Beauty Tips

Vitamins for Women: What You Really Need

Instead of assuming you need to pop the latest buzz-generating vitamins for women, consult this list of key nutrients

by Carrie Stern Kleiner

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B Vitamins (1.3 mg of B6; 2.4 mcg of B12; 400 mcg of folate): For your brain B vitamins (including B6, B12 and folate) are essential to brain function, red blood cell formation and building DNA. If vanity is your reason for reading this, note that B vitamins are also a key for building strong nails that grow faster.

So where can you get these lovely Bs? B6 can be found in potatoes (one medium baked potato gives you 35 percent of your daily value, according to the Office of Dietary Supplements at the National Institutes of Health), bananas, beans, cereals, meats, oatmeal and poultry. And, B12 can be found in trout (3 ounces of trout gives you almost all you need for the day, also according to the Office of Dietary Supplements at the National Institutes of Health) as well as oysters, fish, milk, meat and yogurt. Rich sources of folate can be found in leafy greens, dried legumes, as well as whole grains, says Drayer.

SEE NEXT PAGE: Omega-3 Fatty Acids: For your heart and skin

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I used to work at the University of Pittsburgh's School of Medicine for twelve physicians who studied vitamins and their effects. My appearance and health changes drastically when I don't take strong vitamin/mineral supplements.

by GigiSD Monday, May 6, 2013 at 11:16AM Report as inappropriate

Smart.

by Mollysunshine Thursday, March 28, 2013 at 02:20AM Report as inappropriate

i really enjoyed reading this....got a lot of helpful tips to be healthy as woman

by onelove211 Thursday, January 24, 2013 at 05:48PM Report as inappropriate

vitamins are needed! very helpful for you

by aishak55 Saturday, December 29, 2012 at 03:13PM Report as inappropriate

I take all of these except iron on a rotation basis. But I eat steak once a week and plenty of eggs.

by EricaC123 Wednesday, December 26, 2012 at 08:25AM Report as inappropriate

I learned a lot! I think I might check out getting a Vitamin A supplement!

by Chris213 Tuesday, October 30, 2012 at 05:08PM Report as inappropriate

Really helpful, thanks!

by michellefuentes Sunday, August 19, 2012 at 11:01PM Report as inappropriate

My primary care physician just told me the other day to add B complex and D to my Calcium Citrate and multi-vitamin.

by alictasia Friday, August 10, 2012 at 06:03PM Report as inappropriate

Trying to eat more fish and lots of fresh organic veggies and fruits. These are some great tips to follow for ever!

by Ydabney Friday, August 10, 2012 at 01:59PM Report as inappropriate

I take garlic pills and eat it as much as possible. I also take vitamins for my eyes mesozeaxanthin derived from marigolds.

by asiagirl4ever Monday, July 16, 2012 at 08:49PM Report as inappropriate