What are the Best Vitamin Supplements for Women?

Like people of both genders, women need to consume a balanced diet that includes plenty of vitamins and other nutrients that are necessary for good overall health. In some cases, however, women do not consume well-balanced diets and miss out on some of the most important vitamins for their gender. In such a case, a woman may take vitamin supplements in order to fill in the gaps in her diet. Among the best vitamin supplements for women are vitamins C, D, E, folic acid and niacin.

Vitamin C is one of the best vitamin supplements for women. It helps to boost a woman’s immune system, which may help keep her healthy enough to perform all of the tasks required of her each day. It may also help prevent heart disease, cancer, and other serious health problems.

Vitamin D, nicknamed the sunshine vitamin, is also among the best vitamin supplements for women. The body creates vitamin D from sunlight, but many women aren’t in the sun long enough to benefit from it and fail to get enough of it from food. Taking it as a supplement may lower a woman’s risk of osteoporosis, encourage strong bones, and help reduce a woman's risk of developing autoimmune disorders. It may also prove helpful in preventing muscle weakness, some types of cancers, and disease of the cardiovascular system.

Vitamin E supplements may prove beneficial for women as well, preventing cancer and heart disease and contributing to skin, hair, and nail health. Women have to be careful with how much they use, however, as too much can actually prove damaging. When possible, a woman may do well to get most of her vitamin E from dietary sources and then supplement, if necessary, with an amount her doctor says is safe.

Also among the best vitamin supplements for women is niacin. One of the B-complex vitamins, niacin is helpful for improving metabolism, bad cholesterol levels, and even circulation. This supplement may even prove helpful for women who are hoping to raise their levels of good cholesterol.

Folic acid, also a B vitamin, is a vitamin supplement that is particularly vital for women of child-bearing years. Research shows that folic acid is critical for preventing birth defects, especially neural tube defects. In order to be effective, however, this vitamin must be taken during the initial weeks of pregnancy. Many doctors recommend its use prior to pregnancy as well.