While both men and women share similar biological traits, there are specific health conditions that are more likely to occur in women, or affect women differently than men (1). Because of this, it’s super important to understand how certain vitamins and supplements can specifically benefit women.

While it is possible for women to receive all the nutrients needed for a healthy body from a well-rounded diet, there are times when that alone is not enough. Here are some key nutrients catered to women’s health that you can consider as part of your daily vitamins:

Cranberry

Cranberry can be used for health maintenance and to support urinary tract health. Prof. Itzhak Ofek, a researcher at Tel Aviv University's Sackler Faculty of Medicine, calls it “medicinal teflon.” Ofek has found that due to the composition of cranberries, a heavy molecule known as non-dialyzable material or NDM can coat some bodily surfaces with teflon-like efficiency, preventing infection-causing agents from taking root. This may help in protecting against urinary tract conditions.

Vitable Australia’s Cranberry formula contains Vitamin C and silica. This formulation allows you to get the nutrients from the cranberry without having to consume the high levels of natural sugar (fructose) in the fruit, or the added sweeteners in some cranberry drinks.

Biotin

Biotin supports general health and wellbeing. It is a water soluble vitamin, is an essential cofactor to enzymes in the metabolism of fatty acids, glucose, and amino acids. It plays a key role in gene expression and cell signalling.

Also known as vitamin B7, we only need a small amount of it daily. Many foods contain biotin, including eggs, fish, organ meats, and some  vegetables, like sweet potatoes (9).  However, biotin deficiency may still occur if we are unable to get enough biotin from diet. Signs of biotin deficiency include thinning hair, rashes, brittle nails, and rashes (9).

Some studies also suggest that a small degree of biotin deficiency also occurs during the course of otherwise normal pregnancies (6).Biotin supplementation may help address this.

We at Vitable, chose a dose of biotin that delivers a suitable daily amount as opposed to megadoses. One easy to swallow, mini tablet, delivers 50x the adequate intake, or level assumed to ensure nutritional adequacy. Our Biotin tablet is vegan, free from added gluten and lactose, and non-GMO.

Fish oil

The Heart Foundation Australia reports that an average of 20 women a day succumb to coronary heart disease. In addition, women are more likely to undergo treatment for chest pains or heart attack compared to men (7). Typical risk factors of  heart disease include diabetes, obesity, physical inactivity and alcoholism. But women after menopause suffer lower estrogen levels, raising the risk of chronic diseases (3).

Vitable’s fish oil contains a concentrated form of naturally derived omega-3 fatty acids; eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Omega-3s can’t be produced in the human body therefore they are mostly consumed from dietary sources. These custom vitamins exert anti-inflammatory effects, maintaining and supporting heart health and also contributing a key role in supporting a healthy pregnancy.

Magnesium

Magnesium is a necessary micronutrient with roles in normal cell and organ function. It is also an essential nutrient required by women at various phases of their hormonal lifecycle. Adequate magnesium is needed for a healthy pregnancy, throughout menopause and even when a women is menstruating (10).

Iron

Iron is important in the creation of haemoglobin, which carries oxygen through the bloodstream. While men need about 8mg of iron a day, women need up to 18mg (11). This is because women lose a significant amount of iron during their menstrual period. Iron deficiency is common in women, and may lead to anaemia.

During pregnancy, women may require up to 27mg of iron (11). This is in part because the baby's blood system is also developing. A deficiency in iron during this period increases the risk of preterm or low birth weight in the baby.

Iron is among the 22 essential nutrients that are part of Vitable's Prenatal Essentials supplement. This formula is for women who are looking to become pregnant, are already pregnant, or currently breastfeeding.

However, it is important to speak with your doctor before taking iron, as iron supplements can only be taken when recommended by your GP

Women have different micronutrient needs at different stages of life. Know your body and take care of your specific needs with Vitable vitamins and it’s customisable vitamin pack. Build your own pack and enjoy our vitamin delivery services that send your packs right to your doorstep!

Find out more about other areas that the above supplements can help you with:

Cranberry | Biotin | Fish oil | Magnesium | Iron

*Always read the label. Follow the directions for use. If symptoms persist, talk to your health professional. Vitamin and/or mineral supplements should not replace a balanced diet.

References:

1. Regis College. Health Issues Specific to Women’s Health. Published on https://online.regiscollege.edu/online-masters-degrees/online-master-science-nursing/womens-health-nurse-practitioner/resources/health-issues-specific-womens-health/. Accessed Nov 14, 2021.
2. Foxman, B. (2002). Epidemiology of urinary tract infections: Incidence, morbidity, and economic costs. American Journal of Medicine; 113(Suppl. 1A): 5S-13S. Accessed through https://www.womenshealth.gov/a-z-topics/urinary-tract-infections on Nov 14, 2021.
3. Office on Women’s Health. Urinary tract infections. Published on https://www.womenshealth.gov/a-z-topics/urinary-tract-infections. Accessed Nov 14, 2021.
4. American Friends of Tel aviv University. Cranberries really are a miracle cure for women. EurekaAlert. Published Jan 10, 2008 on https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/663413. Accessed Nov 14, 2021.
5. Stothers, L. 2002. “A randomized trial to evaluate effectiveness and cost effectiveness of naturopathic cranberry products as prophylaxis against urinary tract infection women.” The Canadian Journal of Urology. Published June 2002 on  https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12121581. Accessed Nov 14, 2021.
6. Mock, D. et al., 2002."Marginal biotin deficiency during normal pregnancy". HHS Public Access. Published Febuary 2002 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1426254/. Accessed Dec 16, 2021.
7. Heart Foundation. “Women and heart disease.” Heart Foundation. Last reviewed June 10, 2021 at https://www.heartfoundation.org.au/conditions/heart-conditions-in-women. Accessed Dec 16, 2021.
8. Office on Women’s Health. Nutrition and Women Fact Sheet. Published on https://www.womenshealth.gov/. Accessed Nov 14, 2021.
9. National Institutes of Health: Office of Dietary Supplements. "Biotin". National Institutes of Health. Updated March 29, 2021 at https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Biotin-HealthProfessional/.  Accessed Dec 16, 2021.
10. Porri, D., et. al., "Effect of magnesium supplementation on women's health and well-being". NFS Journal. Published April 2021 on  https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2352364621000079.
    Accessed Dec 16, 2021.
11. BetterHealth Channel. "Nutrition - women's extra needs". BetterHealth Channel. Published n.d. on https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/nutrition-womens-extra-needs. Accessed Dec 16, 2021.