Optimum Opti-Women

🩸 14mg iron + 400µg folic acid — the women-specific blood formation matrix

Iron (14mg, 100% NRV) and folic acid (400µg, 200% NRV) are the two nutrients that most fundamentally distinguish Opti-Women® from gender-neutral multivitamins. Iron contributes to the normal formation of red blood cells and haemoglobin and to the normal transport of oxygen in the body — EU-authorised health claims at 100% NRV. Premenopausal women lose 15 to 20mg of iron per menstrual cycle, creating a recurring deficit that diet alone frequently cannot address, particularly in athletes who also experience foot-strike haemolysis and increased iron losses through sweat. Folic acid at 400µg contributes to normal blood formation, normal cell division and the reduction of tiredness and fatigue — making it relevant both to haematological health and to daily energy management.

☀️ Vitamin D 10µg (200% NRV) — bone, muscle and immune support

Vitamin D at 10µg (200% NRV) contributes to the maintenance of normal bones, normal muscle function and the normal function of the immune system. In Northern Europe, the majority of women are vitamin D insufficient for 6 to 8 months of the year — Opti-Women®'s 200% NRV dose provides meaningful seasonal correction alongside dietary vitamin D intake.

🛡️ Immune support complex — 8 EU-authorised immune nutrients

Vitamins A, C, D, B6, B12, folic acid, copper and selenium all carry EU-authorised health claims for contributing to the normal function of the immune system — all eight present in the Opti-Women® formula at meaningful doses. Vitamin C at 225mg (281% NRV) additionally contributes to collagen synthesis for normal skin, bone and cartilage function — particularly relevant to the connective tissue demands of physically active women.

⚡ Full B-vitamin complex — energy metabolism and fatigue reduction

B vitamins B1, B3, B5, B6 and B12 collectively carry EU-authorised health claims for contributing to normal energy-yielding metabolism. At doses of 300 to 400% NRV throughout the B-complex, Opti-Women® addresses the increased B-vitamin metabolic demands of active women — supporting daily energy production at the cellular level and contributing to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue.

🦴 Calcium + vitamin D — bone maintenance for active women

Calcium at 150mg (19% NRV) and vitamin D at 10µg (200% NRV) support the EU-authorised health claim for the maintenance of normal bones. For active women — particularly in high-impact sports where bone density is a long-term health concern — the synergistic combination of calcium and vitamin D ensures that supplemental calcium intake is effectively absorbed and utilised for bone mineralisation.

🌿 Specialty complex — alpha lipoic acid, garlic, grape seed, lutein

The five specialty ingredients address functional health dimensions beyond the classical vitamin and mineral scope: alpha lipoic acid as a universal antioxidant protecting both aqueous and lipid cellular compartments; garlic extract providing organosulfur polyphenols for cardiovascular and immune support; grape seed extract (Vitis vinifera L.) providing OPC proanthocyanidins for vascular health and antioxidant protection; citrus bioflavonoids as synergists that enhance vitamin C bioavailability; and lutein at 2mg for macular pigment density maintenance and retinal health support.

🎯 Goal guide

🏋️ Active training women: 2 capsules/day with the main meal. Comprehensive micronutrient support for the energy metabolism, immunity and recovery demands of regular training, with iron and folic acid addressing the gender-specific monthly requirements.

🔥 Weight management / cutting phases: 2 capsules/day. High-dose B-vitamins support energy metabolism during caloric restriction; iron and vitamin C support oxygen transport and immune function when overall dietary diversity is reduced.

⚖️ Daily wellbeing: 2 capsules/day. A complete gender-specific daily foundation covering vitamins, minerals, iron, folic acid and botanical extracts in a single convenient supplement.

Serving suggestion

Take 2 capsules per day with food. Do not exceed the recommended daily dose. Not suitable for individuals under 18 years of age. Keep out of reach of children.

Best times to take it

🍳 With the main meal (primary recommendation)

Optimum Nutrition recommends taking Opti-Women® with food. The fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K) absorb significantly more efficiently alongside dietary fat. Iron absorption is enhanced by vitamin C — both are present in the formula, but a meal context ensures the full absorption benefit. Taking with the main meal makes the supplement a consistent and easy-to-remember part of the daily routine.

🌅 Morning with breakfast

For many women, breakfast is the most natural integration point for a daily multivitamin — the 2-capsule dose is small and easy to swallow with a morning drink, and the B-vitamins support the energy and alertness demanded from the start of the day.

📅 Every day — the cumulative benefit principle

Fat-soluble vitamin tissue levels (A, D, E, K), iron status and mineral concentrations all build progressively with consistent daily supplementation. The benefits of a daily multivitamin are cumulative rather than acute — daily consistency over weeks and months is the key variable that determines the degree of micronutrient status improvement.

Supply duration guide

Full ingredient list

Calcium carbonate, L-ascorbic acid (vitamin C), capsule (gelatin), bulking agent (microcrystalline cellulose), calcium citrate, magnesium oxide, ferrous fumarate, anti-caking agents (magnesium salts of fatty acids, silicon dioxide), D-alpha-tocopheryl acid succinate (vitamin E), nicotinamide (vitamin B3), calcium D-pantothenate (vitamin B5), alpha lipoic acid, L-selenomethionine, zinc oxide, garlic extract, grape seed extract (Vitis vinifera L.), retinyl acetate (vitamin A), citrus bioflavonoids, lutein, pyridoxine hydrochloride (vitamin B6), thiamin hydrochloride (vitamin B1), cholecalciferol (vitamin D3), cupric sulphate, riboflavin (vitamin B2), phylloquinone (vitamin K1), cyanocobalamin (vitamin B12), chromium picolinate, pteroylmonoglutamic acid (folic acid), D-biotin, sodium molybdate, potassium iodide.

Key formula matrix overview

Allergens

No major allergens declared. Always refer to the current product label for the most up-to-date allergen information.

Product characteristics:

• 27 active ingredients per 2-capsule daily dose
• Gender-specific formula for active women
• 14mg iron (100% NRV) — women-specific dose
• 400µg folic acid (200% NRV)
• Vitamin D 10µg (200% NRV)

Active ingredient profile per daily dose (2 capsules)

Formats disponibles

Q1 — What makes Opti-Women® different from a standard gender-neutral multivitamin?

The two most significant differences are iron and folic acid. Standard gender-neutral multivitamins are often formulated without iron (to avoid excess iron in men) or at a sub-therapeutic iron dose for women. Opti-Women® provides 14mg of iron (100% NRV) — a dose calibrated for the recurring iron deficit created by the monthly blood losses of premenopausal women. Folic acid at 400µg (200% NRV) reflects the specific requirement of women of childbearing age for adequate folate status. Beyond these two key nutrients, the specialty complex uses garlic and grape seed extract rather than the ginger and green tea extract in the male Opti-Men® formula — botanical choices aligned with cardiovascular and antioxidant priorities particularly relevant to women's long-term health.

Q2 — Why is vitamin A provided at 800µg (100% NRV) in Opti-Women® when some prenatal supplements advise limiting vitamin A?

The 800µg of vitamin A per dose in Opti-Women® is provided as retinyl acetate — a preformed retinol. This is a significant consideration for women of childbearing age: chronic intake of preformed vitamin A above 3000µg per day is associated with teratogenic risk during pregnancy. At 800µg per dose, Opti-Women® is well within the safe range for premenopausal women under normal conditions. However, women who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant should consult a physician before use and consider switching to a dedicated prenatal multivitamin formulated with lower retinol and beta-carotene as the primary vitamin A source, which does not carry the same teratogenic risk.

Q3 — Can Opti-Women® be taken alongside ON Gold Standard 100% Whey?

Yes. Opti-Women® contains no active compounds that interact with Gold Standard 100% Whey. The combination is one of the most natural and comprehensive daily supplement pairings available: Opti-Women® covers the daily micronutrient, iron, folic acid and botanical extract requirements, while Gold Standard 100% Whey addresses the post-workout protein and amino acid needs. Taken together, these two products cover both the micronutrient and macronutrient dimensions of active women's nutrition in a simple, convenient daily routine.

Q4 — Why does Opti-Women® use gelatin capsules rather than plant-based capsules?

Opti-Women® uses traditional gelatin (bovine origin) capsules — a formulation choice made by Optimum Nutrition for the product's original development. Gelatin is the most common pharmaceutical capsule material and provides excellent moisture barrier properties that protect the enclosed active ingredients. This makes Opti-Women® unsuitable for vegetarians and vegans. For active women who require a vegetarian multivitamin, alternative formulations with HPMC (plant-based) capsule shells are available from other brands. Optimum Nutrition's Opti-Men® uses HPMC and is vegetarian-compatible — but is formulated specifically for men and not appropriate for women.

Q5 — Which format should I choose — 60 or 120 capsules?

The formula is identical in both formats. The 60-capsule format (30-day supply at 2 capsules/day) is the natural starting point for first-time users. The 120-capsule format (60-day supply) offers a meaningfully lower cost per capsule and is the preferred choice for women who have established Opti-Women® as their daily multivitamin. At 2 capsules per day, the 120-capsule format provides 2 months of uninterrupted supply.