Six Essential Vitamins & Minerals for Women’s Health

The B vitamins include thiamin and riboflavin, which play a role in energy production within cells, niacin, which keeps the skin, nervous system, and digestive system functioning normally, and vitamins B6 and B12, which are important for healthy red blood cells. But, for women, especially of childbearing age, folic acid is a vital B vitamin. Folic acid helps your body make healthy new cells. Ample folic acid levels before and during pregnancy can prevent major birth defects, protecting the baby’s brain and spine. Leafy green vegetables, orange juice, and fortified cereals are sources of folic acid, while vitamins B6 and B12 are found naturally in animal sources like salmon, milk and eggs.