Latest news with #KeriGans
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
This Common Food Was Just Linked to Heart Disease, Parkinson's
"Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links." Two new studies on ultra-processed foods link them to a higher risk of developing heart disease and Parkinson's disease. Ultra-processed foods make up around 70 percent of America's food supply, so they're hard to eliminate entirely. Eating too much could impact your heart and brain health by increasing inflammation, oxidative stress, and insulin resistance. If you haven't stayed up-to-date on health news lately, here's a quick headline for you: Ultra-processed foods aren't so great for your health. In fact, studies have linked them to a slew of health issues, including diabetes and cancer risk, and having a lot of ultra-processed foods in your diet can even potentially make you age faster. But up to 70 percent of the food supply in America is made up of these products, making them tough to entirely avoid. Still, it's never a bad idea to take a step back to assess what you're eating on a daily basis, especially when we're still learning about how ultra-processed foods could affect us. Case in point: Two recent studies have found an association between eating ultra-processed foods and a higher risk of developing heart disease and Parkinson's disease. Given how life-altering each of these conditions can be, it's understandable to have concerns. Here's what dietitians and doctors want you to keep in mind. Meet the experts: Keri Gans, RDN, CDN, nutrition consultant and host of The Keri Report; Jessica Cording, RD, author of The Little Book of Game-Changers: 50 Healthy Habits For Managing Stress & Anxiety; Sonya Angelone, RD, a nutritionist and registered dietitian based in San Francisco, California; Cheng-Han Chen, MD, an interventional cardiologist and medical director of the Structural Heart Program at MemorialCare Saddleback Medical Center in Laguna Hills, CA; Daniel Truong, MD, neurologist and medical director of the Truong Neuroscience Institute at MemorialCare Orange Coast Medical Center in Fountain Valley, CA. The heart disease study isn't published yet, but it was presented at the American College of Cardiology's annual meeting in May. The scientific review analyzed data from 8,286,940 adults across 41 studies that looked at the link between ultra-processed foods and health issues. The researchers found a link between ultra-processed foods and high blood pressure, cardiovascular events (like a heart attack), cancer, digestive diseases, and dying from any cause. Each extra 100 grams (3.5 ounces) a day of ultra-processed foods was linked with a 14.5 percent higher risk of high blood pressure, 5.9 percent increased risk of cardiovascular events, 1.2 percent increased risk of cancer, 19.5 percent higher risk of digestive diseases and 2.6 percent higher risk of dying from any cause, according to the findings. There was also a link between eating ultra-processed foods and an increased risk of obesity, diabetes, and depression or anxiety. 'Reducing ultra-processed foods intake, even modestly, may offer measurable health benefits,' study co-author Xiao Liu, MD, a cardiologist at Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University in Guangzhou, China, said in a statement. This study was published in the journal Neurology and analyzed data from nearly 43,000 people with an average age of 48 who didn't have Parkinson's disease at the start of the study. The participants were followed for 26 years, during which time they completed regular medical exams, filled out food diaries, and answered health questionnaires. The researchers divided the participants into five groups based on how much ultra-processed foods they ate per day. They discovered that people who ate 11 or more servings of ultra-processed foods a day had a 2.5 times higher risk of having three or more early signs of Parkinson's disease than those who had less than three servings a day. (Those early signs included things like rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder, constipation, depressive symptoms, body pain, impaired color vision, excessive daytime sleepiness, and a reduced ability to smell.) It's important to point out that what the researchers counted as a "serving" can really add up. Like, one tablespoon of ketchup is a serving, and so is an ounce of potato chips. While the study didn't find that ultra-processed foods caused people to develop Parkinson's disease, the researchers pointed out that these early symptoms tend to come before a Parkinson's disease diagnosis. There are a few potential biological things going on here that could be resulting in this data that links ultra-processed foods with heart and brain health issues. 'It is thought that ultra-processed foods affect cardiovascular health through multiple mechanisms, including promotion of inflammation, increasing oxidative stress, and increasing insulin resistance,' explains Cheng-Han Chen, MD, an interventional cardiologist and medical director of the Structural Heart Program at MemorialCare Saddleback Medical Center in Laguna Hills, CA. This can cause damage to blood vessels, create a build-up of plaque in your arteries—and raise the risk of heart attack or stroke, he explains. But despite the health risks, ultra-processed foods can be hard to resist, says Daniel Truong, MD, neurologist and medical director of the Truong Neuroscience Institute at MemorialCare Orange Coast Medical Center in Fountain Valley, CA. They 'rapidly stimulate the brain's reward system, similar to addictive substances like nicotine and alcohol,' per Dr. Truong. As a result, you may end up eating a lot of these foods, raising the risk of health issues in the process. A big potential issue with ultra-processed foods is that they tend to crowd out healthier options, says Jessica Cording, MS, RD, author of The Little Book of Game-Changers: 50 Healthy Habits For Managing Stress & Anxiety. 'If [a person is] eating a lot of ultra-processed foods that don't offer much in the way of nutrients but contain a lot of calories, it can set them up for adverse health issues,' she says. Plus, these foods have been associated with higher risk of cancer, digestive problems, depression, anxiety, and diabetes, says Sonya Angelone, RD, a nutritionist based in San Francisco, CA. 'There is a dose-response relationship between these foods and poor health, which means the more ultra-processed foods you eat, the greater the risk for negative health,' she adds. But there's some good news: 'Reducing these foods even a little bit with less processed whole foods can provide some health improvements," says Dr. Angelone. That's why it's so crucial to focus on whole foods when building out your diet, says Keri Gans, RDN, CDN, nutrition consultant and host of The Keri Report. 'Instead of obsessing over what to cut out of our diets, we should think more about adding more plant-based foods, such as 100 percent whole grains, veggies, fruits, nuts, seeds, and legumes,' she says. Cording says there's no need to panic if you have some ultra-processed foods in your diet, given that they're almost impossible to completely avoid. But focusing on sourcing the bulk of your diet from whole foods could make a big difference in your overall health. 'Just do your best,' she says. You Might Also Like Can Apple Cider Vinegar Lead to Weight Loss? Bobbi Brown Shares Her Top Face-Transforming Makeup Tips for Women Over 50
Yahoo
16-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
This Type Of Food Was Just Linked To Heart Disease And A Serious Brain Condition—And It's Probably In Your Pantry
"Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links." Two new studies on ultra-processed foods link them to a higher risk of developing heart disease and Parkinson's disease. Ultra-processed foods make up around 70 percent of America's food supply, so they're hard to eliminate entirely. But eating too much could impact your heart and brain health by increasing inflammation, oxidative stress, and insulin resistance. If you haven't stayed up-to-date on health news lately, here's a quick headline for you: Ultra-processed foods aren't so great for your health. In fact, studies have linked them to a slew of health issues including diabetes and cancer risk, and having a lot of ultra-processed foods in your diet can even potentially make you age faster. But up to 70 percent of the food supply in America is made up of these products, making them tough to entirely avoid. Still, it's a never a bad idea to take a step back to assess what you're eating on a daily basis, especially when we're still learning about how ultra-processed foods could affect us. Case in point: Two recent studies have found an association between eating ultra-processed foods and a higher risk of developing heart disease and Parkinson's disease. Given how life-altering each of these conditions can be, it's understandable to have concerns. Here's what dietitians and doctors want you to keep in mind. Meet the experts: Keri Gans, RDN, CDN, nutrition consultant and host of The Keri Report; Jessica Cording, RD, author of The Little Book of Game-Changers: 50 Healthy Habits For Managing Stress & Anxiety; Sonya Angelone, RD, a nutritionist and registered dietitian based in San Francisco, California; Cheng-Han Chen, MD, an interventional cardiologist and medical director of the Structural Heart Program at MemorialCare Saddleback Medical Center in Laguna Hills, CA; Daniel Truong, MD, neurologist and medical director of the Truong Neuroscience Institute at MemorialCare Orange Coast Medical Center in Fountain Valley, CA. The heart disease study isn't published yet, but it was presented at the American College of Cardiology's annual meeting in May. The scientific review analyzed data from 8,286,940 adults across 41 studies that looked at the link between ultra-processed foods and health issues. The researchers found a link between ultra-processed foods and high blood pressure, cardiovascular events (like a heart attack), cancer, digestive diseases, and dying from any cause. Each extra 100 grams (3.5 ounces) a day of ultra-processed foods was linked with a 14.5 percent higher risk of high blood pressure, 5.9 percent increased risk of cardiovascular events, 1.2 percent increased risk of cancer, 19.5 percent higher risk of digestive diseases and 2.6 percent higher risk of dying from any cause, according to the findings. There was also a link between eating ultra-processed foods and an increased risk of obesity, diabetes, and depression or anxiety. 'Reducing ultra-processed foods intake, even modestly, may offer measurable health benefits,' study co-author Xiao Liu, MD, a cardiologist at Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University in Guangzhou, China, said in a statement. This study was published in the journal Neurology and analyzed data from nearly 43,000 people with an average age of 48 who didn't have Parkinson's disease at the start of the study. The participants were followed for 26 years, during which time they completed regular medical exams, filled out food diaries, and answered health questionnaires. The researchers divided the participants into five groups based on how much ultra-processed foods they ate per day. They discovered that people who ate 11 or more servings of ultra-processed foods a day had a 2.5 times higher risk of having three or more early signs of Parkinson's disease than those who had less than three servings a day. (Those early signs included things like rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder, constipation, depressive symptoms, body pain, impaired color vision, excessive daytime sleepiness, and a reduced ability to smell.) It's important to point out that what the researchers counted as a "serving" can really add up. Like, one tablespoon of ketchup is a serving, and so is an ounce of potato chips. While the study didn't find that ultra-processed foods caused people to develop Parkinson's disease, the researchers pointed out that these early symptoms tend to come before a Parkinson's disease diagnosis. There are a few potential biological things going on here that could be resulting in this data that links ultra-processed foods with heart and brain health issues. 'It is thought that ultra-processed foods affect cardiovascular health through multiple mechanisms, including promotion of inflammation, increasing oxidative stress, and increasing insulin resistance,' explains Cheng-Han Chen, MD, an interventional cardiologist and medical director of the Structural Heart Program at MemorialCare Saddleback Medical Center in Laguna Hills, CA. This can cause damage to blood vessels, create a build-up of plaque in your arteries—and raise the risk of heart attack or stroke, he explains. But despite the health risks, ultra-processed foods can be hard to resist, says Daniel Truong, MD, neurologist and medical director of the Truong Neuroscience Institute at MemorialCare Orange Coast Medical Center in Fountain Valley, CA. They 'rapidly stimulate the brain's reward system, similar to addictive substances like nicotine and alcohol,' per Dr. Truong. As a result, you may end up eating a lot of these foods, raising the risk of health issues in the process. A big potential issue with ultra-processed foods is that they tend to crowd out healthier options, says Jessica Cording, MS, RD, author of The Little Book of Game-Changers: 50 Healthy Habits For Managing Stress & Anxiety. 'If [a person is] eating a lot of ultra-processed foods that don't offer much in the way of nutrients but contain a lot of calories, it can set them up for adverse health issues,' she says. Plus, these foods have been associated with higher risk of cancer, digestive problems, depression, anxiety, and diabetes, says Sonya Angelone, RD, a nutritionist based in San Francisco, CA. 'There is a dose-response relationship between these foods and poor health, which means the more ultra-processed foods you eat, the greater the risk for negative health,' she adds. But there's some good news: 'Reducing these foods even a little bit with less processed whole foods can provide some health improvements," says Dr. Angelone. That's why it's so crucial to focus on whole foods when building out your diet, says Keri Gans, RDN, CDN, nutrition consultant and host of The Keri Report. 'Instead of obsessing over what to cut out of our diets, we should think more about adding more plant-based foods, such as 100 percent whole grains, veggies, fruits, nuts, seeds, and legumes,' she says. Cording says there's no need to panic if you have some ultra-processed foods in your diet, given that they're almost impossible to completely avoid. But focusing on sourcing the bulk of your diet from whole foods could make a big difference in your overall health. 'Just do your best,' she says. You Might Also Like Jennifer Garner Swears By This Retinol Eye Cream These New Kicks Will Help You Smash Your Cross-Training Goals
Yahoo
08-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Researchers Discover A Shocking Reason You Might Want To Stop Putting Bananas In Smoothies
"Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links." Nothing hits better than a post-workout smoothie. You might throw in some berries for flavor and bananas to get that nice creamy texture (and potassium). But, according to science, you actually might not want to put these two in the same blend. A study found that adding a banana to a berry smoothie may actually reduce some of the health benefits you'd otherwise get from the berries. So, what does this mean for you and your smoothies? Here's what you should know, according to experts. Meet the experts: Scott Keatley, R.D., co-owner of Keatley Medical Nutrition Therapy; Keri Gans, R.D.N., dietitian and host of The Keri Report podcast The study, which was published in the journal Food and Function, had eight people drink different smoothies: One that contained banana and berries or one with mixed berries. Some were just given a capsule that contained flavanol, a natural antioxidant. Each participant then gave blood and urine samples to measure the amount of flavanols that made it through their body. The researchers found that when bananas were included in a smoothie, the participants absorbed 84 percent less flavanol. Flavanol is a natural compound that supports good health. 'Flavanol is a type of flavonoid, a class of natural compounds found in fruits, vegetables, tea, and cocoa,' says Scott Keatley, R.D., co-owner of Keatley Medical Nutrition Therapy. Flavanols are usually found in fruits like berries, apples, and grapes, Keatley says. Flavanols have 'strong antioxidant properties,' Keatley says. This means they help to protect the body from damage by free radicals, which are unstable molecules that can damage cells and potentially increase your risk of developing certain diseases and cancer. Research has also found that flavanols in your diet can help support good brain health and cognition. It comes down to something called polyphenol oxidase, explains Keri Gans, RDN, host of The Keri Report podcast. This is the enzyme that's thought to make bananas turn brown when they're exposed to air—and they also seem to interfere with flavanol absorption. But Gans says this doesn't mean you should ditch bananas in smoothies altogether. 'While bananas may reduce the absorption of flavanols due to their polyphenol oxidase content, they still offer valuable nutrients like vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant, plus potassium to help regulate blood pressure and fiber to support digestive health,' she says. A lot, actually. 'Fruits with a lower polyphenol oxidase include citrus fruits, mango, pineapple, and berries,' Gans says. But she just recommends focusing on creating a healthy smoothie overall. 'Focus on low added sugar, protein, and healthy fats for fullness, and fruit or veggies for fiber and other beneficial nutrients,' she says. If you really want to max out your berries' impact, maybe just have eat them with other ingredients. But Gans says there's no need to get too stressed about this. 'If you enjoy a banana, still include a banana,' she says. You Might Also Like Jennifer Garner Swears By This Retinol Eye Cream These New Kicks Will Help You Smash Your Cross-Training Goals
USA Today
27-03-2025
- Health
- USA Today
8 egg substitutes for baking and cooking (and how to use them)
Advertisement Whether for budgetary or dietary reasons, there are a lot of options for egg substitutes – Photo courtesy of 97 / E+ If there's a staple ingredient in your kitchen, it's almost certainly the egg. Versatile, convenient, and generally ubiquitous, eggs have historically been one of the most commonly consumed proteins in the United States. A recent survey suggests that nearly 90% of Americans consume eggs every week. But for the wallet- or health-conscious among us, incorporating egg substitutes can control costs and dietary restrictions. Whether you're looking for egg substitutes for baking, scrambling, or otherwise, here are the best egg replacements and alternatives on the market. What's the best substitute for eggs? Firm tofu For breakfast scrambles, reach for high-protein tofu. 'Crumbled firm tofu can be sauteed with seasonings, such as turmeric, and veggies for an egg-free scramble,' says Samantha Cassetty, a registered dietitian and wellness expert. Tofu is also one of the closest protein substitutes to an egg. Firm tofu provides about 8 grams of protein per 3 ounces, which is a bit more than eggs at about 6 grams of protein for a medium-size egg. Advertisement Silken tofu If you're into soy products, you'll be pleased to learn that silken tofu, a softer version of bean curd, is an excellent egg substitute in baking things like cakes, muffins, and brownies. 'Silken tofu can help bind or add moisture to baking,' says registered dietician nutritionist Keri Gans, which is great for replacing the egg and milk. Silken tofu has the same nutritional benefits as firmer tofu. Plus, it has the advantage of being entirely plant-based. Bob's Red Mill Egg Replacer Advertisement Bob's Red Mill Egg Replacer is a gluten-free, vegan product with four ingredients: potato starch, tapioca flour, baking soda, and psyllium husk fiber. This product provides a welcome egg substitute for folks with various food allergies and intolerances. It bakes well in everything from breads to cakes to muffins. It also can be used in pancakes as a substitute for eggs. Mashed banana Adding mashed banana instead of egg in baking is a great alternative – Photo courtesy of JacobVanHouten / E+ Folks looking to incorporate more fruit into their diet should consider replacing eggs in baked goods with mashed bananas. 'Mashed bananas add moisture and natural sweetness to baked goods,' says Cassetty. 'Generally, you use about 1/4 cup banana per egg.' Advertisement Given that bananas are an excellent source of fiber, potassium, vitamin B6, and vitamin C, you'll also get a healthy dose of nutrients. Applesauce Applesauce is another fruit-based substitute for eggs in baked goods and pancakes. However, Gans suggests using unsweetened applesauce; this will help reduce the sugar content of your end product. Apples contain fiber, vitamin C, potassium, and heart-healthy antioxidants, all of which are an excellent addition to your baked treats. Aquafaba Perhaps a less common egg alternative is aquafaba, the liquid from a can of chickpeas. It whips up into a foamy texture, resembling egg whites. 'This works particularly well if you need the egg for leavening purposes, such as in pancakes made with eggs,' Gans says. In this case, you'll want to use about three tablespoons of aquafaba to equal one whole egg. Reduce to two tablespoons to equal one egg white. Flaxseed or chia seed Advertisement Flaxseed is an excellent egg substitute in baking – Photo courtesy of Michelle Lee Photography / iStock Via Getty If you mix 1 tablespoon of ground flax or chia seeds with 3 tablespoons of water, you'll get an egg equivalent well-suited for baking. In addition to being a quick egg substitute, Cassetty notes that flaxseed and chia seeds provide fiber and omega-3s, which support heart and digestive health. Greek yogurt For a protein-packed egg substitute that works well as a binder, Cassetty recommends using Greek yogurt in breakfast preparations, such as making pancake batter and coating bread for French toast. Use about 1/4 cup of plain Greek yogurt to replace an egg in your recipe. Yogurt's protein, calcium, and live and active cultures — the latter of which supports gut health — are a benefit. Advertisement Liquid egg replacement When it comes to the best egg substitutes, it's all about what you're cooking. Regarding true versatility and substitution, Just Egg may take the cake. As the only egg alternative that scrambles and can make omelets, Just Egg tends to be the closest doppelganger for the real thing. Nutritionally, it also comes pretty close to eggs, boasting around 5 grams of protein, 5 grams of fat, and no cholesterol (unlike real eggs, which do contain cholesterol). However, Gans points out that Just Egg lacks choline (key to nervous system function) and B12 (essential for red blood cell production), which are found in eggs. How to use egg substitutes in recipes A tasty and easy quiche using egg substitutes – Photo courtesy of Just Egg Cassetty offers a few recipes for high-protein breakfasts using egg substitutes. Additionally, here's one for making an eggless air-fryer quiche with a liquid egg substitute. Advertisement Air-fryer eggless quiche Prep time: 10 minutes Cook time: 15 minutes Servings: 6 Ingredients 12 ounces pourable Just Egg 6 (3-inch) or 4 (4-inch) frozen pastry tart shells, thawed Advertisement 3/4 cup cremini mushrooms, chopped 2 green onions, minced 1/2 cup dark leafy greens (spinach, kale, or chard), chopped 1/4 cup chickpeas 1/8 teaspoon ground cayenne Salt and pepper to taste Instructions Advertisement 1. Preheat the air fryer to 350° F for five minutes. Prick the bottom of the crust with a fork to keep it from puffing up while baking. Partially bake the tart shells in the air fryer for three minutes. Remove from the basket and set aside. 2. Divide the mushrooms, onions, greens, and chickpeas evenly between the tart shells. Each crust should be about three-fourths of the way full. Sprinkle the fillings with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and cayenne. 3. Pour the liquid egg replacement into each tart shell until it's nearly full. You won't use the entire bottle. Advertisement 4. Preheat the air fryer to 350° for two minutes. Arrange the quiches in the basket and air fry for 8 to 10 minutes. Each air fryer is different, so check at 8 minutes. Test by poking with a toothpick or knife; if there's still liquid on it, cook for another minute or two or until the liquid completely sets. 5. Remove the quiches from the air fryer and let cool for 10 minutes.
Yahoo
30-01-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
High-Quality Multivitamins for Women Per Dietitians and Testing
"Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links." Nearly 64% of adult American women take a dietary supplement and, of those, the majority are multivitamins. But because the supplement industry is so big, it can be hard to know how to choose the best multivitamins for women. Keep in mind that you don't necessarily need a multivitamin if you eat a varied, well-balanced diet. But given how tricky that can be to pull off, dietitians usually say it can't hurt to have a multivitamin in your life. 'A multivitamin could be a good safety net for most women to ensure they meet their nutritional needs,' says Keri Gans, R.D.N., author of . 'However, certain women could definitely benefit from it more than others, such as those with a heavy menstrual cycle who would benefit from additional iron or those following a vegetarian or vegan diet who would also benefit from iron and B12.' If you're taking a weight-loss medication, a supplement can also pad out your nutrition, she says. But these can also be helpful for women of childbearing age, as well as those who are over 60 to ensure they're getting in the right nutrients, Gans says. Ultimately, the right multivitamin is one that meets your needs, says Jessica Cording, R.D., a nutritionist and the author of . (And, if you're unsure of what those needs are, it's a good idea to check in with a healthcare provider or dietitian to find out more.) Beyond that, choosing from a reputable company and ideally one that uses rigorous testing is preferred, she says. Meet the experts: Scott Keatley, R.D., is co-owner of Keatley Medical Nutrition Therapy; Keri Gans, R.D.N., is author of ; Jessica Cording, R.D., is a nutritionist and the author of . With all of that in mind, these are our favorite multivitamins for women, based on our own testing and feedback from nutritionists. Dietary supplements are products intended to supplement the diet. They are not medicines and are not intended to treat, diagnose, mitigate, prevent, or cure diseases. Be cautious about taking dietary supplements if you are pregnant or nursing. Also, be careful about giving supplements to a child, unless recommended by their healthcare of Life's MyKind multivitamin consistently came up with our expert panel of dietitians as an excellent, high-quality pick that suits the needs of most women. This organic multivitamin features an ingredients list that includes an organic food blend, with many nutrients coming from real foods. The multivitamin hits a lot of major nutrients women require, although be aware that it doesn't contain magnesium. It also features biotin, which is linked to healthy hair, skin, and nails. Prevention contributor Korin Miller used MyKind's multivitamin regularly before she starting having kids, noting that it felt like an upscale, "grown-up" vitamin after years of grabbing whatever was on sale. She likes the whole foods formulation and organic certifications. These vitamins are certified vegan and gluten-free, making them a good fit for many people with dietary restrictions. They're also third-party tested for purity and potency, with an additional layer of in-house testing for heavy metals, microbes, and pathogens. What the Reviews Say: Users rave about how they feel while taking this multivitamin. 'The whole food nutrition it provides is simply amazing,' shares one. 'It makes me feel more energetic and healthier overall.' Another adds this testimonial: 'I feel that they absorb and work better so I get more out of them than other brands. My bloodwork seems to agree. I am no longer deficient in certain vitamin levels like I was before and I just feel better.' $34.34 at says that she often recommends Ritual to her clients who are of reproductive age, i.e. in their 20s and 30s. The multivitamin contains omega-3 DHA and folate, which are important for eye, heart, and brain health, including in a developing fetus. Miller used this Ritual vitamin between pregnancies, and liked that it helped to cover her bases while breastfeeding and preparing for another pregnancy before she was actively trying to conceive. Ritual is known for its clean ingredients, with the brand using only traceable ingredients. It's also The United States Pharmacopeia (USP) verified for quality. All of the company's multivitamins must pass third-party testing for heavy metals, major allergens, and microbes, too. Just be aware that this multivitamin doesn't contain everything—it's notably missing vitamins C and B, along with selenium and calcium. While it's not the main reason to choose a multivitamin, Ritual has a nice minty flavor to cover the fishy taste of the DHA. What the Reviews Say: Quality is a big thing that comes up in the reviews. 'This vitamin is high quality, and has not at all upset my stomach,' says one fan. 'My labs are great and I have waited to find such a great vitamin that I put these on auto ship and haven't regretted it at all.' A fellow happy user shares that 'these vitamins go down easy, have minimal aftertaste and I feel great throughout the day. They are on the pricey side but well worth it.' $36.99 at iron is an important nutrient for women to have, it can be upsetting in supplement form to some people with sensitive stomachs. Whether you're sensitive to iron supplements or take a separate iron supplement and don't want to overdo dosing of the nutrient, the Eve Women's Multivitamin is a great option. This multivitamin contains many of the bigger nutrients, along with cranberry, alpha lipoic acid, and CoQ10 for additional support. While Now isn't third-party tested, Cording says that they do 'rigorous' testing in-house for for stability, strength, and purity. The capsules are free of gluten, dairy, and eggs, although keep in mind that you do need to take four capsules per dose. What the Reviews Say: Many people rave about how gentle these multivitamins are on the stomach. 'I usually hate taking vitamin but these don't kill the stomach,' shares one. 'Best vitamin on the market for women,' says another. 'I've been taking these now for five years. You can definitely tell a difference in how you feel and energy levels.' $21.92 at ages 50 and up have very different nutritional needs than their younger counterparts. Thorne's Women's Multi 50+ meets those with a supplement that focuses on things like calcium, vitamin B6, and lutein (for eye health). The multivitamin is free of iron, which women need less of after menopause. Thorne's multivitamin contains several highly absorbable nutrients, including zinc bisglycinate to support good immune function. The vitamins, which are made in a third-party certified facility, go through rigorous testing before they land on your doorstep. Just keep in mind that a dose is a whopping six capsules a day. But, if swallowing pills is easy for you, this is likely to be no biggie. What the Reviews Say: Many users say they feel great on Thorne's multivitamin. 'A lot of other multivitamins give me a headache but this one didn't. Been taking it for a few months now and I feel better all around,' says a fan. 'The energy that I get from these vitamins is unlike any other vitamin I have taken,' shares another. 'I am getting so much done and am 100% caffeine-free.' $50.00 at multivitamins are geared toward women in their 20s and 30s, or those in menopause. The New Chapter Every Woman's Multivitamin 40+ is designed for the in between. The multivitamin features high levels of B vitamins, along with fermented ingredients to enhance absorption. The tablets also contain foods and spices like turmeric, broccoli, and kale. The formulation is even designed to support hair, skin, and nail health. New Chapter's organic supplement is third-party tested and gluten-free. Just be aware that while it's vegetarian, the supplements are not vegan. But this formula is designed to be easy on the stomach, so you can take it with or without food. What the Reviews Say: Several reviewers say the vitamin goes down easy and helps them feel great. 'I take this vitamin on an empty stomach with no issues,' says one. 'Since taking this vitamin I feel energized all day and do not have the late afternoon crash that I use to experience.' Another shares: 'I'm feeling much better, my brain is working really well, I have more energy to wake up in the mornings and do exercises.' $43.50 at everyone feels comfortable swallowing a pill. In that case, a gummy is usually a better choice. Olly's The Perfect Women's Multivitamin Gummy has a delicious berry taste that helps these vitamins go down easy. It's also free of iron, which usually translates to being easier on the stomach. Miller praises Olly's flavor, which tastes good in the moment and doesn't leave an aftertaste. She says the sweet smiley face design was an added perk. This supplement features a wide range of vitamins, including vitamins A, B, C, D, and E, along with biotin (for hair and nail health), folic acid, and calcium. These vitamins are third-party tested, too. Just a heads up: The gummies contain 2 grams of added sugar per serving, so you'll want to factor that into your overall diet. What the Reviews Say: Users give these vitamins the thumbs up for taste and effectiveness. 'I feel a difference in my strength, energy, [and] hair growth, and they are also tasty,' says one. 'I have trouble swallowing pills,' says another fan. 'I feel great after taking these and I have stuck with them for months. They don't have a sickening after-taste.' $16.98 at Made's prenatal vitamin has has a large serving of DHA, an omega-3 fatty acid that supports baby's growth. But it also has folic acid (important for baby's health, too), along with vitamins A, C, D3, and E, calcium, iron, iodine, magnesium, zinc, and all eight B vitamins. The dosage is just one softgel daily, which goes down easy compared to a tablet. The vitamin is independently tested for quality and purity, too. These supplements have a delicate orange taste, a gentle flavor when you may be dealing with morning sickness. Prevention Digital Director Allie Early has taken this prenatal throughout her pregnancy, and she finds it both effective and gentle on her stomach, adding that the orange scent/light flavor makes this multivitamin a little easier to enjoy. What the Reviews Say: Many expectant moms say these pills are easy to take and keep down. 'It's surprisingly easy to swallow and doesn't leave that unpleasant aftertaste like some other prenatal vitamins I've tried,' says one user. 'Plus, I don't experience the upset stomach that I've had with other brands, which has been such a relief.' Another says, 'I quite like the smell, the bottle says its orange scented, but it honestly smells like a very floral tea.' $20.24 at these elements when choosing the best multivitamins for women: Nutrients. While multivitamins are designed to cover a broad range of nutritional needs, they're not all the same. With that, it's important to read the label and look for a vitamin that suits your specific needs. 'Women should look for multivitamins that address common nutrient deficiencies, such as vitamin D, calcium, magnesium, and iron,' says Scott Keatley, R.D., co-owner of Keatley Medical Nutrition Therapy. 'Depending on life stage, specific nutrients like folate, DHA, and iodine may be critical during pregnancy, while postmenopausal women may need more calcium and vitamin D to support bone health.' Allergens and dietary restrictions. If you have an allergy, sensitivity, or dietary restriction, look for a multivitamin that meets your needs. Many multivitamins will explicitly say if they are gluten-free, dairy-free, or vegan. Third-party testing. Third-party testing means that a brand uses someone outside their company to test their products to ensure what the label states is what's actually in the bottle. 'I prefer companies that put a big emphasis on testing and safety,' says Cording. Value. More expensive doesn't necessarily mean better when it comes to a multivitamin. Instead, look for a multivitamin that meets all of your requirements—including your choose the best multivitamins for women, we consulted with three nutritionists for their input on what to look for in these supplements, as well as what to avoid. We then looked at the most popular multivitamins for women on the market and analyzed them based on elements like nutrients, allergens, testing, and value. We relied on our own experience with these multivitamins, as well as those of the dietitians we consulted. Because everyone's experience is unique, we also considered reviews from real users to make sure we had the best view of how these multivitamins performed for a range of more than 70 years, Prevention has been a leading provider of trustworthy health information, empowering readers with practical strategies to improve their physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Our editors interview medical experts to help guide our health-focused product selections. Prevention also examines hundreds of reviews—and often conducts personal testing done by our staff—to help you make informed decisions. You Might Also Like Can Apple Cider Vinegar Lead to Weight Loss? Bobbi Brown Shares Her Top Face-Transforming Makeup Tips for Women Over 50
