4 Supplements That Most Women Need

Today is International Women’s Day! Every year on March 8, events are held around the world to celebrate and empower women. So what better day for us to talk about a few of the top supplements that help promote women’s health?

If you've wondered what the best supplements for women over 30, over 45, over 50 and younger tend to be, the following are some of the most common that women in the United States are deficient in.

Iron

Iron deficiency can be very common in women of childbearing age, leading to fatigue. A simple supplemental timed-release iron can help to boost energy levels in women with low iron levels. If you aren’t sure if you need an iron supplement, you can have a Anemia Blood Panel done.

Folic Acid

Folic acid is the man-made form of folate, a B vitamin. Folate is found naturally in certain fruits, vegetables and nuts. Folic acid is found in vitamins and fortified foods. Folic acid and folate help the body make healthy new red blood cells. Red blood cells carry oxygen to all the parts of your body. If your body does not make enough red blood cells, you can develop anemia. Anemia happens when your blood cannot carry enough oxygen to your body, which makes you pale, tired or weak. Also, if you do not get enough folic acid, you could develop a type of anemia called folate-deficiency anemia.

According to the Office on Women’s Health, there are some groups of women who are particularly at risk of being deficient in folic acid.

• Women who can get pregnant need more folic acid (400 to 800 micrograms).
• Nearly 1 in 3 African-American women does not get enough folic acid each day.
• Spanish-speaking Mexican-American women often do not get enough folic acid.

Not getting enough folic acid can cause health problems, including folate-deficiency anemia, and problems during pregnancy for the mom and baby.

Bone-Building Vitamins and Minerals

During their lifetimes, at least 1 in 2 American women will suffer a fracture from osteoporosis. Good nutrition can help, but calcium alone isn’t going to do the trick. Studies show that supplementation of the average American diet is recommended for vitamin D, calcium, magnesium, silicon, vitamin K and boron, all of which are all important for bone health. Pathway Bone Guardian is a formulation of 12 vitamins, minerals and co-factors needed by the body to build and maintain strong bones and joints. Because it contains a natural hydroxyapatite form of calcium, it provides protein and other ingredients that comprise the organic portion of bone. Plus, it has been shown to be especially well-absorbed by the body, an essential benefit, since our ability to absorb calcium and other minerals typically declines with age.

Vitamin D

Even though vitamin D is certainly helpful for bones, its benefits reach almost every part of the body. Research also suggests that vitamin D is associated with a reduced risk of developing breast cancer, as well as other types of cancers. It plays a role in our immune system and cardiovascular health, as well. Experts agree that it can be nearly impossible to get enough from our diets and sunlight, especially in many parts of North America, so supplements can be helpful.

Remember, this is just a small sampling of the many health-promoting supplements for women, from these core nutrients to the best herbal supplements women may add later. If you have questions regarding which supplements are best for you, talk to one of our nutritionists.

It's a reminder that among the vitamin supplements women over 40 need, vitamin D rarely works alone. Many people land somewhere between 1,000 and 2,000 IU daily, though the right amount depends on your blood level. A straightforward test for 25-hydroxyvitamin D will solve the dilemma.

Supplements Women Need at Every Decade

Because your body’s nutritional requirements change as you age, you may need to switch up your multivitamin too. Folate and iron are usually high on the list of nutrients you’ll want in your 20s, particularly if you’re of childbearing age. As you head into your 30s and beyond, calcium, magnesium, and vitamin D start getting more important in your 40s and 45, when absorption slows down a bit. Because the best vitamins for women depend on what you need at any given time, check in every few years to make sure you’re still on track.

Frequently Asked Questions

What supplements women should take?

On a daily basis, women who can get pregnant need more folic acid, between 400 and 800 micrograms, to support the creation of healthy red blood cells. Many people land somewhere between 1,000 and 2,000 IU of vitamin D daily, though the right amount depends on your blood level, so testing first helps you find what you need each day.

Why do women of childbearing age need iron supplements?

Iron deficiency can be very common in women of childbearing age and may lead to fatigue, since menstruating women are among those most affected worldwide. A simple timed-release iron can help boost energy levels in women with low iron, and a timed-release form is sometimes easier on the stomach. Village Green always recommends testing first, such as an Anemia Blood Panel, because iron overdose is not something to play with.

How do women's supplement needs change with age and decades?

Your body's nutritional requirements change as you age, so your multivitamin may need to change too. Folate and iron are usually high on the list in your 20s, especially if you're of childbearing age. Heading into your 30s and beyond, calcium, magnesium, and vitamin D grow more important in your 40s and around 45, when absorption slows a bit. Because the right vitamins depend on your needs, check in every few years to stay on track.

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.