Introduction
When it comes to women’s health, selecting safe and effective multivitamins is paramount. In this article, we explore the safest women’s multivitamins that contain minimal toxic contaminants, including pesticides, heavy metals, PFAS “forever chemicals,” and phthalates. Utilizing feedback from our audience, we gathered information about their preferred brands and sent the top ten to EPA-certified laboratories for rigorous testing. This study aims to empower women with the knowledge they need to make informed decisions about their health.
Consumer Study Overview
At Mamavation, we have previously conducted consumer studies on various products, such as the safest cooking oils, water filters, and children’s multivitamins. Now, we are focusing on women’s multivitamins to assess their safety against harmful contaminants.
Disclosure: This research was conducted in partnership with Environmental Health News. Scientific analysis was carried out by experts from Carnegie Mellon University, and donations were received from Environmental Health News and members of the Mamavation community. It’s important to note that Mamavation only conducted initial checks within the industry, and cannot predict the safety of untested brands or products. The products we reviewed can have manufacturing changes, so consumers should remain vigilant. We include affiliate links in this post, primarily to Amazon, through which Mamavation earns a portion of sales. This funding will be used for further testing. You can also support our consumer studies with a tax-deductible donation through Environmental Health Sciences. Thank you for your support!
Mamavation’s Findings on Contaminants
Our investigation revealed surprising results about the presence of contaminants in popular women’s multivitamins:
- 40% of the tested multivitamins contained specific PFAS chemicals.
- All samples (100%) had detectable levels of ortho-phthalates.
- No multivitamin tested had harmful levels of heavy metals (lead, arsenic, cadmium, and mercury) that would necessitate a Prop. 65 warning in California, though all samples contained some level of these metals.
- None of the samples had detectable glyphosate levels.
- 30% of the multivitamins tested contained low levels of other detectable pesticides.
- An organic brand tested positive for several pesticides.
Expert Commentary
Terrence Collins, a prominent figure in green chemistry at Carnegie Mellon University, emphasized the importance of trust in women’s multivitamins:
“Women opt for these products with faith in their health benefits. The expectation for these vitamins to be free of harmful contaminants should be foundational to the supplement industry. Our findings indicate that this expectation may not always be met, which is deeply concerning.”
Testing for Specific Contaminants
To evaluate potential contaminants, we focused on those not typically included on ingredient labels but found in the manufacturing process or sourcing:
- 40 specific PFAS “forever” chemicals
- Glyphosate
- 500+ additional pesticides
- Phthalates
- Heavy metals: Lead, Arsenic, Cadmium, Mercury
Insights on PFAS Chemicals
PFAS “forever chemicals” have long-lasting effects and can be found in various consumer products. The CDC indicates that these substances are prevalent in the general American population, potentially leading to adverse health effects.
Glyphosate Concerns
Glyphosate, the active ingredient in many herbicides, was tested at levels as low as 10 parts per billion (ppb). Though not specified on labels, contamination can occur through various means during production.
Pesticide Analysis
Our laboratories screened ten multivitamins for over 587 pesticides and found no detectable levels in the tested samples. This was achieved through rigorous methods ensuring low detection limits.
Phthalates and Health Risks
Phthalates are linked to numerous health issues, particularly in endocrine disruption. The laboratory tested for several types of phthalates, as indicated by evidence of their harmful effects on human health.
Heavy Metals: Lead, Cadmium, Mercury & Arsenic
Heavy metals were also tested according to California’s Prop. 65 standards, which set strict limits to protect consumer health. Our findings aligned with these standards, providing transparency for consumers concerned about these risks.
Tested Brands of Women’s Multivitamins
To offer our community a clearer picture of available options, we tested several well-known brands:
- Ancient Nutrition Women’s Fermented Multi
- Garden of Life Women’s Once Daily Multivitamins
- Life Extension Two-Per-Day Multivitamin
- Mary Ruth’s Liquid Morning Multivitamin Raspberry Flavor
- MegaFood Women’s One Daily Multivitamin
- Needed Women’s Multi-Dietary Supplement
- New Chapter One Daily Every Woman’s Multivitamin
- Pure Encapsulation O.N.E. Multivitamin
- Ritual Essential for Women Multivitamin
- Seeking Health Multivitamin One MF Methyl-Free
Conclusion
This study highlights the need for greater transparency and accountability within the supplement industry. Women deserve multivitamins that support their health without the risk of hidden contaminants. It’s essential for both consumers and manufacturers to prioritize safety and health in product choices. By staying informed and asking questions, women can confidently make the best choices for their health.
