11 of the best health supplements for women

4 MIN READ • 4th February 2025

by Health and Wellbeing

From energy-boosting essentials to hormone-balancing heroes, these 11 award-winning supplements are game-changers for women’s health

In recent years, the world of supplements has grown a lot. Many people want a little extra help to improve their health and wellbeing, which is unsurprising. That’s why here at H&W we launched the Wellness From Within Awards – to help you cut through the noise and find the perfect supplement for your needs. Whether you’re after brain-boosting wonders, glowing skin or that magical sleepy-time supplement, we’ve got you covered.

Last year, we kicked off these awards to celebrate the best of the best in health and wellness supplements. We worked with a group of expert nutritionists to explore the science. Our goal is to bring you the best wellness products available.

And guess what? This year we’re back, and we’re ready to make it bigger, better, and even more helpful.

But if you’re just starting your supplement journey, don’t worry – we’ve got your back. Let’s explore why supplements are so popular. We will separate fact from fiction. This way, you will know what your body truly needs.

Are supplements good for you?

Let’s get this off our plate first – supplements aren’t a replacement for a healthy, balanced diet. The NHS says most of us can get all the vitamins and minerals we need from a varied diet. But let’s be real, sometimes our bodies need a little extra TLC.

Take winter in the UK, for example. When the sun rarely shines and getting enough vitamin D seems hard, a daily supplement can feel like sunshine in a bottle.

If you are expecting a baby, it is a good idea to take extra folic acid. This is especially important during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. It helps support the early stages of development.

You don’t need to take a different vitamin every day. However, there are benefits to giving your body extra support when it needs it most.

What supplements should you take?

Vitamin D

From March to September, a mix of sunshine and a balanced diet usually does the trick. But during autumn and winter, when the sun seems to be on sabbatical, a daily supplement can help fill the gap.

Omega-3

Stock up on omega-3s by adding fish, walnuts, and avocados to your plate.

B12

If you follow a plant-based diet, B12 is non-negotiable. Look for fortified foods or consider a supplement.

Iron

Keep your energy levels up by eating iron-rich foods like red meat, eggs, kale, lentils, beans, and oats.

Zinc

Your immune system’s secret weapon. Zinc helps you fend off infections, so it’s worth including in your routine.

Vitamin C

The go-to for sniffle season. Boost your intake with broccoli, citrus fruits, berries, and red peppers to keep colds at bay.

Magnesium

The “Sleepy Girl Mocktail” may have given it TikTok fame, but magnesium deserves the spotlight. It supports better sleep and calms your nervous system. Add wholegrains, bananas, nuts, seeds, and fatty fish to your meals for a natural dose.

Collagen

Collagen is the glue that holds your body together, literally. It keeps skin elastic, strengthens nails, and supports healthy hair and bones. As we age, production slows – so consider a supplement if you’re noticing the difference.