# What is the best multivitamin for women in South Africa?

Source: https://www.healthnews24.co.za/answers/best-multivitamin-for-women-south-africa/
Publisher: Healthnews24 (South Africa's supplement answer desk)
Updated: 2026-10-27

> For most women in South Africa, a multivitamin that supplies close to 100% of daily needs is enough; megadoses add nothing. Among products we reviewed in October 2026, Dis-Chem Gold Multivitamin For Woman is the budget option at about R4.43 a day with iron, while Viridian High Five suits women who do not need iron, at R7.50 a day.

Key facts:
- Dis-Chem Gold Multivitamin For Woman: R133 for 60 softgels (Dis-Chem Living Fit, October 2026), about R4.43 a day at 2 softgels, with roughly 9 mg iron.
- Viridian High Five: R675 for 90 capsules (Faithful to Nature, October 2026), about R7.50 a day with 1 mg iron and 50 mcg B12.
- Multivitamins have weak evidence in well-fed adults; the AIS places them in Group B.
- The US recommended iron intake for women aged 19–50 is 18 mg a day, but supplement only after testing if you suspect deficiency.
- Several popular multivitamins do not publish full per-serving amounts on retailer pages.

## What is the best multivitamin for women in South Africa?

There is no single best product, because the right choice depends on whether you need iron. Multivitamins have **weak** evidence for performance and disease outcomes in well-fed adults; they fill small gaps. Aim for products near 100% of daily needs, not megadoses, and avoid doubling up with separate vitamin D, iron or zinc.

## How do the main options compare?

Per-day amounts from retailer label text (October 2026, our calculation):

| Product | Price | Per day | Iron | Vitamin D | B12 | Zinc |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dis-Chem Gold Multivitamin For Woman (2 softgels) | R133 for 60, Dis-Chem Living Fit | R4.43 | 9 mg | 400 IU | 25 mcg | 10 mg |
| Dis-Chem Gold Multivitamin Supreme Active (1 softgel) | R200 for 60, Dis-Chem Living Fit | R3.33 | 10 mg | 200 IU | 10 mcg | 1 mg |
| Viridian High Five (1 capsule) | R675 for 90, Faithful to Nature | R7.50 | 1 mg | 400 IU | 50 mcg | 5 mg |
| Solgar Formula VM-2000 (2 tablets) | R499 for 60, Faithful to Nature | R16.63 | 10 mg | 400 IU | 100 mcg | 15 mg |

Tony Ferguson, MuscleTech Platinum and New Leaf Multivitamin Plus Iron did not publish full per-serving amounts in the pages we read, so we cannot compare them fairly.

## Do you need iron in your multivitamin?

Menstruating women have higher iron needs (the US recommended intake is 18 mg a day for ages 19–50), and the Dis-Chem Gold Multivitamin For Woman gives about 9 mg. That helps top up, but it does not treat deficiency. If you suspect low iron, ask for ferritin and haemoglobin tests first; see [do women need iron supplements](/answers/do-women-need-iron-supplements-south-africa/). Post-menopausal women and women who are not iron deficient usually do better with a low-iron formula such as Viridian High Five.

## What should you check on the label?

- **Folate:** 200 mcg per softgel in the Dis-Chem Gold women's formula, so 400 mcg per day on the label dose; see [folic acid before pregnancy](/answers/folic-acid-before-pregnancy-south-africa/). Pregnant or planning women should use a prenatal and ask their clinician.
- **Vitamin D:** most multis supply 200–400 IU, not 1 000 IU.
- **Capsule shell:** the Dis-Chem Gold options use bovine gelatine, which is not vegetarian, and the women's formula contains sorbitol and glycerine.
- **Retinol (vitamin A):** keep high-dose preformed vitamin A out of pregnancy.

## Is a multivitamin worth it?

For a varied diet, the benefit is small. Groups who may benefit include people on restricted diets, vegans (B12), and older adults with poor appetite. The COSMOS trial reported a small memory benefit in older adults. Compare more products in our [multivitamin comparison](/best/best-multivitamin-south-africa/) and check [how much a multivitamin costs](/answers/how-much-does-a-multivitamin-cost-south-africa/).

## When should you see a doctor or dietitian?

If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, under 18, have kidney disease, are on medication (vitamin K matters with warfarin), have heavy periods, or feel persistently tired, speak to a doctor before adding supplements. This is general information, not personal medical advice.

## Products mentioned

| Product | Size | Price (source, date) | Servings | R per serving | Sweeteners |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dis-Chem Gold Multivitamin For Woman 60 softgels | 60 softgels | R133 (Dis-Chem Living Fit, 2026-10) | 30 | R4.43 | sorbitol 70% and glycerine in capsule fill |
| Dis-Chem Gold Multivitamin Supreme Active 60 softgels | 60 softgels | R200 (Dis-Chem Living Fit, 2026-10) | 60 | R3.33 | glycerol (132 mg sugar source per capsule) |
| Viridian High Five Multivitamin and Mineral 90 capsules | 90 capsules | R675 (Faithful to Nature, 2026-10) | 90 | R7.50 | none |
| Solgar Formula VM-2000 60 tablets | 60 tablets | R499 (Faithful to Nature, 2026-10) | 30 | R16.63 | mannitol, maltodextrin |

## Sources

- [COSMOS trial: multivitamin supplementation and cognitive function in older adults (Am J Clin Nutr 2024, PubMed)](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38244989/)
- [Australian Institute of Sport Supplement Framework: Group B](https://www.ausport.gov.au/ais/nutrition/supplements/group_b)
- [Dis-Chem Living Fit: Daily wellness (multivitamins)](https://dischemlivingfit.co.za/product-category/vitamins-herbal/daily-wellness/)