Health Tips: the Best Vitamins for Women

Unless you are part of the 7% of women who actually get the appropriate amount of vitamins and minerals from the food you eat, a multi-vitamin is a necessity. For women and men, multi-vitamins are formulated with a specific mix of vitamins and minerals that work together to ensure proper absorption. Taking a multi-vitamin is more cost efficient than purchasing each vitamin separately and are even formulated now for children, adolescent girls, women, senior women, women with menopause, and women with osteoporosis and other health issues.

If targeting a certain issue, then, it is appropriate to get a specific vitamin. Below are certain vitamins that women need to target specific problems.

Folic Acid - Folic Acid is necessary for women who are considering having a baby or are pregnant. Folic Acid prevents anemia and birth defects, helps prevent preterm delivery, Alzheimer's, depression, cancer and high blood pressure. Although most multi-vitamins do have Folic Acid, their dose is lower than pregnant and breast feeding mother's should take. If pregnant, up your dose to 600 mcg, and if breast feeding be sure to get 500 mcg. For women who are taking a birth control pill, it is advisable to take Folic Acid because the pill actually prevents your body from absorbing B12 and Folic Acid.

B12 - If you are pregnant of breastfeeding, it is important to get extra B12. B12 prevents anemia, depression, heart disease, and maintains nerve and brain function. If you are taking a birth control pill, you may have to supplement your diet with extra B12 because the pill prevents your body from absorbing this essential vitamin.

B6 - If you are pregnant, B6 reduces morning sickness and risk of depression and high blood pressure.

Calcium - with osteoporosis on the rise, getting enough Calcium is essential. If 19-50 make sure you are consuming at least 1000mg to help prevent osteoporosis, high blood pressure and possibly colon cancer. After 50 years old, increase your dose to 1200 mg.