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The best multivitamin supplements to give your body a boost and help you through cold season
Tested by 120 women over three months
Tested by Kim HawleyHealth and Fitness Tester
Multivitamin supplements contain a blend of essential vitamins, minerals and other health-boosting ingredients and can help fill the nutritional gaps in your diet.
They’re not a replacement for a well-balanced diet, but taking the best multivitamins can help you meet your recommended intake and support your overall wellbeing. Which is helpful as we approach the winter months and lurgy season.
But with countless brands to choose from, each offering a different mix of ingredients at varying price points, it can be difficult to know which is right for you. So, the Good Housekeeping Institute experts enlisted the help of Ruby Chauhan, AfN registered nutritionist at Calo and a panel of testers to find the supplements worth considering.
The best multivitamin supplements for women 2025
Whether you prefer classic tablets and capsules or want to try a spray or gummy, these are our top picks at a glance, with options for all budgets:
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Holland & Barrett ABC to Z Multivitamins & Minerals
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To find the best multivitamins for women, we tested a range of supplements from leading brands. We recruited 120 women to take them as advised for 12 weeks, and we asked Chauhan to review the ingredients and share her thoughts. We also surveyed our wide reader panel, asking those who have been taking the supplements featured in this round-up over an extended period about their experiences, helping us build up a picture of how they perform over time.
You’ll find a full breakdown of our rigorous testing process below our reviews, plus everything you need to know about choosing a multivitamin, with guidance from Dr Pallavi Bradshaw, chief medical officer at AXA Health.
Note, we always recommend consulting a medical professional before incorporating a new multivitamin supplement into your daily routine – especially if you have any underlying health conditions, are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Score: 83/100
What is it? Our top scorer from Boots proves that you don't have to pay through the nose for supplements. It contains a blend of 12 essential vitamins (including A, D3, E, C and folic acid) with added iron to fight fatigue and B12 to support energy and a healthy immune system. Each tablet provides at least 100% of your daily nutrient reference values (NRVs) to ensure you’re getting the top up you need.
Expert verdict: “This is a good choice for individuals seeking a convenient, affordable daily multivitamin with iron,” says Chauhan. The NRV balance is appropriate for a supplement and it has a good dose of iron to support energy, immune function, red blood cell production and general wellness. It’s suitable for vegetarians and free from artificial flavours and preservatives. Note, it does contain common forms of minerals, which are more affordable but less bioavailable (not as easy to absorb).
Panel feedback: Our testers and reader panel rated these multivitamins, praising the small tablets and travel-friendly bottle. Several noted a range of benefits after consistent use, including less fatigue and increased energy. “I was less restless and felt more energetic overall throughout the day,” said one. Another commented: “I feel healthy and get few colds now, and if I get them, they don’t last long.”
Key specs
| Recommended dosage | 1 tablet daily |
|---|---|
| Servings per container | 90 |
| Age | Adults and children over 12 |
Score: 79/100
What is it? Certified B Corp brand Wild Nutrition creates natural supplements specifically for women. Its daily blend features vitamins, minerals and adaptogenic herbs – including B vitamins, vitamin D, zinc, selenium, beetroot powder and ashwagandha – to help “maintain energy, balance and wellbeing throughout the day.” The brand describes the ingredients as “food grown” and says this makes the supplement more bioavailable, so the body is able to absorb it faster and more easily. It’s also made from responsibly sourced ingredients and is free from binders and fillers.
Expert verdict: “The formula is designed to support energy levels and reduce fatigue, with magnesium, iron and B6 delivering these benefits,” says Chauhan. She also rates the synergy between the ingredients, noting the inclusion of magnesium and B6 to aid mood balance and relieve stress, along with adaptogens saffron and shatavari to help with hormone balance.
Panel feedback: Testers liked the all-natural ingredients list and the fact that it’s designed with women’s bodies in mind. Some reported an improvement in their energy levels and reduced fatigue, while everyone loved the sleek packaging and detailed information available via a QR code. “I’m definitely glad I tried it,” said one panellist. A few grumbled about the smell and taste of the capsules, but that wasn’t a dealbreaker.
The brand also offers a multivitamin specifically for women over 45.
Key specs
| Recommended dosage | 2 capsules daily |
|---|---|
| Servings per container | 30 |
| Age | Women over 18 |
Score: 79/100
What is it? This vegan-friendly multivitamin features 34 essential vitamins, minerals and botanicals in their most bioavailable forms to support immunity, mood and wellbeing. The formula, which includes vitamins A, C, D and E, zinc, selenium, calcium and magnesium along with iron, inositol and potassium, is free from additives and synthetic ingredients. The brand also offers a 60-day guarantee, so you can get your money back if you don’t experience any benefits.
Expert verdict: “This supplement provides key vitamins and minerals that might be lacking in vegetarian and vegan diets,” says Chauhan. She confirms they’re included in bioavailable forms so the body can absorb them easily, and highlights the addition of CoQ10, an enzyme that plays an important role in allowing our cells to create energy. Note, it contains ferrous fumarate, which can cause gastrointestinal discomfort in some people.
Panel feedback: This plant-friendly multivitamin lived up to its claims for many testers, who cited benefits including more energy, better sleep and improvements to their skin, hair and nail health. “I feel these worked better than any multivitamin I've tried before,” noted one panellist, while another said: “I noted my sleep improving and I’ve had no colds or bugs since taking this multivitamin.” Testers also liked the slim bottle for easy storage, and said the pills were easy to swallow.
Key specs
| Recommended dosage | 1 capsule daily |
|---|---|
| Servings per container | 60 |
| Age | Adults over 18 |
Score: 78/100
What is it? Like Wild Nutrition, FreeSoul creates its supplements with women’s bodies in mind. This one serves up 27 nutrients for energy, immunity and daily support. There are vitamins B6, B12 and pantothenic acid to support energy-yielding metabolism, vitamins C, D and zinc to help maintain the immune system, plus marine collagen, hyaluronic acid and biotin for skin, hair and nail health.
Expert verdict: “This is best suited to women seeking daily nutritional support with added skin, hair and joint benefits,” says Chauhan. It contains 100% of your NRVs for key vitamins and minerals, plus it’s gluten-free and free from GMO ingredients.
Panel feedback: “I felt a lot less sluggish since taking these multivitamins,” one panellist commented. Another told us: “I felt a lot more energetic, plus my skin started to look better.” Others also noticed skin, hair and nail improvements, and said they had more energy during the day. The tablets are on the larger side, so something to bear in mind if that's a concern.
Key specs
| Recommended dosage | 2 capsules daily |
|---|---|
| Servings per container | 30 |
| Age | Adults over 18 |
Score: 75/100
What is it? Another budget-friendly option, this multivitamin has 23 essential vitamins and minerals to make up for any nutritional deficiency, including vitamin D, magnesium and calcium to support bone and muscle function. The tablets are suitable for vegetarians, and NRV levels range from 25-200% (more on this below).
Expert verdict: “This is for people seeking a basic, cost-effective all-in-one solution to support general health,” says Chauhan. It delivers a range of essential nutrients; however, it does use less absorbable mineral forms, which reduces overall bioavailability. Due to the high vitamin A content, it’s advisable to check with a healthcare professional if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding.
Panel feedback: Testers said it was easy to incorporate the one daily tablet into their routines and, despite the size, it was easy to swallow. The multivitamin earned positive reviews from our testers and reader panel, with benefits ranging from fewer colds and more energy to stronger joints and better sleep. “My hair and nails grew stronger, and my skin was clearer and I had fewer breakouts,” said one happy tester. Another told us: “I felt more energised while taking them.” Not everyone noticed any major differences, though, and some found the aroma of the tablets a little unpleasant.
Key specs
| Recommended dosage | 1 tablet daily |
|---|---|
| Servings per container | 30, 60, 120 or 240 |
| Age | Adults over 18 |
Score: 74/100
What is it? Created by scientists and dieticians, Vitals+ is loaded with 20 essential nutrients designed to support your mental and physical health. These include vitamin B12 and iron to help regulate tiredness, omega 3s for heart health, vitamins C, D and zinc for strong bones and zinc, biotin and vitamin E to support healthy skin, hair and nails. It’s vegan-friendly, free from fillers and artificial ingredients, and the delayed-release capsules are designed to maximise nutrient absorption.
Expert verdict: “Delayed-release capsules can protect ingredients from stomach acid, allowing them to be absorbed in the intestines where they are more efficiently utilised,” says Chauhan, adding that this also reduces the risk of gastrointestinal discomfort. She rates the addition of omega 3s to support energy release, reduce tiredness and fight inflammation and notes the supplement features active forms of B12 and folate, enhancing absorption and efficacy.
Panel feedback: Everyone liked the transparent bottle and praised the clear, detailed information on the product itself and via the Heights website. One tester said their energy levels had improved and thought their immune system felt stronger. Another commented: “My hair and nails have been growing really well.” Some panellists didn’t see any noticeable benefits, though.
Key specs
| Recommended dosage | 2 capsules daily |
|---|---|
| Servings per container | 30 |
| Age | Adults over 18 |
Score: 74/100
What is it? Also designed specifically for women, this multivitamin contains three different capsules to support the key areas of health including energy, immune system function, hormone regulation and bone health. There's one capsule for micronutrients, one for vitamin D and calcium, plus a high-strength omega 3-6-9 formula. It delivers 33 nutrients including evening primrose oil, vitamin B12, iron, calcium and more.
Expert verdict: “This is for women with busy, active lifestyles who need comprehensive nutritional support,” says Chauhan. “Perimenopausal or menopausal women in particular as it supports hormone balance.” She says it contains a full spectrum of micronutrients along with L-Carnitine, CoQ10 and green tea extract, which may offer antioxidant, metabolic and energy-supporting benefits. Note, mineral forms like magnesium oxide and zinc sulphate aren’t the most bioavailable, and the capsules feature bulking agents, which can cause GI discomfort for some.
Panel feedback: A number of panellists reaped the benefits after taking these capsules as instructed, and our reader panel were big fans too. Several said they had more sustained energy throughout the day, their sleep quality improved and their skin, hair and nails were healthier. Remembering to take three separate pills each day on top of other medication was a chore for some though.
Key specs
| Recommended dosage | 3 capsules daily |
|---|---|
| Servings per container | 28 |
| Age | Adults over 18 |
Score: 74/100
What is it? These tablets from Myvitamins provide 24 essential nutrients spanning calcium, vitamin C, iron, zinc and B vitamins to help you fill the gaps in your diet and support bodily functions including energy metabolism, cognitive health and immune function. You can opt for the classic formula or choose the vegan variety, which includes a blend of 22 vegan-friendly vitamins and minerals.
Expert verdict: According to Chauhan, this is a good pick if you’re budget conscious and seeking general multivitamin support. It includes a wide range of essential vitamins and minerals to boost your wellbeing, but calcium carbonate and magnesium oxide aren't the most bioavailable forms. It also contains bulking agents, anti-caking agents and colourants.
Panel feedback: Several testers said they would recommend this multivitamin, praising the small, easy-to-swallow tablets and clear instructions. Performance-wise, it also scored well. “I can honestly say I had more energy, and my knees were less troublesome,” said one panellist, while another told us: “My joints are not so sore, and my skin looks better.” Others noted stronger nails and said they generally felt better, too.
Key specs
| Recommended dosage | 2 tablets daily |
|---|---|
| Servings per container | 30, 90 |
| Age | Adults over 18 |
Score: 72/100
What is it? If you struggle with tablets and don’t fancy gummies either, consider this oral spray from certified BCorp brand, BetterYou. It’s packed with a blend of 14 essential vitamins and minerals including the full spectrum of B vitamins, vitamins A, C, D, K1, selenium and more. Simply spray four pumps on the insides of your cheeks and you’re good to go.
Expert verdict: “Mouth sprays bypass the digestive system delivering nutrients quickly into the bloodstream,” says Chauhan. “This can leader to faster and improved absorption.” That said, sprays can result in inconsistent delivery, and the product includes ingredients like xylitol, which can cause GI discomfort.
Panel feedback: Panellists said the spray was simple to take – you don’t need to have it with food, and there’s no need to keep a glass of water by your bed to swallow a tablet. Not everyone liked the blackcurrant and plum flavour, with some saying it was too strong. Still, many testers noticed the benefits, from better sleep to more energy, and said they would recommend it to others. “I have definitely been in good health, which I put down to using this product,” commented one.
Key specs
| Recommended dosage | 4 sprays daily |
|---|---|
| Servings per container | 32 |
| Age | Adults and children over 13 |
Score: 71/100
What is it? These fruity gummies are a good alternative to tablets and capsules. They feature pre-, pro- and post-biotic strains with two billion live bacteria to nurture your gut health. There’s also vitamin C to reduce tiredness and vitamin D to support immune system function.
Expert verdict: “A good start for those looking for a targeted gut and immune supplement,” notes Chauhan. It contains probiotics, which are clinically shown to support the gut barrier, reduce inflammation and support immune function, while the addition of vitamin D is good for bone health. Note, it doesn’t contain the full spectrum of micronutrients required from a balanced diet. Sweeteners including malitol, sorbitol and steviol glycosides may cause gastrointestinal distress in sensitive individuals.
Panel feedback: Testers appreciated the tasty gummies, which were easy to chew with a pleasant flavour. “They’re super convenient to take on the go, with no water needed,” said one. They did clump together in the bottle a bit, but this wasn’t a major issue. One reader said they had seen huge improvements to their gut health, while others weren’t able to pinpoint any major changes.
Key specs
| Recommended dosage | 1 gummy daily |
|---|---|
| Servings per container | 30 |
| Age | Adults over 18 |
How we tested multivitamin supplements
The Good Housekeeping Institute experts recruited 120 panel members to trial a range of multivitamin supplements from leading brands. Each product was tested by at least 10 women over a period of three months.
Panellists were asked to assess ease of use, taste and, crucially, whether they noticed any benefits or side effects after taking the supplements as instructed. They submitted their feedback via an in-depth survey.
We also asked nutritionist Ruby Chuahan, who is extremely knowledgeable about nutritional supplements, to analyse the ingredients in each multivitamin and highlight any potential benefits or contraindications.
Finally, we consulted our wider GH panel, asking readers who have been taking the supplements consistently for an extended period to share their honest thoughts, helping us to understand how popular brands measure up over time.
Why trust the Good Housekeeping Institute
At the Good Housekeeping Institute, we’ve been testing products – from the best treadmills and best walking boots to the best air fryers and best neck creams for over a century.
Kim Hawley the GHI’s lead tester for our multivitamin supplement review, is a level 4 qualified personal trainer, holds a nutrition qualification and has more than 20 years’ experience working in leading health clubs across the UK. She draws on her vast industry knowledge to develop strict testing protocols and analyse products against their claims.
Our sleep and wellness editor, Priyankaa Joshi, is also an expert in her field. She is currently completing her level 2 personal training qualification and has over seven years' experience researching and writing about the latest health and wellness launches.
For this test, as well as getting detailed feedback from 120 at-home testers, we also asked our extensive at-home reader panel to tell us how they thought the supplements performed over time, and we consulted a nutritionist to review each product and help you make an informed decision.
More expert-approved supplements
FAQs
Who should take a multivitamin supplement?
According to Dr Bradshaw, multivitamin supplements aren’t essential for everyone. “They are only relevant if you have a clinical need or are otherwise unable to meet the recommended daily amounts for your age and circumstances naturally,” she says.
For instance, those on a vegetarian or vegan diet may be at risk of deficiency in nutrients, which are primarily found in animal products like B12, while women with heavy periods may require iron supplementation. Multivitamin supplements may also be beneficial as we get older, as our bodies find it harder to absorb certain nutrients as we age.
How to choose a multivitamin supplement
“A multivitamin supplement should contain a range of essential vitamins and minerals, so look out for vitamins A, C, D, E and K, and B vitamins such as B6, B12 and folic acid,” advises Dr Bradshaw. “Minerals including magnesium, zinc, calcium and iron should ideally be in a multivitamin too.”
You should check that the supplement meets the recommended daily amount for nutrients by looking for the nutrient reference values (NRVs) on the label. Ideally, you want a multivitamin that provides 100% of the NRVs for most essential vitamins and minerals.
“It’s worth noting that going above the daily recommended amount won’t have a beneficial impact and could in fact cause detriment to your health," notes Bradshaw.
“Look for products that have been tested by credible third parties such as NSF International and British Pharmacopoeia,” she adds.
She also recommends assessing your diet and lifestyle and thinking about where you need to fill the gaps. For instance, everyone should consider supplementing with vitamin D (the recommended intake for anyone over the age of one is 10mcg) between March and October when we don't make enough from sunlight, as it's difficult to get what you need from diet alone.
Finally, consider which type of supplement would suit you best. If you’re not a fan of swallowing tablets, consider a liquid, spray or gummy.
Who should not take a multivitamin?
While multivitamin supplements are generally safe for most people, they’re not for everyone. “If you’re taking prescription medication, it’s essential to discuss this with your doctor to avoid any conflicts,” says Dr Bradshaw. “Vitamins such as iron can interfere with absorption of specific medications.”
Also exercise caution if you’re already taking other supplements as you don’t want to overdo it. “If, for example, you’re taking a multivitamin and a skin, hair and nails supplement’, you’re likely having too much of one or more components,” explains Dr Bradshaw.
“Anyone taking multiple supplements that haven’t been prescribed by a doctor, dietician or qualified practitioner should talk to a medical professional or dietician for advice.
When is the best time to take a multivitamin supplement?
Dr Bradshaw recommends taking your multivitamin supplement alongside a meal containing fat to aid the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins like vitamin D. “It’s best to take it at roughly the same time each day so you consistently get the nutrients and minerals you need,” she says.
The verdict on multivitamins
If you’re after an affordable multivitamin to meet your daily needs, our winner, Boots Multivitamins with Iron, is a reliable choice.
For those who follow a vegan diet, the Purolabs Multivitamins and Heights Vitals+ capsules will deliver the nutrients you might be lacking.
If you don’t enjoy swallowing pills, we recommend BetterYou’s Multivitamin Daily Oral Spray or the Bio-Kult 3-in-1 Biotic Blend Multivitamin Gummies.
Priyankaa is our sleep and wellness expert, specialising in expert-tested reviews and roundups on the latest health and fitness products. From walking boots to running machines, Priyankaa has written about hundreds of products and is passionate about providing in-depth, unbiased reviews. Plus, as an avid runner and gymgoer, she knows exactly what to look for when finding the right gymwear, fitness tracker or earphones.
Priyankaa has an MA in Magazine Journalism from Cardiff University and over five years’ experience in health and fitness journalism. Priyankaa has written for Stylist’s Strong Women Training Club, where she regularly wrote about diversity in the fitness industry, nutrition tips, training advice and her experience completing various fitness challenges. She has also written for a variety of publications including Business Insider, Glamour, Bustle, Metro, HuffPost UK, gal-dem and more. Outside of work, Priyankaa can usually be found trying out a new gym class, seeking out London's best eats or watching a Spanish TV show in a bid to keep up her language skills.
Kim Hawley is our health and fitness product tester. Her career in fitness has spanned over 30 years. Prior to joining the Good Housekeeping Institute, she worked as a personal trainer, writer and fitness instructor for some of London’s most prestigious health clubs, including The Harbour Club, David Lloyd and The Chelsea Club. Passionate about women’s health and fitness, especially in pre/post menopause, she is also a Level 4 PT and holds a professional nutritional qualification. Kim is responsible for rigorously testing everything from cross trainers to smart watches.
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