Why Women Feel Tired All the Time: The Vitamins You’re Likely Missing

By

Monica Saxena

| Wellness Blogger | Certified in Holistic Health & Nutrition | Fully Accredited Professional Nutritionist|

Women for generations have always been doing the tough job to handle family, kids, job, daily chores, which also means having a rollercoaster life, moving through many phases, study, career, marriage, motherhood, caregiving, and everything in between. Through all of this, a stage comes when their life is demanding more and more from them, but they don’t have the vigour to take up challenges. Sometimes women feel that their body is now tired, struggling and breaking up every minute, and their energy is going down.
 What can you do if you are a woman who is facing issues like aches and pains, low energy and fatigue and desperately want to regain your lost energy? The solution is nutrients. Our bodies work silently, demanding the right nutrients to stay strong, energised, and balanced. Every woman needs the essential vitamins and minerals for energy, hormone balance, strong bones, glowing skin, and long-term health.  Yet, most women don’t realise how common vitamin and mineral deficiencies are—or how easily they can affect mood, hormones, bones, skin, and daily energy. A woman’s body goes through several stages, from puberty and menstruation to pregnancy and menopause, and each stage demands the right balance of nutrients. Vitamins and minerals play a key role in keeping energy levels high, hormones balanced, bones strong, and immunity
Let’s find a simple, practical guide for women of all ages. This guide brings you the most essential vitamins and minerals every woman needs, why they matter, and how to include them naturally in your diet so you can feel your best at every stage of womanhood.

 1. Vitamin A – For Healthy Vision and Skin

One vitamin that is majorly required by women is Vitamin A. It is essential for every woman because it plays a major role in maintaining clear vision, especially as eye strain increases with age, screen time, and hormonal changes. It also supports healthy, glowing skin in women by promoting cell repair. Women often notice dull and dry skin and other problems of skin declining due to stress, pollution, and slowing collagen production.

Vitamin A plays an important role in strengthening the immune system, which is particularly important for women who juggle multiple responsibilities and are more prone to fatigue-related infections. Good sources of vitamin A include carrots, sweet potatoes, leafy greens like spinach and kale, eggs, and fortified milk. When levels of vitamin A are low, women may experience dry or dull skin, reduced night vision, and frequent infections; all these signs convey that the body is craving more Vitamin A.

 2. Vitamin B-Complex – For Energy, Mood, and Hormonal Balance

B vitamins or vitamin B-complex (B1 to B12) are especially important for women because they work together to boost energy metabolism, support brain function, and maintain hormonal balance throughout different life stages, if taken regularly by women. Vitamin B6 is known to help stabilise mood and ease PMS symptoms, and this makes it valuable for the reproductive health of women. Folate (B9) becomes even more critical for women of childbearing age, as it supports healthy fetal development and helps prevent birth defects. Vitamin B12 helps keep the nervous system strong and aids in forming red blood cells, which is essential for women who are prone to anaemia. 
A balanced intake from whole grains, dairy, eggs, leafy greens, legumes, and lean meats helps prevent deficiency signs such as fatigue, mood swings, poor concentration, and low haemoglobin.

 3. Vitamin C – For Immunity and Glowing Skin

If you are fond of eating citrus fruits like oranges, lemons and strawberries, then it is so good for you as they are a great source of vitamin C.  Really, vitamin C is vital for women because it strengthens the immune system, supports healthy skin, and enhances iron absorption. A key benefit since many women experience low iron levels due to menstruation, and intake of vitamin C helps in better absorption of iron by your body. Vitamin C plays a big role in collagen production, which helps maintain your skin firm and youthful. It also keeps gums strong, which becomes increasingly important with age and stress. Vitamin C is found in citrus fruits, guava, strawberries, bell peppers, and broccoli, and it ensures faster healing and better overall resilience. When levels of vitamin C are low, women may notice frequent infections, slow wound healing, and bleeding gums — signs that the body needs more of this powerful antioxidant.

 4. Vitamin D – For Bone Strength and Hormone Health

For bone strength and hormonal health, Vitamin D is essential for all, especially women, because it directly supports calcium absorption, which helps maintain strong bones and reduces the risk of osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is a condition women are more prone to after the age of 40, and especially after menopause. Vitamin D also plays a key role in regulating mood and supporting hormonal balance, offering relief from PMS-related mood changes and menopausal discomfort.
 While sunlight is the best natural source of it, Vitamin D is also found in fortified milk, eggs, and fatty fish like salmon and tuna. When vitamin D levels drop, women may experience bone pain, persistent fatigue, low immunity, and mood swings, all of which signal a need for more Vitamin D.

  5. Vitamin E – For Skin, Hair, and Hormonal Health

For well-nourished, moist and smooth skin, Vitamin E is especially beneficial for women because it acts as a powerful antioxidant that protects cells from daily stress, pollution, and ageing. It helps maintain smooth, healthy skin and supports hormonal balance, which may reduce PMS-related discomfort and breast tenderness. 
Regular intake of foods like nuts, seeds, olive oil, sunflower oil, spinach, and avocado can keep your energy levels stable and your skin nourished. When Vitamin E is low, women may notice dry or dull skin, fatigue, and even mild muscle weakness — all subtle signs that the body needs more antioxidant support.

 6. Vitamin K – For Bone and Heart Health

Women, as you age, you will find that Vitamin K is of utmost importance for you because it supports healthy blood clotting and helps maintain strong bones, both of which become increasingly crucial for maintaining good health and physical strength. As many women approach their 40s and beyond, the risk of bone density loss rises, making Vitamin K an essential nutrient for long-term skeletal health.
 Vitamin K is found in green leafy vegetables, broccoli, and Brussels sprouts, and the intake of these natural sources may definitely make you feel better. It helps keep your bones resilient and prevents issues like easy bruising or prolonged bleeding, which are common signs of its deficiency.

 7. Calcium – For Strong Bones and Teeth

Calcium is one of the most essential minerals for women for keeping the bones strong as they navigate teenage years, childbirth and pre-menopause because the risk of osteoporosis rises significantly with age, especially after menopause when estrogen levels drop. If you consume calcium-rich food, adequate calcium keeps bones strong, supports healthy teeth, and ensures smooth nerve and muscle function. How to enhance bone health
Women can meet their daily needs of calcium through calcium-rich foods like milk, yoghurt, paneer, tofu, ragi, almonds, and sesame seeds. When calcium levels are low, early signs may include weak bones, brittle nails, and frequent muscle cramps, all indicating that the body needs more calcium and nutritional support.
Food to increase calcium intake

 8. Iron – For Blood Health and Energy

Iron is one mineral that you can never ignore; you constantly need it in your diet as it is one of the most important minerals for women because it helps to form haemoglobin, the protein that carries oxygen in the blood. Women with moderate to heavy menstrual cycles lose more iron each month, making them more vulnerable to anaemia and fatigue. 

Eating iron-rich foods such as spinach, lentils, red meat, raisins, and jaggery helps maintain energy, healthy blood levels, and overall vitality. When iron is low, common problems women may notice are pale skin, persistent tiredness, dizziness, and even increased hair fall, all clear signals that the body needs more iron to sustain itself better.

 9. Magnesium – For Relaxation and PMS Relief

Magnesium is essential for women because it supports smooth muscle and nerve function, helps reduce PMS-related bloating and cramps, and promotes deeper, more restful sleep, which many women struggle with due to stress and hormonal fluctuations. 

Regular intake of nuts, seeds, dark chocolate, leafy greens, and whole grains, which are an excellent source of magnesium, helps maintain calmness, steady energy, and better mood balance. When magnesium levels drop, women may experience anxiety, frequent muscle cramps, and persistent fatigue, indicating the need for more of this calming mineral.

 10. Zinc – For Immunity, Skin, and Fertility

Zinc is especially important for women because it strengthens their immune system, supports faster wound healing, and helps maintain clear, healthy skin, something many women struggle with due to stress, hormones, or pollution. It also plays a key role in reproductive health, supporting hormonal balance and fertility, and regular intake of it may make life easier for women.
Foods like pumpkin seeds, lentils, eggs, and seafood provide a good dose of zinc. When levels are low, women may notice increased hair fall, frequent infections, and slower healing of cuts or acne marks; all these signs reflect that the body needs more zinc.

 11. Iodine & Selenium – For Thyroid Support

Iodine and selenium are crucial for women because they help keep thyroid hormones balanced, which directly affects metabolism, energy levels, weight regulation, and mood, areas where women often notice fluctuations due to hormonal changes, stress, or post-pregnancy shifts. These minerals support a healthy thyroid, preventing issues like unexplained fatigue, sluggish metabolism, and hair thinning. You can get them from iodised salt, fish, dairy, Brazil nuts, and whole grains. When levels are low, women may experience tiredness, unexpected weight changes, and increased hair loss — clear signs that the thyroid needs more support.

Balancing your diet with the right vitamins and minerals can make a huge difference in how you feel every day, from your energy levels to your skin, hair, and hormonal health. If you’re not getting enough through food, ask your doctor about supplements tailored to your age and needs and live life to the fullest.

Small, consistent dietary choices today can build a foundation for lifelong health and vitality.