Best Multivitamin for Women UK: What to Look For

Updated 25 October 2026 by the GUUDIES Editorial Team. Sources: NHS vitamins and minerals guidance, linked throughout.

The short answer: the best multivitamin for women in the UK is one that gives proper amounts of the nutrients UK women most often run low on, which are iron, vitamin D, folic acid (if you could become pregnant), iodine and B12, and that lists every dose on the label. A pink pack and a long list of botanicals in tiny amounts do not make a formula better for women.

Do women need different vitamins to men?

Yes, but only for a handful of nutrients. Periods, pregnancy and typical UK eating patterns mean iron, folic acid, iodine and vitamin D matter more for women of reproductive age. Most other advice is the same for everyone. The useful question is not whether a product is labelled for women, but whether it covers those nutrients at meaningful doses.

NHS daily amounts for women at a glance

The table below shows the NHS daily amounts for women aged 19 to 64, and what our own Daily Greens+ gummy provides, so you can see exactly where it helps and where it does not.

Nutrient	NHS daily amount (women 19 to 64)	GUUDIES Daily Greens+ gummy
Iron	14.8mg (19 to 50); 8.7mg (50+)	None
Vitamin D	10µg in autumn and winter (supplement advised)	20µg
Folic acid	400µg if you could become pregnant	None
Vitamin B12	1.5µg	24µg
Iodine	140µg	38µg
Magnesium	270mg	None
Calcium	700mg	None
Zinc	7mg	2.75mg
Vitamin C	40mg	80mg
Vitamin A	600µg	800µg (as retinol)

Sources: NHS pages on iron, vitamin D, B vitamins and folic acid, calcium, vitamin A and other vitamins and minerals. Daily Greens+ amounts are from our Daily Greens+ label.

The key vitamins for women, one by one

Iron

Iron contributes to the normal formation of red blood cells and haemoglobin, and to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue. Monthly blood loss is why women aged 19 to 50 need 14.8mg a day against 8.7mg for men and for women after menopause. Red meat, beans, lentils, tofu, fortified cereals and dark leafy greens are the main food sources, and vitamin C increases iron absorption from plant foods. Do not take high-dose iron without a reason: if you think you are low, ask your GP for a blood test first. GUUDIES does not contain iron, so if you need it, take it separately on your GP's advice.

Vitamin D

Vitamin D contributes to the maintenance of normal bones, normal muscle function and the normal function of the immune system. In the UK the sun is not strong enough for your skin to make it from roughly October to early March, so the NHS advises everyone to consider a daily 10µg supplement in autumn and winter. Oily fish, eggs and fortified foods help, but a supplement is the reliable route. Our vitamin D3 sits in the Daily Greens+ gummy at 20µg.

Folic acid

Folate contributes to maternal tissue growth during pregnancy. The NHS advises anyone who could become pregnant to take 400µg of folic acid a day before conception and for the first 12 weeks, to reduce the risk of neural tube defects. This is the one point where women-specific advice is not optional. GUUDIES does not contain folic acid.

Vitamin B12

Vitamin B12 contributes to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue and to the normal function of the immune system. It is found almost only in animal foods, so anyone eating little meat, and every vegan, needs a reliable source such as fortified foods or a supplement. Daily Greens+ provides 24µg. We cover the detail in our vegan B12 guide.

Iodine

Iodine contributes to the normal production of thyroid hormones and normal thyroid function. Milk, dairy and white fish are the main UK sources, so intake can fall if you cut back on them. The NHS puts the adult need at about 140µg a day. Seaweed varies hugely in strength, so a measured amount is safer than guesswork. Daily Greens+ provides 38µg, a top-up rather than the full amount.

Magnesium

Magnesium contributes to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue, normal muscle function and normal psychological function. Women need 270mg a day, and nuts, seeds, wholegrains and leafy greens are the best sources. Because it is bulky, very few gummies can carry a meaningful amount; GUUDIES does not include it. Our magnesium gummies guide explains why.

Calcium and vitamin K

Calcium is needed for the maintenance of normal bones, and vitamin K contributes to the maintenance of normal bones too. The NHS recommends 700mg of calcium a day, mostly from dairy, fortified plant milks, tofu and tinned fish with bones. This matters more after menopause. Daily Greens+ includes vitamin K2 (80µg) but no calcium.

Omega-3

DHA contributes to the maintenance of normal brain function and normal vision, and EPA and DHA contribute to the normal function of the heart (each with 250mg a day). The NHS suggests at least one portion of oily fish a week. If you rarely eat it, a fish or algae oil is a reasonable top-up.

Zinc and vitamin C

Zinc and vitamin C both contribute to the normal function of the immune system, and vitamin C contributes to normal collagen formation for the normal function of skin. Women need about 7mg of zinc and 40mg of vitamin C a day. Daily Greens+ provides 2.75mg of zinc (as bisglycinate) and 80mg of vitamin C.

Best vitamins for women by life stage

In your 20s

Iron, vitamin D and, if pregnancy is possible, folic acid. Add B12 if you eat little meat. Skip expensive extras you do not need yet.

In your 30s

The same core. If you are trying to conceive, folic acid (400µg) and vitamin D (10µg) move to the top, and iodine deserves attention.

In your 40s and perimenopause

Once periods stop, iron needs fall to 8.7mg a day. Bone health moves up, so calcium, vitamin D and vitamin K matter more. Our perimenopause supplements guide goes deeper.

Pregnancy and trying to conceive

Take 400µg of folic acid a day from before conception to 12 weeks, and 10µg of vitamin D a day throughout. The NHS advises pregnant women not to take supplements containing vitamin A as retinol. Daily Greens+ contains vitamin A as retinol, so GUUDIES is not suitable during pregnancy; use a pregnancy-specific supplement and speak to your midwife or GP.

How to choose a women's multivitamin: a five-point checklist

1. Every dose on the label. If a brand will not list amounts per serving, assume they are small.
2. Meaningful amounts of the nutrients above. For example, vitamin D at 10µg or more in winter.
3. Good forms. Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) rather than D2, and minerals such as zinc bisglycinate rather than the cheapest oxides.
4. Right for your stage of life. Folic acid if you could become pregnant; no retinol in pregnancy.
5. Low sugar and no sugar alcohols if you choose gummies, since you will take them every day.

Do you need a separate women's multivitamin?

Not necessarily. What matters is whether a product covers the nutrients above at the right doses for you. A formula labelled for women is only better if its label shows that. Read the back of the pack, not the front.

Where GUUDIES fits

GUUDIES is a daily pouch of six pectin-based gummies. One of them, Daily Greens+, carries fourteen vitamins and minerals, including 20µg of vitamin D3, B12, vitamin K2, iodine and zinc, plus a 200mg greens blend. The other five are Marine Collagen with biotin (biotin contributes to the maintenance of normal hair and skin), a five-mushroom mix, sea moss, apple cider vinegar and saffron with lemon and blood orange. Five of the six are vegan; Marine Collagen contains fish. Each gummy has around 0.4g of sugar and no maltitol.

To be clear about what it is not: GUUDIES does not contain iron, folic acid, magnesium or calcium, and it is not for use in pregnancy. If you need those, add them separately on your GP's or pharmacist's advice. See the GUUDIES daily pouch.

Common questions

What is the best multivitamin for women in the UK?

The one that covers iron, vitamin D, folic acid (if you could become pregnant), iodine and B12 at meaningful doses, lists every amount, and suits your life stage. There is no single best product for everyone.

What vitamins should a woman take daily in the UK?

The NHS advises everyone to consider 10µg of vitamin D a day in autumn and winter, and anyone who could become pregnant to take 400µg of folic acid a day. Other nutrients, such as iron and B12, depend on your diet; check with your GP if you think you are low.

Which vitamins are women most likely to be low in?

Iron is the most common for women of reproductive age, followed by vitamin D in winter, iodine and, for those eating little meat, B12. A GP blood test is the right first step before taking iron.

Can I take a multivitamin while pregnant?

Only one made for pregnancy. Take 400µg of folic acid and 10µg of vitamin D a day, and avoid supplements containing vitamin A as retinol, including GUUDIES. Speak to your midwife or GP.

Do women need a special women's multivitamin?

No. A product labelled for women is only better if it actually covers the nutrients women need at the right doses.

Related reading

Supplements for perimenopause UK · Women's multivitamin gummies UK · Vitamin D deficiency symptoms UK · Full ingredient breakdown