We’ve scoured the market to compare and contrast the best multivitamins for women UK.
The human body is unbelievably complex. As you’re reading this, millions of chemical reactions are occurring inside your cells, most of them using vitamins and minerals to build muscle, digest food, create hormones and keep you alive.
Women have slightly different biological needs to men. For example, pre-menopausal women need to intake more iron and all women need slightly higher amounts of biotin. Female hormones like oestrogen are made using B vitamins, and the best multivitamins for women UK will take this into account. Taking a gender-specific multivitamin is a great way to keep your mind and body healthy, useful even if you have a healthy diet.
SHORTCUT: Our top choice of the best multivitamin for women UK is Performance Lab NutriGenesis Multi. It combines generous dosages of important vitamins and minerals with super clean manufacturing processes and has a dedicated women’s formula.
Visit their website here or carry on reading to see why we rate it our No 1 choice for female multivitamins, as well as our other favourites below…
Table of Contents
Revealing the Best Multivitamins for Women UK
We’ve scoured the market to bring you our recommendations for the best multivitamins for women in the UK. All of the following are chosen because they have something special to recommend them…
- Best Multivitamin for Women UK: Performance Lab NutriGenesis Multi for Women
- Best Vitamins for Acne-Prone Skin: Boots’ Vitamin C and Zinc
- Best Pre-Natal Vitamins: Garden of Life Mykind Organics Prenatal
- Best for Skin, Hair and Nails: Vitabiotics Perfectil Original
- Best for Energy: Performance Lab Energy
Each of the products included in this list has different qualities – some are everyday multivitamins and minerals while others are specialist supplements for targeting specific health problems. If you’re pregnant, iron and folate or folic acid are extremely important for you and your unborn baby’s health. And if you’re prone to spots and oily skin, we recommend a multivitamin or supplement that contains zinc. You’ll find more information on vitamins and minerals important for women in our guide to Choosing the Best Multivitamins for Women UK at the end of this article.
Finding the perfect vitamin for your needs might seem challenging. Fortunately, there’s a massive range of multivitamins to choose from. We’ve selected the best multivitamins for women UK and supplements for women to buy in 2024, depending on your age, budget and needs.
OUR RECOMMENDATIONS: Best Multivitamins for Women UK
Best Overall Multivitamin: Performance Lab NutriGenesis Multi for Women
Performance Lab NutriGenesis Multi for Women is produced using the cleanest, natural ingredients money can buy. It contains 26 vitamins and minerals formulated for the female body, providing an impressive 100% daily value of at least 15 of them.
It’s particularly strong on the B vitamins — such as vitamin b12, vitamin b6 and folate (folic acid) — which are needed for the body to make oestrogen.
This product contains high-quality ‘nature-identical’ vitamins and minerals and amino acids, made using a revolutionary process called NutriGenesis. Unlike synthetically sourced multivitamins, Performance Lab contains micronutrients, enzymes, cofactors and prebiotics which are identical to those found growing in nature. This makes them easier for the body to absorb and use, which is a genius idea.
Pros
- Generous dosages of many nutrients, 100% of 15 of them
- Contains nature-identical nutrients that make absorption quicker and easier
- Vegan-friendly
- Plantcap capsules are less likely to upset your stomach
- Free from GMO, BPA-free, no harsh additives, made in FDA-approved labs
- Capsules are flavourless
Cons
- Only available from the manufacturer
- Could be higher in calcium, but then this is easy to get elsewhere.
Read our Full Review of Performance Lab NutriGenesis Multi for Women
STACKS WELL WITH
Best for Overall Vitality: Performance Lab Omega-3
Ok, so here’s an idea: you have Performance Lab NutriGenesis Multi as your foundational supplement, making sure you’re getting all your vitamins and minerals. Now you can take it further, and build a top-notch supplement stack taking you even further towards excellent health by adding another Performance Lab product – Performance Lab Omega-3.
Any Performance Lab product can be stacked safely and effectively with any other in the range; that’s the beauty of it. And by adding Omega-3 – one of the most valuable nutrients known to science – you’re extending your support for your heart, brain, immune system, joints, eye health and more. It can also aid sleep.
Yes, Omega-3 really is a powerhouse, and Performance Lab Omega-3 is the best version of the supplement that we’ve seen.
Pros:
- Omega-3 contributes to full bodily health via many different pathways
- Takes its Omega-3 fatty acids from algae, the original source meaning there’s no fishy taste or smell.
- Is vegan-friendly
- Free of GMO, soy, gluten, and other allergens, as well as synthetic additives
- Made in cGMP-approved facilities
Cons:
- Slightly pricier than some of its competition, but you’re paying for quality.
We recommend Performance Lab Omega-3 for women of all ages.
Read our Full Review of Performance Lab Omega-3
STACKS WELL WITH
Best for Immune-Boosting: PL-Immune
In these uncertain times, it’s good to have options for your health – and here’s a good one: PL-Immune – a dedicated immunity support supplement.
PL-Immune provides great foundational support for the immune system (with zinc, selenium, vitamins C and D) – helping to tackle inflammation, infection, and more – alongside some genius additions. Such as Setria Glutathione, a master antioxidant that helps to protect the body at a molecular level, protecting mitochondria and boosting the T-cells – the frontline army in the immune system.
The real star of this show, however, is the heated-probiotic, LC-Plasma. Here’s why it’s so great – many probiotics activate just one kind of immune cell. LC-Plasma activates FIVE. It does so by first activating the lieutenant cell (pDC) which then orders four more cells to enter the battle. Meaning you have a lot more fighting power on your side when it comes to your immunity challenges.
The manufacturers state this supplement can help tackle issues caused by stress, overtraining, nutritional lacks, and toxins.
Best Vitamins for Acne-Prone Skin: Boots’ Vitamin C and Zinc
Acne is an embarrassing and painful problem that affects most women during their life. Women are especially prone to spots and skin conditions as oestrogen and other hormones can cause hormonal acne.
Zinc helps keep skin clear and healthy by protecting cells that make collagen, a protein that gives skin structure.
Vitamin C is key to acne-free skin; it may prevent harmful UV-rays from damaging your skin cells. It’s also anti-inflammatory and can help reduce the redness that comes with acne. Taking this vitamin is a lot quicker and easier than drinking orange juice, which is surprisingly high in sugar.
Pros:
- This bottle offers a 3-month supply
- Includes safe levels of zinc (15mg) and vitamin C (500mg)
- Free from artificial colours, preservatives and flavours.
- It’s suitable for vegans.
- Cheap.
Cons:
- Good for acne, but won’t be as beneficial for the entire body as a good multivitamin.
BUY from Boots. At 90 tablets for £5, this is one of the cheapest vitamins on offer. They also sell an effervescent tablet version – these are dropped into a glass of water, creating a healthy drink that’s easier to swallow.
Best Pre-Natal Vitamins: Garden of Life Mykind Organics Prenatal
Don’t be put off by the price tag, Garden of Life Mykind is an excellent prenatal supplement. Unlike most other supplements, Mykind sources all its ingredients from a blend of more than 30 organic fruits and vegetables.
Each capsule contains 600mcg DFE of folate to help your child’s spinal cord and brain develop properly. Folate stops many preventable birth defects and is recommended to almost all women during pregnancy. It also contains iron, to help prevent anaemia.
IMPORTANT: Make sure to always consult with your doctor before taking vitamins if you’re pregnant or soon-to-be pregnant.
Pros:
- A well-thought-out formula
- This is a whole-food multivitamin
- Certified organic and non-GMO, gluten-free and suitable for vegans.
Cons:
- This is a specialist product and, as such, it’s not cheap.
Worth noting: Performance Lab NutriGenesis Multi contains more folate: (1336mcg DFE compared to MyKind’s 600mcg DFE). At the time of writing, a 4-month supply of the former will cost the same as a 3-month supply of Garden of Life. Please check with your doctor before taking any vitamins.
Best for Skin, Hair and Nails: Vitabiotics Perfectil Original
It’s the UK’s favourite beauty vitamin, created to help keep skin radiant, hair healthy and nails strong. Vitabiotics Perfectil contains more than 20 minerals and vitamins. These include selenium, a trace metal that aids hair growth and helps to maintain nails.
Zinc is included as it helps keep hair hydrated and looking glossy. Taking zinc can prevent hair loss if you’re already zinc deficient.
The third major ingredient is Biotin (also known as vitamin H). This important but rarely talked about vitamin helps keep hair thick and prevents nails from becoming brittle.
Pros:
- Gluten-free, no artificial colours or preservatives, suitable for vegetarians
- No need to take another multivitamin if taking this product
- Customers praise it for encouraging thicker hair and faster hair growth, stronger nails, and improved skin
Cons:
- Not suitable for vegans
- According to review, you have to take this for several months before seeing results.
BUY: A 30 tablet pack cost around £10.00 and can be bought from stores such as Boots, Holland & Barret and Sainsburys, or online at Amazon UK.
You could also buy Perfectil Hair Crush Gummies – they contain the same great ingredients in a chewable soft jelly capsule.
Best for Energy: Performance Lab Energy
Multivitamins are ideal for ensuring a strong nutrient intake (along with diet, of course) and covering all the bases, but sometimes you need a little extra help. If your energy is flagging or you need more energy to achieve your ambitions, reject stimulating energy drinks and try an all-natural energy supplement like Performance Lab Energy instead.
Performance Lab Energy is a caffeine-free stimulant-free product that contains five powerful energy-promoting supplements – Acetyl L-Carnitine, R-Lipoic Acid, Coenzyme Q10, PQQ, magnesium, and Piperine – to boost your energy at a cellular level. Helping you to generate even more of your body’s natural energy safely with no crashes, keeping your body fuelled and ready for anything.
Even better, Performance Lab Energy can be safely used alongside Performance Lab NutriGenesis Multi for Women for a safe energy boost and wide nutrient intake.
Pros:
- Caffeine-free, stimulant-free crash-free energy booster
- Boosts physical and mental energy at the cellular level
- Super clean supplement – no GMO, synthetic additives, preservatives, gluten. Vegan friendly.
- Stacks safely with Performance Lab NutriGenesis Multi
Cons:
- Only available direct from the manufacturer
Read our Full Review of Performance Lab Energy
Our Guide to the Best Multivitamins for Women UK
All vitamins and minerals are important. In fact, our bodies require every single vitamin to stay healthy. We need large amounts of some nutrients such as vitamin C and vitamin D but only tiny amounts of others like vitamin B7.
When you’re choosing the right multivitamin for you, it’s crucial to know what vitamins and minerals are important for a woman’s physiology. The sexes benefit from nutrients in different ways. Likewise, women need more of certain vitamins and minerals than men and vice versa.
You won’t want to choose a unisex multivitamin that doesn’t consider that difference – if they won’t commit to different formulas for men and women, for instance, what else are they lacklustre about?
It’s also important to know the most beneficial vitamins and minerals for women so you can do your homework, and research which product is best for you. The following are influential nutrients to benefit you…
The Important Nutrients for Women…
Vitamin D and calcium
These work together to maintain strong bones, important for preventing future osteoporosis. Note that the NHS recommends supplementation of vitamin D, especially in the autumn and winter months. You can usually gain enough calcium from dairy foods and milk, so it’s not all-important in a multivitamin.
Iron
While men need smaller amounts of iron, menstruating women need more to prevent anaemia caused by blood loss. Look for a multivitamin that includes iron. Anything above 35% of daily recommended amount or NRV (Nutrient Reference Value) will be beneficial.
B Vitamins:
The B vitamins are useful for everyone, but folate and B12 in particular are very important for women. The B vitamins are all concerned with boosting energy and maintaining normal function – keeping the nervous system and brain working well. As we get older, our bodies absorb less B12, so supplementation is handy. Look for a multivitamin with a generous dosage of B-vitamins.
Folate
Also known as folic acid, pregnant women or those thinking of getting pregnant (or those who may fall pregnant) are advised to take folate to prevent birth defects in the baby (such as Spina Bifida). Note that studies show 40% of pregnancies worldwide are unplanned, so taking a multivitamin with decent levels of folate helps to prep the body just in case. (If you are pregnant, please follow your doctor’s advice).
It’s also worth noting that folic acid is useful to the body anyway, and low levels may increase the chances of anaemia, low bone density, and depression. Your body doesn’t store folic acid so taking it daily is beneficial.
Finally, iodine and magnesium are also important to women for many different reasons. Including helping to regulate blood sugar, blood pressure, reducing your risk of heart disease and preventing bone loss that could cause osteoporosis in later life.
The women’s multivitamins on this page cover all budgets and lifestyle choices. Look for products containing a wide range of micronutrients as these will meet more of your body’s needs, especially if they provide 100% of your daily value.
You require different amounts of each vitamin depending on your age, so we’ve also selected some excellent products for women over 50. You can find those here: Best Vitamins for Women Over 50 to Buy in the UK in 2024.