While taking vitamins is on many of our healthy to-do lists, popping five different pills every morning or night can feel daunting and time-consuming. Luckily, this is where multivitamins come in handy—especially for women over 40. “As we age, our skin (like everything in life) goes through changes. Some of these changes can include dryness, loss of elasticity, and wrinkles. The most important aspects to look for when picking your supplement include ingredient quality, dosage, and absorption,” says Jamie Maitland, certified holistic nutritionist, author of The 21 Day Reset Cookbook, and founder of The Office Health. Amy Lee, M.D., head of nutrition at Nucific, adds that while the body becomes less efficient in performing certain functions through the process of aging, multivitamins can be a big help in getting back up to speed.
With so many multivitamins available, choosing the right one to support your health needs can feel overwhelming. To help, we analyzed the most popular options available while gaining insights from health and wellness professionals. Read on to discover the best multivitamins that will help you feel ready to seize the day.
What is the purpose of a multivitamin?
“The purpose of a multivitamin is to fill the ‘nutritional gaps’ that you might not get from food. They can provide a combination of essential vitamins and minerals that can support bone health, possibly enhance energy levels, and support heart health. However, we don’t always absorb them effectively. The way we absorb multivitamins can be affected by a few different factors such as formulation and quality of ingredients used, (this absolutely matters!), bioavailability, food interaction, personal health factors and dosage, just to give a few examples.” —Maitland
PHOTO: GNC
Why We Love It: These highly-rated vitamins are one of dietitian and “Fueled” podcast host Molly Kimball, RD’s favorites. These vitamins contain choline, GABA, and Inositol to support brain health and function, as well as biotin for healthy hair, skin, and nails.
Who It’s For: Anyone who wants a comprehensive multivitamin would do well to choose this pick. “Love these vitamins, can tell a huge difference in how I feel,” one customer raved.
Formula: Caplets | Benefits: Immune support, brain health, beauty | Number of Pills: 90; 45 day supply
PHOTO: Amazon
Why We Love It: Another one of Kimball’s go-to brands, these Garden of Life organic whole food gummies contain organic Black Cohosh, organic Pacran whole food cranberry, and 800IU Vegan D3 vitamin to support women’s health. And they have over 6,600 ratings averaging 4.6 stars.
Who It’s For: Those looking for an effective organic option in the multivitamin space will find what they’re looking for with this pick. “Love these vitamins,” one customer raved. “I started taking them after I gave birth to my son. My hair was falling out like crazy, my nails were weak, I had no energy, no appetite, and I looked very weak and pale. After taking these, I noticed a difference right away. My hair stopped falling out, my nails are stronger, I regained my energy, my appetite came back, and I look and feel much healthier now. They taste great too.”
Formula: Gummies | Benefits: Supports overall health and wellbeing | Number of Pills: 120; 30 day supply
PHOTO: Amazon
Why We Love It: These 4.6-star rated vitamins contain superfoods like ginger, turmeric, and fenugreek and have garnered over 8,600 ratings on Amazon.
Who It’s For: As we head into the chillier months, those who constantly feel on the edge of getting sick will appreciate this cold-fighting multivitamin. “These vitamins have contributed to my enhanced energy level, mood, motivation, clear skin, fuller hair, and all-around great health,” one customer praised.
Formula: Vegetarian tablets | Benefits: Foundational health, cellular energy support, immune support, collagen protection | Number of Pills: 96; 96 day supply
PHOTO: Amazon
Why We Love It: These 4.6-star rated tablets contain over 20 vitamins and minerals formulated for women over 40.
Who It’s For: Those who can’t stand vitamins with an aftertaste (and want to improve their bone health) will enjoy this pick. “No bad taste and doesn’t give me an upset stomach when I take them. I’ve tried so many vitamins,” said an Amazon reviewer.
Formula: Capsules | Benefits: Healthy immune system function, sleep and energy levels, thyroid health, bone health | Number of Pills: 90; 30 day supply
PHOTO: Amazon
Why We Love It: Formulated by Amazon’s Amazon Elements, these highly-rated multivitamins contain 21 vitamins and minerals and a botanical blend specifically created for women.
Who It’s For: Plant-based people will appreciate the benefits of this botanical blend. One reviewer wrote, “I have taken them daily for the past two months. I love that it’s just one pill daily and I’ve noticed more energy, fewer night sweats, and overall feel better!”
Formula: Tablets | Benefits: General wellness | Number of Pills: 65; 65 day supply
PHOTO: Amazon
Why We Love It: The internet’s favorite supplement and vitamin subscription company has formulated the perfect multivitamin for women over 40 containing vitamins D, E, K, magnesium, and more.
Who It’s For: Those starting or well on their way through the journey of menopause would do well to pick this nourishing option. “I’m on my second month of Ritual vitamins and love them!” raved a customer. “It has pared down all the supplements I used to take and I feel great!”
Formula: Delayed-release capsules | Benefits: Immune function, heart health, bone support, muscle function | Number of Pills: 60; 30 day supply
PHOTO: Vimerson
Why We Love It: These non-GMO, gluten, dairy, and soy-free vitamins support immune and digestive, as well as heart health and blood circulation.
Who It’s For: These multivitamins are not specifically targeted to women over 40, but they are made with safe and gentle ingredients without hormones or preservatives—and make your hair, skin, and nails look great, too. One reviewer wrote, “These vitamins have almost everything I could ask for in a multivitamin.”
Formula: Capsules | Benefits: Increased energy and focus, better hair, skin, and nails | Number of Pills: 60; 30 day supply
PHOTO: Natures-way
Why We Love It: These Nature’s Way Alive vitamins contain high potency B-vitamins and have a whopping 24,000-plus ratings on Amazon with a 4.6-star average.
Who It’s For: Anyone looking out for their heart health would do well to pick this supportive multivitamin. The Women’s 50+ supplements have received high praise with one reviewer writing, “I was very surprised when after my first one of these, I felt a MAJOR difference in my energy level. My anxiety has decreased substantially.”
Formula: Tablets | Benefits: Promotes health heart, brain, and bones | Number of Pills: 60; 60 day supply
PHOTO: Pureencapsulationspro
Why We Love It: These supplements were formulated to support breast cell health, eye integrity, urinary tract health, and emotional health, specifically for women over the age of 40.
Who It’s For: Those with a history of breast cancer should consider this precautionary pick. “I have been taking only one tablet daily (instead of three recommended) for the last two weeks, and I noticed a definite increase in energy and wellbeing,” said one fan.
Formula: Capsules | Benefits: Antioxidant support, breast health, moderates stress | Number of Pills: 180 or 360; 60 day and 120 day supply
PHOTO: Amazon
Why We Love It: These gummies support brain function with a Super 8 B Vitamin complex and also contain vitamins A, C, and E.
Who It’s For: Anyone looking to stretch their knowledge would do well to select this brain-boosting pick. “These get me the nutrients I am missing in my daily diet,” said one buyer.
Formula: Gummies | Benefits: Antioxidant support | Number of Pills: 110; 110 day supply
What to Keep in Mind
Ingredients: “If you have mature skin, look for the following qualities and ingredients below,” says Maitland:
Antioxidants: Ingredients like vitamins C and E help protect the skin from oxidative stress and promote a brighter complexion. :
Vitamin A: This is essential for regenerating new cells and maintaining skin texture. Vitamin A supports elasticity and can help improve the overall appearance of fine lines.
Vitamin B: B vitamins, particularly B6, B12, and folate, play a role in skin health, helping to improve hydration and reduce inflammation.
Vitamin D: This supports skin barrier function and overall skin health, especially important as we age. Opt for a vegan vitamin D3.
Omega Fatty Acids: Look for omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which help maintain skin moisture and reduce inflammation. Wild-caught Krill oil is an ideal choice.
Zinc: This mineral is crucial for skin repair and can help reduce acne and inflammation.
Magnesium: This supports overall skin health and can help alleviate stress-related skin issues.
Iron: Iron is essential for healthy blood circulation, and can improve skin tone and vitality.
Benefits: The benefits of taking multivitamins are, perhaps unsurprisingly, multifaceted. The most important one, according to Maitland, is brain health. “Life can get so busy that we tend to focus more on physical health or day-to-day responsibilities, forgetting that our brain is the command center for everything we do,” Maitland explains. “Multivitamins—especially a liver organ complex—are vital for cognitive function. They provide essential B vitamins like B6, B12, and folate, which play a very crucial role in producing neurotransmitters, which allow for critical communication between our brain cells.”
Another key benefit of taking multivitamins is increased immune function. “In particular, vitamin C is crucial for producing white blood cells, which defend our bodies against infections,” says Maitland. “Not to mention vitamin C is necessary for collagen synthesis, so if you’re taking collagen supplements, it’s important to pair them with vitamin C or a multivitamin to maximize the benefits.”
The last multivitamin benefit Maitland emphasizes for her clients is skin health. “Vitamin A, found in many multivitamins, is vital for the production and repair of skin cells, which can help to achieve a more youthful appearance,” she explains. “Reminder, consistency is key when taking any supplement! Vitamin C also plays a role by supporting collagen production, which helps keep skin firm and can reduce the appearance of wrinkles. Vitamin E, also present in many multivitamins, acts as an antioxidant which can protect your skin cells from damage caused by environmental stressors like UV rays.”
Your Questions, Answered
Is it better to take a multivitamin in the morning or at night?
“Choosing when to take a multivitamin is definitely a personal decision, but the timing can really affect how well it works for you,” says Maitland. “Taking your multivitamin first thing in the morning, especially with food, can boost absorption. Many vitamins, particularly the fat-soluble ones like A, D, E, and K, need healthy fats so our bodies can absorb them properly. Foods like eggs, avocados, salmon, and nuts are great options that can help maximize the benefits. Since morning is when we often need an energy boost, B vitamins found in multivitamins play a role in energy metabolism, taking one in the morning can help give you that early morning boost your body needs to help you power through your day, keep your mind sharp, and stay productive.”
“On the flip side, taking a multivitamin at night has its perks too,” Maitland continues. “Some people find that nighttime dosing helps avoid any digestive issues that can come from taking vitamins on an empty stomach. If you often feel nauseous or get an upset stomach in the morning, experimenting with a nighttime routine might be worth a shot. Plus, multivitamins often contain magnesium and B6, which can promote relaxation and help you get a better night’s sleep. Whether you take your multivitamin in the morning or at night really comes down to what works best for you. The main thing is to be consistent and find a time that fits smoothly into your routine so you can get the most out of your multivitamin.”
What happens to your body when you start taking multivitamins?
According to Maitland, a host of good-for-your body benefits can take place when you start taking multivitamins—including (but not limited to) the following:
Enhanced Muscle Function and Endurance: When you start taking multivitamins, you may notice a range of positive changes in your body over time. For one, these vitamins often contain essential nutrients like magnesium and B vitamins, which can enhance muscle function and boost your endurance.Mental Clarity and Improved Mood: You might also experience more mental clarity and improved mood thanks to the brain-boosting effects of B vitamins and vitamin D. This can lead to a more positive outlook and greater motivation throughout your daily life.
Improved Skin Health: Your skin will benefit too! Vitamins A, C, and E, commonly found in multivitamins, support collagen production and help protect your skin from damage. If consistently taken over time, you might see improvements in your skin’s elasticity and texture, giving you that “healthy glow”. Bonus: if you’re looking for stronger hair and nails, biotin is often included in multivitamins and can help reduce breakage, leading to noticeable improvements in their strength and length.
Enhanced Immune Function: Another perk is enhanced immune function. Multivitamins usually contain vital nutrients like vitamin C, zinc, and vitamin D that support your immune system, making your body more resilient against colds and other illnesses. You may even find yourself feeling more energized overall—like your body is a fully charged battery!
Complete the Routine
Before you check out, here are some other health-boosting products you might need to keep your body nourished and thriving.
Fresh Lotus Youth Preserve Radiance Renewal Night Cream: Nourished skin is happy skin, which is why this night cream from Fresh is such a game changer. With super lotus, star fruit leaf extract, and vitamin E, this rich yet breathable formula soothes skin from the countless environmental pollutants it faces during the day. The product also minimizes fine lines and pores, leaving your face smooth and supple.
Nutrafol Women’s Balance: This physician-formulated supplement specifically targets the root causes of hair thinning—an issue that grows all the more common as we age—for women ages 45 and over. Containing hair growth powerhouses like saw palmetto and marine collagen peptides, this formula is clinically proven to deliver results within three to six months. A happy side effect of the supplement is lowered stress levels and reduced symptoms of menopause.
Is Clinical Eclipse SPF50+: While sun protection is crucial at any age, it becomes especially important in our forties and beyond. This physical sunscreen from Is Clincal combines UVA and UVB ray protection to shield skin from the damaging effects of the sun, complete with a nongreasy matte finish.
Why Shop With Us
Tessa Petak is a contributor for InStyle, and Allison Lax is a commerce updates writer for InStyle. For this story, they analyzed the top multivitamins available, poured over customer reviews, and procured insights from health and wellness experts Dr. Amy Lee, M.D., head of nutrition at Nucific; Jamie Maitland, certified holistic nutritionist, author of The 21 Day Reset Cookbook, and founder of The Office Health; and “Fueled” podcast host and dietitian Molly Kimball, RD.