What is the best supplement for women’s health?

  • Home
  • /
  • Blog
  • /
  • What is the best supplement for women’s health?
What is the best supplement for women's health

What is the best supplement for women’s health? This is a question that many people have, and it can be difficult to answer.

There are so many different supplements on the market, each claiming to be the “best”. It can be hard to know what to believe.

At Eating Enlightenment, our mission is to end binge eating and create wellbeing. Deficiencies in folic acid, vitamin D or other minerals increase out of control cravings.

Therefore, “best” to us means how effectively a dietary supplement helps to cease binge eating and promote wellbeing through a balanced diet.

If you want more helpful info on supplements – including risks and general FDA guidelines – please see our “Supplements and Vitamins – Ultimate Beginner’s Guide”.

How We Rank and Review – 8 Criteria

1 – Price: What’s the price of the supplement? What’s the cost per serving?

  • At Eating Enlightenment we value quality over price. However, all else being equal, then price comes into consideration. 

2 – Reviews: How many reviews for each product? What’s the average rating? How many third party reviews?

  • We strongly believe in third party reviews. Many supplement companies list positive reviews on their website, but third party reviews include negative comments. We always go with third party reviews.

3 – Reputation: How reputable is the brand behind the supplement? How long has the brand been around? What’s their mission? 

  • We believe that a company’s intention is highly important and should be one of your top purchasing decision factors.

4 – Taste / Absorption = What’s the taste? How quickly does your body absorb the supplement? Do reviews mention any negative side effects like an upset stomach?

5 – Perceived Therapeutic Effect = What beneficial effects or feelings does this supplement promote?

6 – Food Allergens = Does the company provide allergen info?

7 – Science / Certifications: Does the company list transparent scientific studies on their website? Do third party certifications test the company’s supplement for quality control? How many certifications does the company have?

8 – Pros/Cons: What are the pros and cons of each supplement? How is the supplement unique? For what situations is this supplement best?

Best Overall – Optimum Nutrition

  • Price = $11.95
  • # of Servings = 30
  • Price per Serving = $0.39
  • Product Reviews = 4.7/5 with 12 verified reviews
  • Taste / Absorption
  • Perceived Therapeutic Effect
  • Food Allergens
  • Certifications = GMP
  • Pro’s = very low price, over 40 vitamins and minerals, contains 18 mg iron per serving (100% Daily value [DV])
  • Con’s =

About “Opti-Women”:

Optimum Nutrition’s Opti-Women product is a multivitamin marketed for women.

This supplement includes 40 vitamins and minerals, including: 18 mg iron (100% DV), 600 IU vitamin D (150% DV) and 100 mcg folate (25% DV) per serving.

A major pro for this product is the high iron content. Many women lack iron, especially after menstruation. Pregnant women are the most at risk for iron deficiency.

Iron deficiency can impact bone health, skin health and the immune system because red blood cells are unable to carry enough oxygen.

Fortunately this product is an excellent source of iron, vitamin D and many other ingredients.

While there are only 12 reviews for this specific supplement, Optimum Nutrition is a well-regarded company in the supplement industry (see reviews below).

Made by “Optimum Nutrition”:

About Optimum Nutrition: Most of its products are for athletes. Optimum Nutrition has decades of experience. According to ReviewMeta.com, Optimum Nutrition receives a 4.1/5 average adjusted rating from 67,776 verified reviews.

  • Start = 1986
  • Revenue = $21 million
  • Employees = 112
  • Mission = helping performance-focused athletes achieve their goals
  • Third Party Certifications = GMP, NSF
  • Third Party Reviews = 4.1/5 average adjusted rating from 67,776 verified reviews

Best Price – Nature’s Way

  • Price = $13.12
  • # of Servings = 60
  • Price per Serving = $0.22
  • Product Reviews = 4.6/5 with 37 verified reviews
  • Taste / Absorption = 3 vegan capsules per serving 
  • Labeled Effect = support women’s health
  • Food Allergens = Allergy safe
  • Certifications = GMP
  • Pro’s = 6 unique herbs
  • Con’s = no iron or vitamins, 3 capsules per serving

About “Change-O-Life Women’s Health”:

You won’t find many women’s health products for $0.22 per serving.

Plus, this Vitacost product is herb-based.

If you are looking for a natural, herbal, dietary supplement then this option is worthwhile to try!

However, 3 capsules per serving is a bit high and there are no other iron, minerals or vitamins.

Made by “Nature’s Way”:

About Nature’s Way: Nature’s Way is one of the most popular supplement companies. It’s been around for decades, and has a 4.2/5 average adjusted rating from 80,981 verified reviews. 

  • Start = 1969
  • Revenue = $98 million
  • Employees = 500
  • Mission = help people everywhere live healthy lives
  • Third Party Certifications = GMP, NSF, ISO, GMO Free
  • Third Party Reviews = 4.2/5 average adjusted rating from 80,981 verified reviews

Most Organic – Heart & Soil Beef Organs

  • Price = $52
  • # of servings = 180 tablets
  • Price per serving = $3.46
  • Product reviews = 4.9/5 out of 799 reviews
  • Taste/ Absorption = 6 capsules daily
  • Labeled Effect = Improve overall health, vitality, mood, exercise performance, and energy.
  • Food Allergens = Allergen safe
  • Certifications = Went through rigorous third-party tests by independent labs during and after manufacture.
  • Pros = Packed with peptides that will support overall health, vitality, and energy. 
  • Cons = Could only be used by non-vegetarians

About Heart & Soil Beef Organs

All the supplements produced by Heart & Soil are made from organ meat such as liver, kidney, heart, and spleen.

The kidney-specific peptides colipase and trypsin are present in abundance in this desiccated beef organ supplement, along with other essential nutrients such as selenium to help thyroid function and heme iron, which is crucial for brain health, energy, exercise performance, and increased immunity.

The best thing about this supplement is that it is made from animal foods, which are one of the most nutrient-dense sources in the world. They have all the necessary vitamins that will allow users to function at optimum levels. 

Made by Heart & Soil

  • Start = 2016
  • Revenue = $5 Million
  • Employees = 25 
  • Mission = To help people reclaim their health and vitality.
  • Third-Party Certifications = Underwent rigorous third-party testing by independent labs both during and after production.
  • Third-Party Reviews = 4.9 with 1,360 reviews

Most Vitamins/Minerals – Pure Encapsulations

  • Start = $65.30
  • # of Servings = 60
  • Price per Serving = $1.09
  • Product Reviews = 4.8/5 with 47 verified reviews
  • Taste / Absorption = hypo-allergenic‚ vegetarian, 3 capsules per serving
  • Labeled Effect = designed to help alleviate occasional stress and build strong bones
  • Food Allergens = very allergy safe (numerous certifications)
  • Pro’s = 42 vitamins and minerals for women over 40
  • Con’s = Doesn’t contain iron

About “Women’s Nutrients”:

PureFormulas’s Women’s Nutrients is a comprehensive multivitamin that supports overall health in women.

It contains 42 vitamins and minerals, including: vitamins A, C, D, E, B12 and zinc.

With 47 reviews from an established brand, this supplement is more like a Vitamin C, Vitamin D, and calcium supplement – all rolled into one.

Made By “Pure Encapsulations”:

About Pure Encapsulations: Pure Encapsulations began in 2004. According to ReviewMeta.com, Pure Encapsulations has a 4.5/5 average rating from 12,280 reviews. Pure Encapsulations lists over 50 clinical studies going back to 2006 on their website.

  • Start = 2004
  • Revenue = $35 million
  • Employees = 170
  • Mission = it’s what’s inside that counts
  • Third Party Certifications = Egg Free, Gluten Free, GMO Free, GMP, Certification Made in the USA, Peanut Free, Wheat Free, Hypoallergenic, NSF
  • Third Party Reviews = 4.3/5 with 7,100 reviews

Best Quality – MegaFood

  • Price = $29.97
  • # of Servings = 60
  • Price per Serving = ~$0.50
  • Product Reviews = 5/5 with 62 verified reviews
  • Taste / Absorption = vegetable cellulose (vege cap), gluten free, 1 tablet per serving
  • Labeled Effect = support the unique nutritional needs of women over 55
  • Food Allergens = very allergy safe (numerous certifications)
  • Pro’s = 21 vitamins and minerals for women over 55
  • Con’s = Doesn’t contain iron

About “Women Over 55 One Daily”:

MegaFood’s Women Over 55 One Daily is a comprehensive multivitamin that supports overall health in women.

The product is marketed towards women over the age of 55. Yet the quality and diversity of nutrients found within this supplement means all ages could benefit.

It contains 21 vitamins and minerals, including: vitamins A, C, D, E and all eight B vitamins for energy.

Please note this supplement is purposefully formulated without iron because most women go through menopause at ages 45-55 and need less iron after menopause.

Because so many women need iron, we couldn’t rate this as our top supplement overall. 

However, if you know that your iron levels are ok, then this supplement is backed by a great company and has many high quality products.

Made by “MegaFood”:

megafood

About MegaFood: MegaFood started in 1973 and is a verified B-Corporation, which means they meet higher standards for quality, transparency and sustainability. MegaFood provides tons of science, gives back to the community, and is transparent about their supply chain. According to MetaCritic, MegaFood has a 4.3/5 average rating based on 7,100 reviews.

  • Start = 1973
  • Revenue = $67 million
  • Employees = 200
  • Mission = working toward a world where everyone is truly nourished
  • Third Party Certifications = B Certification, USDA Organic Certification, Non-GMO Project Verified, Vegan, Certified Kosher, 125+ Pesticide Free, Certified Gluten-Free
  • Third Party Reviews = 4.3/5 with 7,100 reviews

Best Family Owned – Botanic Choice

  • Price = $12.99
  • # of Servings = 30
  • Price per Serving = $0.43
  • Product Reviews = 5/5 with 8 verified reviews
  • Taste / Absorption = vegetable cellulose (vege cap), 1 per serving
  • Labeled Effect = Start your day off right
  • Food Allergens = Allergen safe
  • Pro’s = 16 essential vitamins and minerals, contains 18 mg iron (100% Daily Value)
  • Con’s = little info on product descriptions

About “START! Multi-Vitamin for Women”:

Botanic Choice’s The START! Multi-Vitamin for Women is a multivitamin marketed for women.

This supplement includes 16 vitamins and minerals, including: vitamin A (700 mcg), vitamin C (75 mg) and vitamin D (15 mg).

A pro for this product is that it also contains 18 mg of iron, which is what most women need per day.

However, this supplement only has 8 reviews, which is low.

If you are looking for a high quality multivitamin, from a family owned business, Botanic Choice is a good option to try.

Made by “Botanic Choice”:

botanic choice

About “Botanic Choice”: Botanic Choice started in 1910, over 100 years ago. The company is family owned and has millions of customers worldwide. They are one of the oldest supplement companies still around today. According to MetaCritic, Botanic Choice has a 3.8/5 rating with 1,496 reviews.

  • Start = 112 years old, founded in 1910
  • Revenue = $18 million
  • Employees = 107
  • Mission = dedicated to making effective natural health solutions available to all
  • Third Party Certifications = GMP
  • Third Party Reviews = 3.8/5 with 1,496 reviews

Most Transparent – Care/Of

  • Price = $15
  • # of Servings = 30
  • Price per Serving = $0.50
  • Product Reviews = N/A
  • Taste / Absorption = easy absorption, two tablets per serving
  • Labeled Effect = fills real dietary gaps
  • Food Allergens = Allergen safe 
  • Pro’s = Ingredients backed by research easily found on their website, contains 6 mg iron per serving (33% Daily Value)
  • Con’s = Need a subscription, but can cancel or modify at anytime

About “Personalized Multivitamin + Iron”:

Care/Of’s Personalized Multivitamin + Iron contains chelated iron for easier digestion.

As we talked about earlier, iron is one of the essential nutrients for women. If you are iron deficient then taking nutritional supplements to boost your iron levels makes sense.

While there are no reviews for this specific supplement, Care/Of’s multivitamin is backed by transparent science easily found on their website.

Overall, this multivitamin is a good choice for women who have low iron levels.

Made by “Care/Of”:

care/of

About Care/Of: Founded in 2016 in New York City, Care/Of personalizes vitamins and mineral supplementation with thorough, transparent science. According to Influenster.com, Care/Of is rated on average 4.5/5 with 240 reviews.

  • Start = 2016
  • Revenue = $19 million
  • Employees = 100
  • Mission = deliver it to you straight
  • Third Party Certifications = GMP, NSF
  • Third Party Reviews = 4.5/5 with 240 reviews

Best Selling Probiotic on Amazon – Garden of Life

  • Price = $27.94
  • # of Servings = 30
  • Price per Serving = $0.93
  • Product Reviews = 4.7/5 with 33,462 verified reviews
  • Taste / Absorption = 1 vege capsule per serving, easy on stomach
  • Labeled Effect = digestive health and constipation relief
  • Food Allergens = very allergy safe (numerous certifications)
  • Pro’s = high quality probiotic, 50 billion CFU very potent
  • Con’s = no iron or vitamins

About “Dr. Formulated Probiotics for Women”:

This Garden of Life product has over 33,000 verified reviews on Amazon.

In the Health & Household category, this product ranks #20.

It is formulated for women’s health and includes a high quality probiotic.

However, it does not include any iron or vitamins. It’s also on the pricier price per serving side.

Made By “Garden of Life”:

About Garden of Life: Garden of Life is a wellness company that sells vitamins, probiotics, and herbal therapies. Garden of Life has been in business for 22 years. They have an attractive mission statement, a B-Corporation Certification, and a proven track record. According to ReviewMeta, Garden of Life has an average adjusted score of 4.⅕ from 28,011 reviews.

  • Start = 22 years old, founded in 2000
  • Revenue = $222 million
  • Employees = 300
  • Third Party Certifications = B-Corporation and 14 other certifications ranging from USDA organic, Gluten Free, Carbon Neutral, Cruelty Free, and many more.
  • Mission = Empower Extraordinary Health through belief that overall health is rooted in healthy digestion
  • Third Party Reviews = 4.1/5 average rating from 28,011 reviews

Which supplement is best for ladies?

In our opinion, A1’s Optimum Nutrition for Women is the best supplement.

Due to menstruation, pregnancy and other biological factors, women need more iron than men.

While there are multivitamin supplements and iron supplements, you don’t often find a lot of both in one.

You’ll often see a few multivitamins with a lot of iron, or a little iron with a lot of vitamins.

A1’s Optimum Nutrition for Women has both high amounts of iron and a variety of vitamins.

However, if you’re looking for plant-based supplements, then we think you should try MegaFood.

What supplements should a woman take on a daily basis?

It depends.

Generally speaking many women are iron deficient. If you’re iron deficient then taking a supplement with iron for a few months until your iron levels are back to normal makes a lot of sense.

However, every person has a unique situation. Your iron levels may be fine!

You might instead need a different supplement, for example if you are low on folic acid. There are many supplements for women because every person is different!

One safe bet is to hedge your bets with a multipurpose multivitamin like the ones listed above.

Even better is if you get a quick blood test for overall health to see what specifically you are lacking.

Conclusion

The key is making sure that each woman has access to what they need to be healthy and empowered.

A vitamin or mineral deficiency can contribute to food cravings. We hope these dietary supplements give you something to think about, and potentially try.

Overall, we hope this blog post has been informative. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to leave them below!

Affiliate Disclosure: ​​Some of the links above are affiliate links, meaning that if you decide to purchase a product after clicking one, we may earn a commission. This commission comes at no additional cost to you. 

Medical Disclaimer: This information should not be taken as medical advice. Please consult your doctor before taking any supplements.

About the Author

Jared Levenson is a former binge eating wrestler turned Zen Buddhist Monk, Internal Family Systems counselor and nutrition wellness coach. He's helped hundreds of people through universal meal principles and internal family systems to make peace with food, stop binge eating, and find true health and wholeness.

@jared_levenson

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked

{"email":"Email address invalid","url":"Website address invalid","required":"Required field missing"}