Women's Multivitamin
The specific nutrients these formulas emphasize, folate and iron, have solid evidence in the right circumstances. The blend as a general daily habit for women who eat adequately has much less behind it.
Where to buy
Ships to 180+ countries · welcome discount for new customers
Referral link — this site may earn a commission on purchases.
What the science says
- Folic acid before and in early pregnancy Strong evidence
A Cochrane review of randomized trials found that periconceptional folate supplementation substantially reduces neural tube defects. This is one of the best-established supplement effects in medicine, and applies to anyone who could become pregnant.
- Iron for menstruating women Moderate evidence
A Cochrane review found that intermittent iron supplementation reduces anaemia and raises haemoglobin in menstruating women, with fewer side effects than daily dosing. The benefit is in women who are iron deficient, not across the board.
- General daily use Limited evidence
A large randomized trial of a daily multivitamin in older adults reported a small improvement in cognitive test scores, an isolated finding not yet replicated for other outcomes. Broad health claims for multivitamins in well-nourished people remain unsupported.
Dosage & safety
How to take it
Interactions
With medications
- levothyroxine
Calcium and iron in the tablet block its absorption. separate by at least 4 hours
- tetracycline and quinolone antibiotics
Minerals in the tablet chelate the antibiotic and reduce its absorption. separate by at least 2 hours
With other supplements
- separate iron supplements
Doubling up on iron without a documented deficiency risks overload. check ferritin before taking both
- calcium supplements
Calcium competes with the iron in the multivitamin for absorption. take them at different times of day
Well-established interactions only — this is not a complete list. Always tell your doctor and pharmacist what you take.
Frequently asked questions
Should women take a multivitamin every day?
For a woman who eats adequately, a daily multivitamin has limited evidence behind it; broad health claims remain unsupported. The ingredients that clearly earn their place are folic acid if you could become pregnant and iron if you are iron deficient.
How much folic acid should a woman take before pregnancy?
The studied dose is 400 micrograms of folic acid daily, started before conception rather than after a positive test. A Cochrane review found periconceptional folate substantially reduces neural tube defects, a strong-grade finding.
Do women need iron in their multivitamin?
Iron helps menstruating women who are iron deficient: a Cochrane review found intermittent iron reduced anaemia and raised haemoglobin, a moderate-grade result. It is not a benefit across the board, and long-term iron without a ferritin check risks overload.
What are the risks of a women's multivitamin?
Iron-containing women's multivitamins cause constipation and nausea and are dangerous in overdose, particularly for children in the household. Keep total preformed vitamin A below 3000 micrograms daily if pregnancy is possible, and separate the tablet from levothyroxine by at least 4 hours.
Scientific references
- Effects and safety of periconceptional oral folate supplementation for preventing birth defects
- Intermittent iron supplementation for reducing anaemia and its associated impairments in adolescent and adult menstruating women
- Effects of cocoa extract and a multivitamin on cognitive function: A randomized clinical trial
Related in Women's health
- Folic Acid (Vitamin B9) Strong evidence
- Inositol (Myo-Inositol) Moderate evidence
- Strontium Limited evidence
- Soy Isoflavones Moderate evidence
- Ipriflavone Limited evidence
- Evening Primrose Oil Limited evidence