OLLY Women’s Multivitamin Review: Is It Really the Perfect Women’s Multi?
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Certain vitamins, like folic acid and vitamin B12, are especially important for women’s health and wellness. In a perfect world, you’d get all the antioxidants and essential vitamins and minerals you need from the foods you eat. That said, if you’re worried about missing out on the FDA recommended Daily Value (DV) for nutrients, considering a supplement like a multivitamin is a good idea.
When evaluating if this is the best multivitamin for women, it’s important to research the product details and the brand carefully. The OLLY Women’s Multivitamin gummies are a blend of vitamins A, C, D, E, biotin, folic acid and other B vitamins. Since they’re chewable, no food or water is needed, and reviews on the brand’s website mention their great taste.
This OLLY Women’s Multivitamin review will give you insight into the ingredients used, potential side effects, pros and cons, the brand and how it stacks up against other multivitamins for women, so you can assess whether it’s the best multivitamin for you.
This content is meant to be informative, but should not be taken as medical advice. It is not intended for use as diagnosis, prevention or treatment of health problems. Always speak with your doctor before starting any new supplement or exercise regimen.
What is the OLLY Women’s Multivitamin?
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The Olly Perfect Women’s Multi was formulated to provide you with essential nutrients, such as vitamin D and vitamin A, that you may not be getting from your diet. Each dose of this supplement includes vitamins D, E, B6, B12, folic acid and biotin, along with other vitamins and minerals. These are in gummy form and are Blissful Berry flavored with no artificial flavors or colors. They’re also gluten-free.
Ingredients
When it comes to specific ingredients, the Office on Women's health (OWH) states, “there are some vitamins and minerals that women need more than men do,” and this can also vary based on age, diet and whether or not you’re pregnant. It’s important to choose a multivitamin from a trusted brand that explicitly states how they ensure the quality and safety of the product and that it contains the vitamins you need.
Vitamins
This multivitamin includes 100 percent of the recommended DV for biotin, pantothenic acid and vitamins D, E, B6, B9 and B12. It contains 50 percent of the DV for vitamin A, niacin and vitamin C and 10 percent of the DV for vitamins B1 and B2. The OWH specifically mentions these vitamins as important for women's health:
- Vitamin B9 (folate) helps your body make DNA for new blood cells, and if you’re expecting, it can help prevent certain birth defects and premature births.
- Vitamin B12 helps your body make blood cells and helps your neurons work correctly.
- Vitamin D reduces inflammation in cells and supports your immune system. When paired with calcium, it helps prevent osteoporosis and build ultra strong bones.
OLLY’s claim that their multivitamin can boost bone health checks out here. The brand also states that vitamin B supports energy; however, the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health notes, “People who have a B vitamin deficiency may feel a rise in energy levels after using the supplement because the vitamin is directly involved in making healthy blood cells and can correct anemia if present. However, there is no evidence of benefit if people without a deficiency take extra B vitamins.”
Minerals
The OLLY Women’s Multivitamin includes 100 percent of the DV for iodine, 50 percent of the DV for chromium, 25 percent of the DV for selenium, 23 percent of the RDV for zinc, eight percent of the DV for calcium and four percent of the DV for phosphorus. It also includes boron, which does not have a DV. The National Institute of Health (NIH) states that calcium helps messages go between your muscles and your brain, and vitamin D helps with the absorption of calcium, so you can build and maintain strong bones.
Other ingredients
Other ingredients OLLY's multivitamin for women include: glucose syrup, beet sugar, water, gelatin, lactic acid, citric acid, natural flavors, coloring (from carrot, blueberry and chokeberry juices), pectin, vegetable oil (coconut and canola) and carnauba wax (to prevent sticking).
As defined by the FDA, natural ingredients are derived from natural sources, and OLLY states, “None of our flavors, colors, and sweeteners are derived from artificial sources. We use non-GMO sources of raw materials whenever possible, plus all our products are gluten-free.” While the brand’s supplements have been tested for gluten, they are not non-GMO certified or Certified Gluten-Free by the NSF (National Sanitation Foundation).
The glucose syrup sweetener on the ingredient list is commonly derived from potatoes, corn, cassava, barley or wheat, and OLLY mentions that the natural sweeteners the brand uses come from sugar from sugarcane, beet or corn. Gelatin and pectin are categorized as binders and texturizers by the FDA, and lactic and citric acids prevent spoilage. Natural flavors are typically used to make specific flavors for great taste, but the term is vague, and it would have been nice to see the brand define more specifically what they used to “flavor naturally” as they did with other ingredients.
OLLY Women's Multivitamin Side Effects
Multivitamins can help supplement the vitamins, nutrients and antioxidants that you may be lacking. On the OLLY website, no side effects were mentioned, but the label warns to keep out of reach of children. If you’re taking other medications or supplements, it’s important to consult your doctor before taking this multivitamin. Excess nutrients can lead to additional side effects, which may include headaches, nausea or more serious problems.
The Pros of the OLLY Women’s Multivitamin
- Includes 18 essential nutrients
- Chewable, and doesn’t include any artificial colors or flavors
- NSF certified
- If you’re not satisfied, you can return the product anytime within 30 days of purchase
- Gluten-free
- Meets performance, accountability and transparency standards of the Certified B Corporation
The Cons of the OLLY Women’s Multivitamin
- Does not contain iron, so you may need to supplement this separately
- Only one flavor option is available
- Not suitable for vegetarians or vegans
What Customers Say About OLLY Women’s Multivitamin
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On the OLLY website, the average rating for The Perfect Women’s Multi is 4.5/5 stars. Many reviews mention that the taste and texture are pleasant. One reviewer says, “They taste so good, which I wasn’t expecting. I actually look forward to getting to take them—they taste like a little treat I can reward myself AND my body with.”
Many reviewers also note how convenient it is to have a vitamin that includes biotin and folic acid, so they don’t need to take additional supplements. Others mention that the gummies have a strong smell that isn’t great, but they appreciate that there isn’t a bunch of added sugar and unnecessary ingredients used to achieve the Blissful Berry flavor. A reviewer on Amazon said, “Tastes great, doesn't upset stomach if taken without food, no strange aftertaste, package arrived in good condition, most importantly—satisfied with list of ingredients.”
Who the OLLY Women’s Multivitamin is Best For
This multivitamin is best for women who have a busy lifestyle or a deficient diet and want to achieve wellness by getting their DV of vitamins and minerals. These gummies are also ideal if you prefer chewables over softgels and for those who want a gluten-free option. The directions state that the gummies can be taken without water or food; however, the brand mentions, “While it is not necessary to take them with a meal, many nutrients are best absorbed and utilized when they are ingested with food.” The brand also states in the product details that it’s safe for women who are breastfeeding or pregnant, but it’s encouraged to seek the advice of your healthcare provider before starting a new supplement.
Related Post: The Best Postnatal Vitamins to Support New Moms
Who the OLLY Women’s Multivitamin is Not Best For
These multivitamin gummies are not best for women who get the recommended daily value of vitamins and minerals by eating a balanced diet, since consuming more than the recommended dose can have adverse effects. They’re also not good for those who are seeking other ingredients like collagen and melatonin. The gummies also contain gelatin that’s sourced from pork, so they aren’t vegan or vegetarian-friendly.
Where to Buy the OLLY Women’s Multivitamin
You can order the Blissful Berry flavor on the brand’s website directly. OLLY products are also available at other major retailers; however, the website is the only place the 30-day return policy is mentioned.
How Much Does the OLLY Women’s Multivitamin Cost?
OLLY offers 45 servings for $13.99, 65 servings for $17.99 and 60 servings for $15.99. If you sign up for a subscription, you can save 15 percent, and you can choose to receive your shipment once a month or every two to three months. The brand offers free shipping on orders over $25 or a flat rate of $6.99. During the hotter months, gummies are shipped with a cold pack, and the delivery is tracked to ensure it’s not left outside for too long.
The Brand
OLLY prides itself on making nutrition easy, and aims to offer products that not only have great taste, but also include functional ingredients from trustworthy sources. The brand is a member of the Council for Responsible Nutrition and is certified by B Corp and the NSF. Each product starts with a personal need and is researched by a team of health and nutrition experts who uncover the latest clinical research on whether or not the ingredients address the desired health benefit. Each ingredient is disclosed on the ingredient list, and OLLY states, “We only partner with suppliers and manufacturers who can meet our stringent requirements for transparency, traceability, and documentation.” OLLY offers many other supplements, including options like OLLY Sleep gummies (with elderberry and melatonin) and OLLY Daily Energy.
OLLY Women’s Multivitamin vs Garden of Life Vitamin Code Raw One for Women
One daily dose of the Garden of Life Vitamin Code Raw One for Women contains 100 percent of the DV for 17 vitamins and minerals like Vitamin C and calcium. These vitamins are certified non-GMO and Certified Gluten-Free by the NSF. They’re vegan- and vegetarian-friendly, and like OLLY, they contain no artificial flavors or colors. They also contain iron and probiotics that Garden of Life claims support digestion and gut health, whereas you’ll need to take OLLY’s probiotic gummies if you need a probiotic supplement for women. This multivitamin is in capsule form, and one serving size is four capsules. They are also priced significantly higher at 30 servings for $26.24 or 60 for $55.00 than OLLY, which offers 45 servings for $13.99.
OLLY Women’s Multivitamin vs Ritual Essential for Women Multivitamin
Ritual Essential for Women Multivitamin is a softgel vitamin that’s offered in two formulas: one for women 18+ and one for women 50+. These are Non-GMO Project Verified, contain no artificial colors and are made from ingredients you can trace down to their source location. There are nine daily vitamins and minerals included, and each daily dose contains over 100 percent of the DV for three. Unlike the OLLY Women's Multivitamin gummies, these vitamins are in capsule form, and you are required to have a subscription to Ritual to order. There’s no cost for the subscription, and you can change your delivery date as needed. The serving size is two capsules, and the only purchase option is 30 servings for $33.
Related Post: Ritual Vitamins Review: Cost, Ingredients and More
OLLY Women’s Multivitamin FAQs
Are OLLY Women’s Multivitamins FDA approved?
No, just like other multivitamins, the OLLY women’s multivitamin gummies are not approved by the Food and Drug Administration. That’s why it’s important to choose a brand that’s transparent about what they’ve included in their product, their manufacturing process and their ingredient sources.
How long do OLLY Women’s Multivitamins take to work?
You may start to notice a difference in how you’re feeling after taking women’s multivitamins regularly for two weeks or up to several months. Women who do not have vitamin deficiencies may not feel any difference at all. How you feel depends on your health and dietary choices before and while taking a multivitamin.
Final Thoughts: Is OLLY the Perfect Women’s Multivitamin?
Overall, the OLLY Women’s Multivitamin includes 100 percent of the DV for eight vitamins and minerals and 10 other essential nutrients. It contains specific vitamins and minerals that, according to the OWH, are important for women’s health and wellness. The gummies are a convenient way to ensure your body gets everything you need to function properly throughout your day. Whether or not the brand’s women’s multivitamin is the “perfect” one for you is subjective and depends significantly on your health and individual needs. However, OLLY does a great job of keeping its process and ingredients transparent and backing their products with a 30-day return policy to ensure satisfaction.
Prices are accurate and items in stock as of publish time.
