What is the best multivitamin for women in South Africa?

There is no single best product, because the right choice depends on whether you need iron. Multivitamins have weak evidence for performance and disease outcomes in well-fed adults; they fill small gaps. Aim for products near 100% of daily needs, not megadoses, and avoid doubling up with separate vitamin D, iron or zinc.

How do the main options compare?

Per-day amounts from retailer label text (October 2026, our calculation):

Tony Ferguson, MuscleTech Platinum and New Leaf Multivitamin Plus Iron did not publish full per-serving amounts in the pages we read, so we cannot compare them fairly.

Do you need iron in your multivitamin?

Menstruating women have higher iron needs (the US recommended intake is 18 mg a day for ages 19–50), and the Dis-Chem Gold Multivitamin For Woman gives about 9 mg. That helps top up, but it does not treat deficiency. If you suspect low iron, ask for ferritin and haemoglobin tests first; see do women need iron supplements. Post-menopausal women and women who are not iron deficient usually do better with a low-iron formula such as Viridian High Five.

What should you check on the label?

• Folate: 200 mcg per softgel in the Dis-Chem Gold women's formula, so 400 mcg per day on the label dose; see folic acid before pregnancy. Pregnant or planning women should use a prenatal and ask their clinician.
• Vitamin D: most multis supply 200–400 IU, not 1 000 IU.
• Capsule shell: the Dis-Chem Gold options use bovine gelatine, which is not vegetarian, and the women's formula contains sorbitol and glycerine.
• Retinol (vitamin A): keep high-dose preformed vitamin A out of pregnancy.

Is a multivitamin worth it?

For a varied diet, the benefit is small. Groups who may benefit include people on restricted diets, vegans (B12), and older adults with poor appetite. The COSMOS trial reported a small memory benefit in older adults. Compare more products in our multivitamin comparison and check how much a multivitamin costs.

When should you see a doctor or dietitian?

If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, under 18, have kidney disease, are on medication (vitamin K matters with warfarin), have heavy periods, or feel persistently tired, speak to a doctor before adding supplements. This is general information, not personal medical advice.

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