Vitamins for Women

What to look for in vitamins for women

A women's multivitamin usually differs from a general one in three places: more iron, folate as a standard ingredient, and often biotin, selenium or vitamin C for the claims about hair, nails and skin. When you compare products, read the nutrition table and the % NRV next to each nutrient. The plant extracts on the front of the box carry no authorised health claims.

Osavi Multivitamins and Minerals for Women

The formula also contains vitamins B1, B2, niacin and pantothenic acid, copper, manganese, chromium and molybdenum. The extras are coenzyme Q10, choline, inositol, a little lutein, and extracts of shatavari, Chinese angelica, cranberry and Japanese knotweed with black pepper extract.

Who the label is for

The Osavi label is unusually specific. It says the product is not for children, women of childbearing age, or pregnant or breastfeeding women, and that it is intended for healthy adults under 75. People who take medicines may use it only under a doctor's supervision. In practice that leaves women past childbearing age. If you are younger, a single-nutrient product may suit you better, for example iron or vitamin D.

EU claims for the nutrients in this formula

Each nutrient below reaches at least 15% of its NRV, so Regulation (EU) No 432/2012 allows its claims. A selection:

• Iron contributes to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue.
• Biotin contributes to the maintenance of normal hair.
• Selenium contributes to the maintenance of normal nails.
• Vitamin C contributes to normal collagen formation for the normal function of skin.
• Vitamin D contributes to the maintenance of normal bones.

These claims belong to the nutrients. A product with the same nutrients and no plant extracts would carry exactly the same ones.

Iron and folate in this formula

The 7 mg of iron is half the NRV of 14 mg. If you want a different amount, a separate iron product lets you choose the dose, and the iron page compares the forms. The folate is Quatrefolic®, a form of 5-methyltetrahydrofolate, at 600 µg, three times the NRV. Food adds more from leafy greens, legumes and fortified cereals.

Adding up with other products

Three capsules already give 50 µg of vitamin D, 200 µg of selenium and 6 mg of vitamin B6. EFSA's tolerable upper intake levels for adults are 100 µg of vitamin D, 255 µg of selenium and 12 mg of B6 a day from all sources. If you also take separate vitamin D, selenium or vitamins for hair, add up the totals before buying.

Questions

Which vitamins for women should I choose?

Start with what you need to add, then check that the label allows your age and situation. A multivitamin is convenient, but single products let you pick each dose.

Do you sell pregnancy vitamins?

Not yet. The Osavi formula is not suitable during pregnancy or breastfeeding. A pregnancy supplement should be chosen together with your doctor or midwife.

Is there a women's multivitamin for hair and skin?

The Osavi formula has biotin, selenium, zinc and vitamin C, all with authorised claims about hair, nails or skin. Single biotin, zinc and selenium products are under vitamins for hair.

When should I take it?

Three capsules a day after a meal, swallowed with water, as the label says.

How does it differ from the men's formula?

The men's version has vitamin A, more zinc (15 mg) and half the iron. See vitamins for men and all multivitamins.

Sources

• Regulation (EU) No 432/2012 (permitted health claims)
• Regulation (EU) No 1169/2011, Annex XIII (reference intakes)
• EFSA (2023): Scientific opinion on the tolerable upper intake level for vitamin D
• EFSA (2023): Scientific opinion on the tolerable upper intake level for selenium
• NIH Office of Dietary Supplements: Iron
• NIH Office of Dietary Supplements: Multivitamin/mineral supplements

Content reviewed by Inese Kalniņa, dietitian.

2026-09-11