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Multivitamins for women over 50 may fill nutrient gaps in people’s diets. Women over 50 have different vitamin and mineral needs compared to younger women.
- Best for organic ingredients: New Chapter Every Woman’s One Daily 55+ Multivitamin | Skip to review
- Best multivitamin with a probiotic: Garden of Life Vitamin Code 50 and Wiser Women Capsules |Skip to review
- Best mini-tablet: Rainbow Light 50+ Mini-Tablet Food-Based Multivitamin | Skip to review
- Best for calcium and magnesium: Thorne Women’s Multi 50+ | Skip to review
- Best for gummies: SmartyPants Women’s Masters 50+ Multivitamin | Skip to review
- Best for a subscription service: care/of Multivitamin | Skip to review
- Best for traceable ingredients: Ritual Essential for Women Multivitamin 50+ | Skip to review
- Best for affordable multivitamins: 21st Century Sentry Senior Women’s 50+ | Skip to review
- Best for vitamin B12: One A Day Women’s 50+ Complete Multivitamin | Skip to review
Supplement use is common in the United States, with
This article discusses what multivitamins are, whether they are necessary for women over 50 years of age, and some of the best multivitamins for people in this age group.
Males and females often benefit from differing vitamin and mineral types, quantities, and combinations. With this in mind, some pharmaceutical companies develop specific formulas of supplements, vitamins, shakes, and health bars to benefit either male or female biology. A person should discuss their options with a doctor or healthcare professional who can help them decide, and choose the product they feel works best for them and their needs.
Multivitamins are nutritional supplements that contain a blend of different vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients. There is
Manufacturers may specially formulate multivitamins to address specific nutritional needs, such as for athletes and vegans, and health concerns, such as fertility vitamins. Other multivitamins are general-purpose.
However, people should not rely solely on multivitamins for the nutrients they need. People should always try to consume enough vitamins and minerals through a balanced diet.
Multivitamins can be helpful for people who have difficulty meeting all their nutritional needs through diet alone. These products
However, people should always contact a healthcare professional for advice before taking a multivitamin supplement. In most cases, a person can reach the recommended daily intake of vitamins and minerals through a balanced diet.
While
A person’s nutrition needs change as they age. Females over the age of 50 may need supplementation for the following nutrients:
- Calcium: Females over 50 years require
1,200 milligrams (mg) of calcium per day compared to the 1,000 mg necessary for adult females aged 19–50. - Vitamin B6: Females over 50 years also need more vitamin B6. People in this age group should aim to consume
1.5 mg per day. Additionally, older people are athigher risk of developing a vitamin B6 deficiency. - Vitamin B12: Many older adults find it
more difficult to absorb vitamin B12 from food due to a decrease in stomach acid secretion. This increases the risk of a severe vitamin B12 deficiency, and healthcare professionals may recommend supplementation. - Vitamin D: Older adults are
more at risk of developing a vitamin D deficiency.
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The following are some of the best multivitamins for women over 50 years of age.
Please note that the writer of this article has not tried these products. All information presented is purely research-based and correct at the time of publication.
Medical News Today follows a strict product selection and vetting process. Learn more here.
Best for organic ingredients: New Chapter Every Woman’s One Daily 55+ Multivitamin
- Price: around $62
- Count: 48 tablets
- Dose: one tablet daily
This vitamin contains vitamins B, C, D3, and K2, plus organic turmeric, peppermint, and red clover.
This product has the following certifications:
- ICS certified organic
- Non-GMO Project Verified
- NSF certified gluten-free
It is also suitable for vegetarians.
New Chapter states this supplement is suitable to take on an empty stomach.
Pros
- has multiple certifications
- suitable for vegetarians
- contains several vitamins, herbs, and vegetables
Cons
- more expensive than some other multivitamins
- some reviewers state they did not feel any additional benefits when compared to drugstore products
- contains nutrients such as zinc oxide and magnesium oxide that are not in bioavailable forms, meaning the body cannot absorb the nutrients
Best multivitamin with a probiotic: Garden of Life Vitamin Code 50 and Wiser Women Capsules
- Price: around $43
- Count: 120 capsules
- Dose: four capsules daily
This supplement contains more than 20 different fruits and vegetables. Along with vitamins and minerals, it contains a probiotic and enzyme blend, which the manufacturer states makes it easier to digest.
This multivitamin is free from:
- synthetic binders
- fillers
- artificial flavors
- sweeteners
- colors
- additives
This product is also Non-GMO Project Verified, NSF Certified gluten-free, and Kosher.
Pros
- contains ingredients free from additives, artificial flavors, and synthetic binders
- non-GMO, gluten-free, and kosher
- less expensive per capsule than some other brands
Cons
- does not contain magnesium
- requires people to take four capsules per day
Best mini-tablet: Rainbow Light 50+ Mini-Tablet Food-Based Multivitamin
- Price: around $23
- Count: 90 mini-tablets
- Dose: three mini-tablets daily
This supplement contains vitamins and minerals such as vitamin D, CoQ10, B-complex, spirulina, and probiotics.
Rainbow Light states that this multivitamin may help promote immune, bone, brain, and eye health.
Additionally, the company states this product is allergy-friendly and does not contain gluten, wheat, milk, tree nuts, peanuts, eggs, or shellfish.
Pros
- allergy-friendly
- has superfoods, probiotics, and plant-based enzymes
- mini-tablets may be easier to swallow than some products
Cons
- some reviewers state they did not notice any difference when taking these multivitamins in comparison to cheaper options
- people must take three mini-tablets per day
Best for calcium and magnesium: Thorne Women’s Multi 50+
- Price: around $48
- Count: 180 capsules
- Dose: 6 capsules daily
Thorne claims that this supplement features optimal amounts of calcium and magnesium. In addition, this multivitamin contains vitamin D, B vitamins, zinc, and antioxidants, which may help support general health.
The company also states that it uses highly absorable forms of calcium and magnesium.
This product is only suitable for those who are at low risk of iron deficiency, such as males and post-menopausal females.
Pros
- highly absorbable forms of calcium and magnesium
- capsules may be easier to swallow than tablets
Cons
- requires six capsules per day
- not suitable for people who require copper and iron
Best for gummies: SmartyPants Women’s Masters 50+ Multivitamin
- Price: around $17
- Count: 120 gummies
- Dose: four gummies daily
SmartyPants formulates this supplement with 17 important nutrients, including vitamins B12 and D3 and omega-3 fatty acids. Additionally, this multivitamin is iron-free and third-party lab-tested.
These gummies have lemon, blueberry, and orange flavor. They are non-GMO and are free from most common allergens, including shellfish and tree nuts.
SmartyPants states that these gummies are suitable for consumption with or without food.
Pros
- gummies are an alternative for people who have difficulty swallowing pills and tablets
- a less expensive option
Cons
- requires people to consume four gummies per day
- each serving of four gummies contains 6 grams (g) or added sugar, equating to 1.5 teaspoons
Best for a subscription service: care/of Multivitamin
- Price: $15
- Count: 60 tablets
- Dose: two tablets daily
The manufacturer states it formulated this product to address gaps in a person’s diet without adding too much of what they are already consuming.
Additionally, this multivitamin is non-GMO, vegetarian, and gluten-free.
The company claims that it uses high-quality ingredients in an easily absorbable form. It is also free from most major allergens, including eggs, sesame, wheat, and tree nuts.
Learn more about care/of here.
Pros
- contains several nutrients a person may need
- allergen-friendly
- non-GMO and vegetarian
Cons
- not specifically for people over 50
- subscription service and some people may prefer the option to buy multivitamins as a once-off purchase
Best for traceable ingredients: Ritual Essential for Women Multivitamin 50+
- Price: $39
- Count: 60 capsules
- Dose: two capsules daily
All the ingredients in this multivitamin are traceable, so a person knows where each ingredient comes from. They are also non-GMO.
Ritual states that this multivitamin can help support healthy aging, including normal immune function, bone support, and muscle function.
The company also uses recovered newspaper and plant fibers, and recycled bottles, to package its products. This helps make the multivitamins more sustainable.
Pros
- uses sustainable packaging
- uses traceable ingredients
- has a slow-release design, which may help promote absorption
- suitable for vegans and free from major allergens
Cons
- does not contain calcium, vitamin C, or vitamin B6
- subscription service
Best for affordable multivitamins: 21st Century Sentry Senior Women’s 50+
- Price: $7.99
- Count: 100 tablets
- Dose: one tablet daily
This multivitamin contains more than 20 vitamins and minerals, ranging from vitamin A to zinc. It includes key nutrients such as vitamins D3 and B12, plus calcium and lutein for bone and eye health.
These vitamins are unflavored, and the company states they are banana-free. According to the company, it does not use GMO ingredients, yeast, gluten, or artificial flavors.
Pros
- affordable option
- low daily dose of one tablet
- non-GMO and gluten-free
Cons
- tablets are reportedly large and can be difficult to swallow
- contains iron, which post-menopausal females may not need
Best for vitamin B12: One A Day Women’s 50+ Complete Multivitamin
- Price: around $18
- Count: 200 tablets
- Dose: one tablet daily
One A Day states that this multivitamin offers a complete supplement, as it contains several vitamins and minerals, including over 1,000% of a person’s recommended vitamin B12 intake.
The company also states that this supplement may help support immune health and metabolism.
Pros
- has a large amount of vitamin B12, which some older adults are deficient in
- a less expensive option than many other multivitamins
Cons
- some reviewers state the large tablets are difficult to swallow
- contains artificial colors and fillers
- contains nutrients with low bioavailability, such as zinc oxide and sodium selenite
The following table compares the multivitamins in this article.
| Type of vitamin | Count | Dose | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Chapter | tablets | 48 tablets | one daily | around $62 |
| Garden of Life | capsules | 120 capsules | four daily | around $43 |
| Rainbow Light | mini-tablets | 90 mini-tablets | three daily | around $23 |
| Thorne | capsules | 180 capsules | six daily | around $48 |
| SmartyPants | gummies | 120 gummies | four daily | around $17 |
| care/of | tablets | 60 tablets | two daily | $15 |
| Ritual | capsules | 60 capsules | two daily | $39 |
| 21st Century | tablets | 100 tablets | one daily | $7.99 |
| One A Day | tablets | 65 tablets | one daily | $12 |
Females over the age of 50 years who require multivitamins may consider looking for a supplement that contains a blend of the following nutrients:
- calcium
- vitamin D
- vitamin B6
- vitamin B12
People should always seek the advice of a healthcare professional before purchasing multivitamins.
People should consult a physician before starting to take a nutritional supplement. Most people get all the nutrients they need by eating a balanced diet.
However, older people may find it difficult to consume enough nutrients through their diet alone. For example, older adults may be
Taking too much of some nutrients can have adverse side effects. People should ensure that they discuss a supplement plan with a doctor to find the right multivitamins for their health needs.
Below are some frequently asked questions about multivitamins for women over 50 years of age.
When is the best time to take a multivitamin?
Some companies may recommend taking the supplement with a meal. Other supplements may be suitable to take on an empty stomach.
People should always follow the manufacturer’s instructions when taking a multivitamin.
What is a good dosage for multivitamins?
According to the
People with specific health issues should discuss any concerns and how their conditions may affect supplement use with a healthcare professional.
What are the side effects of taking multivitamins?
Most people who take multivitamins do so without side effects, although some users report stomach pain, particularly if they take multivitamins on an empty stomach.
People taking blood thinners such as warfarin should talk with a doctor before taking multivitamins, as some nutrients, such as vitamin K, interfere with their effectiveness.
Most people do not need multivitamins, as they consume the number of nutrients they need through their diet. However, physicians may recommend that some females aged over 50 years take supplements to reduce the risk of vitamin deficiencies, such as vitamin B12 and vitamin D.
There are many different multivitamins for women over 50 available to purchase online. People should always seek the advice of a healthcare professional before taking dietary supplements to ensure they do not interact with medications.