What vitamins and minerals does a woman need?

The childbearing years last from puberty to menopause. Menstruation and hormonal factors can affect someone’s nutritional needs at this time.

Vitamin B6 and vitamin D

In 2017, a group of scientists published a study that focused on data for over 15,000 people. Their results showed that, overall, women aged 19–50 years and those who were breastfeeding or pregnant were more likely to have nutritional deficiencies than other groups. This included low levels of vitamin B6 (pantothenic acid) and vitamin D.

Women aged 19–50 years need a daily intake of 15 mg of vitamin D.

The requirements for vitamin B6 are 1.3 mg  per day for those aged 19–50 years, 1.9 mg per day during pregnancy, and 2 mg per day while breastfeeding.

Iodine

Iodine is crucial for the healthy development of the fetal brain during pregnancy.

According to a 2012 national survey, women aged 20–39 years had lower iodine levels than any other age group in the study.

Those in this age group are the most likely to become pregnant.

However, people should not take iodine supplements unless a doctor recommends them. Unnecessary iron supplementation may negatively affect thyroid health. Anyone who has concerns about their iodine levels should ask their healthcare provider for advice.

Folate (vitamin B9)

Folate, also known as vitamin B9, is essential during the reproductive years. It reduces the risk of fetal complications, especially those involving the spine and brain, helps create red blood cells, and aids protein digestion.

People often use the terms folate and folic acid interchangeably, but there is a difference.

Folic acid is a general term for vitamin B9, which comes in different forms. It occurs naturally in foods such as beans, green leafy vegetables, and citrus fruits.

Folic acid is a synthetic form of folate. It is present in supplements and some fortified foods. Taking folate supplements may help prevent problems in a fetus’s developing spine or brain.

Women aged 18 years and older who are not pregnant need 400 mcg per day. The ODS recommend taking 600 mcg per day during pregnancy and 500 mcg per day while breastfeeding.

Iron

Many women experience iron deficiency during their reproductive years. Iron is a mineral that is essential for reproductive organs and functions.

It is also important for:

• energy production
• wound healing
• immune function
• red blood cell formation
• growth and development

The RDA for iron for women aged 19–50 years is 18 mg. It is 27 mg during pregnancy and 9 mg while breastfeeding.

As menopause approaches, nutritional needs may change. Falling estrogen levels and the aging process can increase the risk of different types of deficiency.

Vitamin B6, B9 (folic acid), and B12

B vitamins are crucial to overall health. The need for various B vitamins may increase after menopause.

Vitamin B6, B9 (folic acid), and B12 help with:

• red blood cell production
• energy production
• protein metabolism
• cognitive development
• nervous system function

Research also indicates that B vitamins may lower the risk of many conditions that impact older women more frequently.

The requirement for vitamin B6 rises from 1.3 mg to 1.5 mg after the age of 50 years. It can help support the immune system.

There is also a higher risk of vitamin B12 deficiency, though the recommended intake does not change.

Vitamin D and calcium

During menopause, estrogen levels fall, and the risk of developing osteoporosis increases. Osteoporosis weakens the bones and increases the risk of fractures. Calcium and vitamin D are essential for good bone health.

So, women should ensure that they adopt a diet and lifestyle that enable them to maintain levels of these vitamins.

Vitamin D

The RDA of vitamin D for adult women under 70 years of age is 15 mcg. The RDA for calcium for women aged 19–50 years is 1,000 mg.

Vitamin D deficiency is a common issue at this age. Women should ask about undergoing a test to see if they need to take supplements.

Calcium

Some people also take calcium supplements for bone health, but it is unclear whether or not this is a good idea.

The RDA of calcium is 1,200 mg for women over the age of 50 years. Some good sources of calcium include dairy products and green, leafy vegetables.

Vitamin D is essential to bone health and helps maintain muscle mass. As people age, they naturally begin to lose bone and muscle mass. People over the age of 70 years need more vitamin D than younger people.

Exposure to sunlight provides most of a person’s vitamin D, but vitamin D is also available in supplement form, oily fish, pasture-raised and free-range eggs, and some fortified foods.

Women’s activity levels and overall health status can affect their dietary needs.

Women who are very active

Women who exercise a lot or have physically demanding jobs may need to consume more nutrients to stay healthy.

Research from 2014 suggests that female athletes and those with active military jobs have a higher risk of deficiencies in vitamin D and calcium. This can lead to weakened bones and a greater risk of injury.

Those who are very active may also have a greater risk of iron deficiency.

Very physically active women should speak with a doctor or dietitian about tailoring their diet and supplement intake to meet their specific needs.

Women with heavy periods

Excessive blood loss from heavy periods can lead to iron deficiency and anemia. Women who regularly experience heavy periods may benefit from eating more iron-rich foods or taking iron supplements.

Anyone who has concerns about their periods or heavy menstrual bleeding should speak with a doctor.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Diet and nutrition are important for pregnancy and breastfeeding. Most requirements tend to be higher at this time.

Researchers estimate that vitamin D deficiency affects 18–84% of women during pregnancy.

According to recent research, women need around 4,000 international units (IU) per day to maintain optimal vitamin D levels during pregnancy and up to 6,400 IU per day while breastfeeding.

Choline is also essential for the health of both the mother and the fetus. Studies suggest  that most women’s intake of choline during pregnancy is below the recommended 450 mg per day. Many prenatal vitamins do not contain choline.

Food sources  of choline include liver, eggs, and soybeans.

Iodine is important for healthy brain development. The RDA is 220 mcg for pregnant women and 290 mcg for those who are breastfeeding.

Folate helps reduce the risk of congenital anomalies. The RDA for folate is 600 mcg  during pregnancy and 500 mcg while breastfeeding.

Vegan or vegetarian diet

Women who follow a plant-based diet may need to plan their meals to ensure that they consume enough of each nutrient.

For example, vitamin B12 only tends to occur naturally in animal products. Therefore, vegans and vegetarians may need to take supplements or eat foods fortified with vitamin B12. Examples of these include some breakfast cereals and milk alternatives.

There may also be low levels of iron, protein, calcium, and zinc in a vegetarian or vegan diet. The best way to prevent deficiencies while following one of these is to eat a balanced and varied diet that includes foods such as:

• beans, peas, and legumes
• whole grains
• nuts and seeds
• soy products
• broccoli
• dark green, leafy vegetables, such as spinach, and mustard greens
• fortified breakfast cereals, drinks, and milk alternatives
• nutritional yeast products

During pregnancy, women should supplement with iron, vitamin B12, and vitamin D, as well as folate and other nutrients.

A doctor can advise whether or not certain supplements are beneficial.

Some important nutrients for women and good sources of them include:

• Folate: Sources include spinach, rice, avocado, broccoli, oranges, asparagus, and fortified breakfast cereals.
• Iodine: Sources include seafood, seaweed, eggs, grain products, iodized salt, and unsweetened dairy products.
• Vitamin D: Sources include fatty fish, fortified or pasture-raised or free-range egg yolks, mushrooms, and liver.
• Iron: Sources include red meat, seafood, poultry, spinach, lentils, and soybeans.
• Calcium: Sources include dairy products, fortified milk alternatives and juices, fish.