Marla Ahlgrimm explains that there are dozens of vitamins crucial to women’s health. B vitamins, which includes thiamin, niacin, biotin, and folate, are good examples. Vitamin B1, also known as thiamine, works to produce energy and effectively metabolize fat. Niacin helps women reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases while pantothenic acid, or vitamin B5, is an important tool in a woman’s hormone-production arsenal.
Another, often overlooked, vitamin is vitamin K. Vitamin K is derived from foods like kale, Swiss chard, spinach, and brussel sprouts. Marla Ahlgrimm notes that you can also get up to 49% of your daily value of vitamin K from pork chops, chicken, and hard cheeses. Vitamin K regulates how the body clots blood and is important to heart health.
Marla Ahlgrimm explains that whole foods are the best source of all vitamins, including choline, vitamin E, and vitamin C. But, she also notes that some women, such as those who are pregnant, over the age of 50, or on a restricted diet, may require supplements for optimal health.
When asked about taking a multivitamin, Marla Ahlgrimm advises to consult with your healthcare provider. She explains that not all vitamins are created formulated, and some are more easily absorbed by the body than others. Your physician can discuss your concerns and may be able to offer testing for certain vitamin deficiencies so that you will know where you need to pick up your nutritional slack.
