therefore these groups of women may also especially benefit from a folate supplement, as guided by a healthcare professional.

Price at time of publication: $6 ($0.02 per serving)

^{Key Specs:
Active Nutrients: Folic acid, calcium carbonate | Form: Tablet | Dose: 1 tablet daily | Servings Per Container: 250}