Top Vitamins That Support Women’s Overall Health

You try to eat a healthy diet, limiting the amount of saturated fats and sugars in your diet—so, shouldn’t this be enough to support your overall health? Unfortunately, most women out there are currently missing out on vital nutrients their body needs, even after upping the amount of fruits and veggies they typically consume in a day.

So, how can women help support their overall health? One easy solution is adding women’s wellness vitamins to their daily routine. However, how do you know which vitamins to take and if they’re safe? We’ll cover this and more in the following paragraphs.

How to Know if a Vitamin Brand is Safe

Did you know vitamins and supplements are not currently regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)? But don’t panic! You can still find out if a specific vitamin brand is safe for you to consume and use.

The easiest way is to check the product’s label. First, look for a seal stating that a third party tested the product. You also want to ensure the vitamins are either USP or NSF-verified, which you should be able to find the information on the label. USP or NSF verification guarantees what’s in the bottle of vitamins matches the ingredients listed on the label.

Which Wellness Vitamins Should You Take

You can always grab a bottle of multivitamins; however, your body may not need everything included in the vitamin. For instance, maybe you’re getting more than enough calcium, but your diet is short on iron or magnesium.

Before you reach for the multivitamins, try to think carefully about your average daily diet and the types of vitamins and minerals you’re getting from it. This can give you clues on what nutrients you may be missing out on.

To help inform you, here’s a look at some of the common supplements women often lack but need to support their well-being:

Vitamin D

If you spend a lot of time outdoors, you may not need a Vitamin D supplement, as your body makes Vitamin D when it’s exposed to sunlight. The essential vitamin helps your body absorb calcium, strengthens your immune system, and may even help you fight off depression.

However, before you start popping Vitamin D supplements to boost your mood, you should know that research is currently ongoing, and more research is needed to prove or disprove this claim.

Calcium

Calcium is crucial for bone health, and this essential mineral is found in dairy products and some fortified foods. Orange juice is often fortified with calcium, along with nut and plant-based milk.

Did you know women are around 4 times more likely to develop osteoporosis (brittle bone disease) than men? This is according to research by Johns Hopkins Medicine.

While ensuring your body is getting enough calcium is crucial throughout your life, older women often struggle to get enough calcium in their everyday diet, which can be a particular problem for postmenopausal women who often see an increase in bone density loss as their estrogen levels decline.

Fish Oil

Unless your diet is similar to a bear’s getting ready for hibernation, chances are you’re not getting enough omega-3s in your diet. A great way to ensure your body is getting the recommended amount of this vital nutrient is by taking a fish oil supplement.

Why is fish oil so important for your overall health? Omega 3s like eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) help protect heart health. The nutrients help support heart health by preventing blood clots, strengthening artery walls, and reducing inflammation, and some studies are indicating Omega 3s can even help support brain health.

Iron

A common mineral deficiency in adult women is iron, which can result in anemia, leaving you feeling constantly tired.

The mineral is responsible for helping the blood carry oxygen throughout your body. While you can get the recommended daily amount of iron in foods like lean meats, seafood, spinach, and beans, to name a few natural sources, women often need to also take a daily supplement.

Something to consider if you’re also taking a calcium supplement. Calcium can interfere with your body’s ability to absorb iron. If you’re taking both supplements, getting advice and guidance from a licensed physician is a good idea.

Supporting Your Overall Wellbeing One Vitamin at a Time

Sometimes, taking a daily multivitamin is crucial for your health and well-being. Women, especially after menopause, are often lacking one or more essential nutrients. Even eating healthy, balanced meals may not be enough to support your overall health.

However, before you reach for a bottle of women’s wellness vitamins it is a good idea to talk to your physician first. Your body may not need every nutrient in the bottle and some can even potentially interfere with others.