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The 9 Best Supplements for Women, According to a Dietitian

FullWell Prenatal Vitamin is optimally balanced for women of childbearing age

By
Sarah Anzlovar, MS, RD
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Sarah Anzlovar, MS, RD

Sarah Anzolar, MS, RD is a private practice dietitian who works as a freelance writer, recipe developer, food photographer, and brand consultant.

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Updated on March 22, 2023
Medically reviewed
Verywell Fit articles are reviewed by board-certified physicians and nutrition and exercise healthcare professionals. Medical Reviewers confirm the content is thorough and accurate, reflecting the latest evidence-based research. Content is reviewed before publication and upon substantial updates. Learn more.
by
Mia Syn, MS, RDN
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Medically reviewed by Mia Syn, MS, RDN

Mia Syn, MS, RDN is a registered dietitian nutritionist with a master of science in human nutrition. She is also the host of Good Food Friday on ABC News 4.

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Verywell Fit content is rigorously reviewed by a team of qualified and experienced fact checkers. Fact checkers review articles for factual accuracy, relevance, and timeliness. We rely on the most current and reputable sources, which are cited in the text and listed at the bottom of each article. Content is fact checked after it has been edited and before publication. Learn more.
by Autumn Rauchwerk, MS, RDN, E-RYT
Supplements we recommend for women on a blue background

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Eating a well-balanced, varied diet is the best way to get the nutrients you need in order to thrive. That means eating a variety of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, healthy fats, and protein sources like beans, tofu, fish, and poultry. But if you are unable to eat certain foods, follow a restrictive diet, have a known nutrient deficiency, have increased nutrient needs, or have underlying medical conditions that affect nutrient absorption, supplements can help close any nutrient gaps. 

“You can't out-supplement a poor diet. However, there are times when adding a supplement to a woman's diet is helpful,” says Jamie Adams, MS, RDN, LDN, owner of Well Nourished Mamas. Women have increased nutrient needs during certain seasons of life, such as while they are trying to conceive, pregnant, or breastfeeding, and supplements can be helpful to meet those elevated needs.

The type of supplement a woman needs will depend on the individual and their diet, health status, and stage of life. The best way to determine supplement needs is to work with a healthcare provider or registered dietitian to identify nutrient gaps and determine whether a supplement or dietary changes can help. To determine the best supplements for women, our dietitian used her years of experience counseling women, read the latest research, and interviewed colleagues who specialize in women's health.

Editor's Note

Our team of registered dietitians reviews and evaluates every single supplement we recommend according to our dietary supplement methodology. From there, a registered dietitian on our Expert Review Board reviews each article for scientific accuracy.

Those who are taking medications should consult with a healthcare provider before taking any supplements, as they can impact absorption and efficacy of certain medications.

Always speak with a healthcare professional before adding a supplement to your routine to ensure that the supplement is appropriate for your individual needs, and to find out what dosage to take.

In This Article
Pros

  • Developed by a women's health dietitian

  • Contains choline

  • Easily absorbed form of nutrients

Cons

  • Eight capsules per dose

  • Expensive

FullWell’s prenatal contains most of the essential nutrients to support a healthy pregnancy in forms that are easily absorbable and well-tolerated by pregnant women. This multivitamin was created by women’s health registered dietitian Ayla Withee, who was on a mission to create the supplement she couldn’t find when working with women to support fertility and preconception, pregnancy, and the postpartum period.

In addition to providing an optimal level of vitamin D for pregnancy, FullWell’s prenatal vitamin includes more than half the recommended amount of choline, which is rarely found in a prenatal at this level. It also contains chelated minerals, an amino acid mineral complex that your body may absorb more easily. We also like that it contains the active forms of B vitamins, which is important for some people who have a gene mutation that reduces the ability to absorb vitamins like folate.

While DHA and EPA, important omega-3 fats most commonly found in fish oil, are recommended supplements for pregnancy, they are not included in this multivitamin because these nutrients are more stable when taken separately. FullWell's prenatal also does not contain iron, which some people may need to supplement during pregnancy. Since iron needs vary from individual to individual, it is important to work with a healthcare provider to verify whether or not you would benefit from an additional iron supplement and, if so, how much to take.

The one drawback to this supplement is that, in order to fit all of these important nutrients into a supplement, one dose is eight capsules. For best absorption, it’s recommended that you split those doses into two servings of four capsules each in the morning and evening. FullWell sources quality ingredients and employs rigorous third-party testing to ensure the safety of its supplements.

Key Specs:
Active Nutrients: Many | Form: Capsule | Dose: 8 capsules | Servings Per Container: 30

Pros

  • NSF certified

  • Contains choline

  • Additional vitamin D to support baby

Cons

  • Excessive packaging

  • Large capsules may be hard to swallow

If you’re breastfeeding, it’s recommended that you continue to take a multivitamin specific to this season of life. While you can continue with your preferred prenatal, switching to a postnatal supplement like Theralogix Lactation Complete may offer some additional benefits. 

Theralogix Lactation Complete contains important nutrients to support the mother’s recovery and the baby’s growth and development. It contains 27% of the recommended amount of choline for breastfeeding mothers as well as omega-3 fatty acids, both of which support the baby’s brain development.

The supplement also contains 6,400 IU of vitamin D, which research shows may be enough to support a baby’s vitamin D needs through breast milk alone. While the current American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) guidelines recommend that breastfed infants receive 10 mcg (400 UI) of vitamin D supplement drops per day, high-dose maternal supplementation may be an effective alternative to delivering adequate vitamin D to the baby. However, 6,400 IUs exceed the Tolerable Upper Intake Level (UL) of vitamin D for pregnant women, so it should only be taken under the supervision of a healthcare provider.

Theralogix Lactation Complete is NSF certified and is gluten-free. It comes in packaging that is conveniently labeled by day so you can keep track of your intake.

Key Specs:
Active Nutrients: Many | Form: Capsule | Dose: 3 capsules | Servings Per Container: 91

Pros

  • ConsumerLab approved

  • Maintenance dose supported by research

  • Vegan and free of major food allergens

Cons

  • May need higher dose if deficient

Sun exposure is the main source of vitamin D for humans (which is found in very few foods), but with less time spent outside and with sunscreen use, it can be hard to get enough, even if you do live in a place that has year-round sunshine. A recent small study suggests that sun exposure may not be enough to correct deficiency. It’s estimated that at least 30% of the U.S. population is vitamin D deficient, and many more are considered vitamin D insufficient (with blood vitamin D levels <30nmol/L).

“Vitamin D is important for young women reaching their peak bone density, as well as women over 30, as that is when we tend to start losing bone mass,” says Adams. Low vitamin D is also associated with increased risk of preterm birth, preeclampsia, and gestational diabetes, and it has been shown to play a role in fertility, so it’s especially important for women of childbearing age. It’s also known to play a role in immune health, and emerging research suggests that it may reduce risk of complications from diabetes, cancer, and cardiovascular disease.

While the recommended dietary allowance (RDA) is 600 IU for most adults, emerging research suggests that we may actually need 2,000 IU to maintain adequate stores for health benefits beyond just bone health. Even more may be needed in the short term to correct deficiency.

There are several quality vitamin D supplements available on the market, but we like the HUM Here Comes the Sun D3 since it provides 2,000 IU in one small softgel, which is easy to consume. It's vegan and top-eight allergen-free, making it a good choice for most people. It’s also non-GMO, gluten-free, and free from any artificial colors or sweeteners.

Key Specs:
Active Nutrients: D3 | Form: Softgel | Dose: 1 softgel (2,000 IU) | Servings Per Container: 30

Pros

  • NSF Certified for Sport

  • Form of iron is typically well tolerated

Cons

  • May not be adequate dose to correct a deficiency

Women have higher iron needs than men during their menstruating years, and it can sometimes be difficult to get enough through diet—especially for those who follow a vegan, vegetarian, or primarily plant-based diet. Menstruating athletes, and those who are pregnant in particular, have even higher needs. However, the most common type of iron supplement—ferrous sulfate—is known to cause digestive problems, including constipation, diarrhea, and nausea in some people, leading many people to avoid iron supplements.

Iron bisglycinate has been shown to be as effective at restoring adequate iron stores with fewer side effects, which is why we recommend Thorne’s iron bisglycinate. It provides 25 milligrams per capsule, which research shows is an adequate and safe amount for preventing iron deficiency anemia in pregnancy, so it is likely a good choice for most women.

Thorne’s Iron Bisglycinate is NSF Certified for Sport, making it a good choice for athletes, and it is gluten-free, soy-free, and dairy-free.

Key Specs:
Active Nutrients: Iron bisglycinate | Form: Capsule | Dose: 1 capsule (25 mg) | Servings Per Container: 60

Pros

  • NSF Certified for Sport

  • Form of magnesium is typically well tolerated

Cons

  • Low dose

Magnesium is an essential mineral for women and may play a role in managing symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), premenstrual syndrome (PMS), pregnancy, and menopause. It also plays an important role in bone density and heart health. While it’s possible to consume enough magnesium by eating a variety of plant foods like leafy greens, beans, nuts, and seeds, up to 15% of all women don’t consume enough, and nearly 20% of younger women (ages 18-22) are magnesium deficient.

Magnesium supplements have been shown to reduce risk of many pregnancy complications as well as reduce leg cramps, a common symptom during pregnancy. They may also support bone health and blood pressure in postmenopausal women.

Klean Athlete magnesium offers 120 milligrams of magnesium glycinate (about a third of the RDA for women) per vegan capsule. It’s NSF Certified for Sport, a rigorous third-party certification, which ensures that you’re getting what’s on the label and that it doesn’t contain any harmful contaminants or ingredients banned for sports. It’s also non-GMO and gluten-free.

For many women, magnesium glycinate may be a good option as it’s less likely to cause the laxative effect that some other forms of magnesium supplements do. (Though if you’re taking it for constipation, this form might not help.)

Keep in mind that there are many different forms of magnesium supplements, and the right form will depend on your individual needs. If you're looking for a more detailed breakdown of the different forms of magnesium, this article focuses specifically on the best magnesium supplements.

Key Specs:
Active Nutrients: Magnesium glycinate | Form: Capsule | Dose: 1 capsule (120 mg) | Servings Per Container: 90

Pros

  • ConsumerLab approved

  • Absorbable form of choline

Cons

  • Not vegan- or vegetarian-friendly

  • Not suitable for those with a soy allergy

Choline is an essential nutrient that’s received more attention in recent years, particularly for pregnant, breastfeeding, and postmenopausal women. Choline plays an important role in a baby's brain growth and development and may reduce risk of neural tube defects and other birth defects, so choline needs are higher when a woman is pregnant or breastfeeding. Some research suggests that postmenopausal women may need more choline as well due to lower estrogen levels since estrogen plays a role in choline production in the body.

The two best food sources of choline are beef liver and eggs, though you can get some from soybeans, beef, chicken, and fish. Because most people don’t consume enough choline on their own, supplements may help fill those gaps, particularly for those in life stages that bring increased needs. It is important to note that the body also produces its own choline, so deficiencies in healthy, non-pregnant women are rare.

Choline supplements come in various forms, including phosphatidylcholine, which is choline attached to a phospholipid from soy lecithin or egg yolk. This form may be better absorbed and may lead to fewer possible side effects than some other types of choline supplements.

Now Foods Lecithin softgels contain 500 milligrams of phosphatidylcholine and are approved by ConsumerLab. They're made without gluten and are dairy-free, corn-free, egg-free, kosher, and halal, making them a good choice for a variety of dietary needs. They contain soy lecithin, so they might not be safe for someone with a soy allergy.

Key Specs:
Active Nutrients: Phosphatidylcholine | Form: Softgel | Dose: 3 softgels (500 mg) | Servings Per Container: 33

Pros

  • NSF-certified contents and gluten-free

  • Made from sustainably sourced fish

Cons

  • Expensive

There are well-established benefits for women of eating fish, especially fatty fish that are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, EPA and DHA, which have anti-inflammatory properties. Omega-3 consumption is linked to reduced risk of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes, and it supports eye, brain, and hormonal health. It also supports a healthy pregnancy and a baby’s brain development.

Plant sources of omega-3 fatty acids (such as chia seeds, flaxseed, and walnuts) typically contain omega-3 as ALA, which the body can convert into EPA and DHA, but only in small amounts. One exception is algae, which contains high amounts of both DHA and EPA and can be taken in supplement form.

If you don’t regularly consume fish, you may benefit from a supplement. Omega-3 or fish oil supplements are generally safe for most people, with the exception of some who are taking blood-thinning medications, so if you take a blood thinner, check with your healthcare provider before starting with a supplement.

We like New Chapter’s Wholemega because it contains several different omega-3 fatty acids. It’s made from wild Alaskan salmon. In addition to the EPA and DHA, it also contains astaxanthin, an antioxidant found in salmon. It’s certified gluten-free, and all of its contents are NSF-verified. Since it’s made from fish, it’s not suitable for those with a fish allergy.

Key Specs:
Active Nutrients: Omega-3 fatty acids (EPA & DHA) | Form: Softgel | Dose: 2 softgels | Servings Per Container: 90

Pros

  • USP-verified

  • Vegan-friendly tablet

Cons

  • May not be adequate dose to correct a deficiency

Vitamin B12 is mostly found in animal-based foods, so we recommend a B12 supplement for vegetarians, especially vegans. Nature Made B12 provides 500 micrograms of B12 as cyanocobalamin and is vegan-friendly and USP-verified. One bottle contains 200 tablets at a low price point, so this purchase lasts a long time, and the cost comes out to just a few pennies per dose.

It is important to note that supplemental vitamin B12 is absorbed differently from B12 from whole foods, and the absorption rate of supplements decreases as the dose increases. A 500-microgram dose such as this one has an absorption rate of about 2%, ultimately providing your body with about 10 micrograms of B12. The recommended supplement dosage of vitamin B12 is highly individualized, but high doses of vitamin B12 do not appear to have adverse side effects, so there is no established Tolerable Upper Intake Level (UL).

While there are various forms of B12 supplements available, including methylcobalamin and cyanocobalamin, research shows that they are similarly effective in preventing and correcting B12 deficiencies when taken orally. There are certain medications that can interact with B12 supplements, including proton-pump inhibitors and metformin, so be sure to check with a healthcare professional if you are taking any medication.

Key Specs:
Active Nutrients: Vitamin B12 (as cyanocobalamin) | Form: Tablet | Dose: 1 tablet (500 mcg) | Servings Per Container: 100

Pros

  • NSF-certified and ConsumerLab approved

  • USDA organic, certified gluten-free, vegan, and kosher

  • Made from whole foods

Cons

  • Does not have calcium and low in iron

If a healthcare provider recommends a multivitamin, there are many factors to decide what would be the best multivitamin for your needs. We like Garden of Life mykind Organics Women's Once Daily Multi because it is a single serving per day, made from organic whole foods, and is both NSF-certified and ConsumerLab approved. This means the multivitamin is tested and verified to contain what it says on the label with no potentially harmful contaminants. We also like that this multivitamin is certified vegan, gluten-free, kosher, and non-GMO verified.

You can find the full list of ingredients on the supplement label. It is important to check the ingredients to make sure there are none that may cause an allergic reaction or interaction with a medication. Ultimately, a healthcare provider can help address any concerns or questions about any ingredients.

It is worth noting this multivitamin is not high in iron and does not contain calcium. Therefore, it may not be the best fit for someone looking for a multivitamin specifically for these nutrients.

Key Specs:
Active Nutrients: Many | Form: Tablet | Dose: 1 tablet | Servings Per Container: 60

Final Verdict

If you’re of childbearing age, FullWell’s prenatal vitamin is a good choice to support fertility and preconception needs, pregnancy, and even postpartum healing and breastfeeding. If you eat a balanced diet without any restrictions and are not in a time of increased nutrient needs, you may simply need a vitamin D supplement—we recommend HUM Here Comes the Sun.

Are Women's Supplements Beneficial?

Supplements can be helpful for women with increased nutrient needs or known nutrient deficiencies or for women who are unable to obtain adequate amounts of certain nutrients from their diets. In many cases, a simple blood test can help identify a nutrient deficiency, but in others, it requires looking at your diet and individual needs. Just because a particular supplement is marketed toward women doesn’t mean you actually need it.

Some women are more likely to benefit from a supplement, including: 

Those following restrictive diets: Those who are following vegetarian or vegan diets will need to supplement with vitamin B12 and possibly other nutrients, such as iron and calcium, through fortified foods or supplements. Those who are eliminating other foods or food groups may also need to supplement to meet nutrient needs.

Pregnant and breastfeeding people: Nutrient needs during pregnancy and breastfeeding are elevated, and research shows that most women don’t meet these needs through diet alone. Prenatal vitamins and other vitamin supplements are effective at reducing the risk of birth defects and supporting a healthy pregnancy.

Women of childbearing age: “I often recommend women of childbearing age take a prenatal vitamin. Around 45% of all pregnancies are unplanned, and many women don't realize they are pregnant until a few weeks or even months along. Nutrients such as folate, choline, iodine, and DHA are essential to prevent neural tube defects and the overall health and development of the baby as early as the first day of conception,” says Adams.

Menstruating athletes: Iron needs are elevated for women during their fertile years. Athletes also have higher needs, and, when you combine the two, it can sometimes be difficult to meet those elevated needs through diet.

People with reduced nutrient absorption: Certain medical conditions, especially those that involve the digestive tract, can lead to reduced nutrient absorption. Certain medications can also contribute to poor absorption. In those cases, supplements can be helpful to meet total nutrient needs.

Who May Not Benefit from Supplements?

Whether you will benefit from a supplement or not is highly individual and depends on your diet, lifestyle, health status, and whether you take certain medications. It’s important to review any supplements you’re considering with a healthcare provider to ensure that they are safe before taking them.

While most vitamin and mineral supplements are well tolerated (if taken in appropriate doses), there are some people who might not benefit from supplementation and others who need to take caution with certain supplements, such as:

People who eat a well-balanced diet. If you eat a varied diet that is rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts or seeds, dairy, and a mix of protein-rich foods like beans, fish, tofu, poultry, and meat, you are likely meeting your nutrient needs through diet. One exception is vitamin D, which can be difficult to obtain through food in adequate amounts. Vitamin D can be synthesized internally from UV rays on your skin; however, those with limited sun exposure or those who live in more northern regions during cooler months may be at risk for vitamin D deficiency. Therefore, a great number of people may benefit from vitamin D supplementation.

Those who are prone to digestive problems. Iron, which can be supplemented on its own and is found in many combination vitamins like multivitamins, may cause constipation, diarrhea, nausea, or other digestive upset in some individuals.

People with certain underlying medical conditions. Some supplements can make medical conditions worse, so it’s best to check with a healthcare provider before starting with any supplement. 

People taking certain medications. Supplements may interact with medications, so if you are taking any, check with a healthcare provider before starting with a supplement.

Take Caution with Calcium Supplements

Calcium is a common supplement recommended for women because of its role in bone health, with the thought that calcium supplements may reduce risk of bone fracture, especially in older women. However, an analysis of several studies found that the risk of calcium supplements—particularly related to increased risk of calcification of the arteries and increased risk for cardiovascular disease—outweighs the small potential (but not proven) benefits related to bone density and fractures.

Calcium may be best obtained through diet rather than supplements, and calcium needs can be met whether or not you eat dairy. While cow’s milk, yogurt, and cheese are good calcium sources, it’s also found in fortified soy milk, fortified orange juice, sardines, tofu, canned salmon with the bones, soybeans, fortified breakfast cereals, and some vegetables.

There may be certain cases where calcium supplements can be helpful, so if you’re concerned about your calcium intake, please consult with your healthcare provider.

How We Select Supplements

Our team works hard to be transparent about why we recommend certain supplements; you can read more about our dietary supplement methodology here. 

We support supplements that are evidence-based and rooted in science. We value certain product attributes that we find to be associated with the highest-quality products. We prioritize products that are third-party tested and certified by one of three independent third-party certifiers: USP, NSF, or ConsumerLab. We also consulted with Jamie Adams, MS, RDN, LDN, prenatal dietitian and owner of Well Nourished Mamas to get her expert advice.

It's important to note that the FDA does not review dietary supplements for safety and effectiveness before they go to market. Our team of experts has created a detailed, science-backed methodology to choose the supplements we recommend.

What to Look for in a Women's Supplement

Third-Party Testing

Supplements that are third-party tested are sent to a lab, where they are tested to ensure they contain what they say they contain and are not contaminated with specific high-risk, common contaminants. However, it’s important to note:

  • Third-party testing does not test to see whether a product is effective or safe for everyone, and it does not ensure that the supplement will not interact with other supplements or medications.
  • Not all third-party testing is created equal. It is not uncommon for supplement companies to pay labs for certificates after conducting minimal to no testing. 
  • The third-party certifications we trust are: ConsumerLab, NSF, and USP. However, these certifications are difficult to obtain and/or expensive for manufacturers, so many companies choose not to get their products tested by one of these three organizations. 
  • Sometimes, products tested by ConsumerLab, NSF, and USP are more expensive, to try to offset the cost their manufacturers pay for certification.
  • Just because a supplement is not tested by one of these three companies, it does not mean it’s a bad product. We recommend doing some research on the reputation of the manufacturer, and contacting it and its testing lab to determine their protocols and decide whether you feel comfortable consuming the supplement.

Form

Most vitamin and mineral supplements come in a variety of forms. In some cases, such as vitamin D, there is one form (D3) that is recommended. In other cases, such as magnesium, the best form for you may depend on your specific goals and health status. We recommend discussing the best form of each supplement with your healthcare provider.

Ingredients and Potential Interactions

It is essential to read the ingredient list and nutrition facts panel of a supplement carefully to know which ingredients are included and how much of each one relative to the recommended daily value of that ingredient. Please bring the supplement label to a healthcare provider to review the different ingredients contained in the supplement and any potential interactions between these ingredients and other supplements and medications you are taking.

In general, it is best to choose vitamin and mineral supplements to suit your individual needs. We recommend working with a healthcare professional to determine your individual needs and if supplementation is indicated.

Women's Supplements Dosage

Always speak with a healthcare professional before adding a supplement to your routine to ensure that it is appropriate for your individual needs and to understand what dosage to take.

Each supplement discussed in this article has a different RDA. Please review those amounts discussed within each of the individual supplement recommendations.

How Much Is Too Much?

It’s important to ensure that you aren’t taking more of any individual nutrient than the tolerable upper limit established by the National Institute of Health Office of Dietary Supplements. Some nutrients, such as fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K, can be stored in fat tissue and can be dangerous when consumed in excess through supplementation. Minerals such as iron, calcium, iodine, magnesium, selenium, copper, molybdenum, and manganese can also lead to serious side effects if consumed in excess. 

Whether it's a multivitamin like a prenatal or postnatal supplement or an individual nutrient, you can ensure that your supplement does not exceed those upper limits by running your supplement by your healthcare provider.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What vitamins should I take to help with hair growth?

    The research to support supplements for hair growth is lacking. However, “nutrients that can help promote hair growth include iron, vitamin C, and zinc. Together, these nutrients help make the proteins found in your hair, making your hair stronger and longer,” says Adams.

    While biotin is often promoted for hair, nail, and skin health, the evidence to support this supplementation is limited. Biotin deficiencies are rare but can cause hair loss and brittle nails; however, consuming excess biotin through supplementation will not necessarily improve skin, hair, or nail health.

    Collagen may also support hair growth. “Hair is primarily made up of the protein keratin. Proline is an amino acid found in collagen and is a building block for keratin,” says Adams. However, if you’re eating enough protein along with vitamin C and zinc, collagen supplements are unlikely to help.

  • Is it OK for men to take women's vitamins?

    Vitamins, especially multivitamins, marketed to women may be safe for men. However, they do tend to contain higher amounts of certain nutrients that women are more likely to be deficient in, such as iron, and too much iron can be problematic. They may also be lacking in nutrients that are important for men’s health. It's best to check with a healthcare provider about the best supplement for you.

  • Are there supplements that women should take daily?

    If you are deficient in a specific nutrient and aren’t able to consume enough through diet, then it may be recommended to take vitamin and mineral supplements every day for the best results. “Adding a supplement when nutrient needs are increased, such as when trying to conceive, during pregnancy, or while breastfeeding, can be helpful beyond dietary changes,” says Adams. However, there are no supplements that every single woman should take daily, as supplement needs depend on your diet, lifestyle, and stage of life.

  • Are there supplements that help with women's libido?

    “Vitamin D and vitamin A can support your libido by raising your testosterone levels. Healthy fats rich in omega 3s can help increase your blood flow, which can help increase libido and feelings of arousal,” says Adams.

    It’s important to note that these benefits of vitamin D supplements have only been observed in people who are not getting enough vitamin D, though many people don't get enough vitamin D through their diets. Because of this, we generally encourage supplementing with vitamin D whether or not you're looking to raise your libido.

    We recommend getting your vitamin A from your diet before turning to supplements. But, if you're not getting enough, taking a multivitamin that includes beta carotene, the precursor to vitamin A, may be beneficial.

    If you don't eat fatty fish a few times a week, you may choose to add a fish oil supplement to increase your omega-3 intake. Here are our recommendations for the best fish oil supplements.

Why Trust Verywell Fit

Sarah Anzlovar, MS, RDN, LDN, is a registered dietitian who has a master's degree in nutrition communication from the Tufts Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy. She owns a private practice in the suburbs of Boston, where she helps women in all stages of life, from pregnancy and postpartum to women with young and grown children, ditch diets and learn to eat foods that help them feel their best and work towards their health goals.

Sarah is also a freelance writer, where she lends her expertise in translating the research on a wide variety of nutrition topics into relatable and approachable recommendations for consumers.

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