Women’s nutritional needs change dramatically as they progress through the cycles of their lives and good health is essential to their roles as women, whether it be mom, CEO, grandma or companion. Certain vitamins and minerals are key to women’s health, including calcium, magnesium, vitamins A, C, D E, B complex, folic acid and Omega-3 fatty acids. 

Women need to maintain their energy levels, slow the aging process, strengthen the immune system, reduce stress and keep their female hormones in balance. In addition, needs are increased during pregnancy and change during the menopausal and post-menopausal cycles. Calcium is an ongoing need, especially as women age and their bone mass decreases. Vitamin D assists the process of calcium absorption and may prove to lower the risk of breast cancer and slow the development of osteoarthritis. 

Vitamin C, acting as an anti-oxidant in the system, helps reduce stress and participates in the process of synthesizing collagen, thereby keeping the skin healthy and youthful. Vitamin E is beneficial in the support of the heart function and also promotes healthy hair and skin, and vitamin A helps protect the body from cell damage. 

The B complex vitamins are vital to good health, helping to turn carbohydrates into energy and supporting the nervous system. In particular, B6 and B12 help with nerve cell and red blood cell development. The B vitamins are also believed to balance homocysteine levels, aiding the protection of the artery walls and supporting heart health. Folic acid is a critical B vitamin to be added when women are pregnant or trying to become pregnant. 

As women age, there are increased concerns about heart health and osteoporosis. The Omega-3 fatty acids act as natural anti-inflammatory agents in the body and appear to be helpful to maintaining a healthy heart. Calcium and magnesium intake may need to increase, along with vitamin D, as women age in order to maintain healthy joints and bones, reduce the risk of fracture and slow the onset of osteoarthritis.