The human body requires 13 essential vitamins for normal cell growth, development and function, according to the U.S. National Library of Medicine. These 13 vitamins include vitamin A, C, D, E, K, B1 -- thiamine, B2 -- riboflavin, B3 -- niacin, B5 -- panthothenic acid, biotin, B6, B12 and B9 -- folic acid. Although women require all of these essential vitamins, certain vitamins provide added benefits for women.
Folic Acid
The body requires folic acid, also known as vitamin B9, to produce new cells. This makes folic acid especially important for pregnant women. Pregnant women with a folic acid deficiency put their fetus at risk for neural tube defects that affect the brain and spine and can produce lifelong disabilities. Because neural tube defects occur between the third and fourth week of pregnancy, often before many women even realize they are pregnant, it is important for all women to consume at least 400 micrograms -- the daily recommended intake of folic acid -- per day, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Natural sources of folic acid include leafy green vegetables, citrus fruits and dried beans and peas.
Vitamin D
Everyone knows that calcium builds strong bones, but the body requires vitamin D in order to effectively absorb calcium. Therefore, women need vitamin D to support healthy bones. As women age, they become prone to developing osteoporosis, a condition characterized by porous and weak bones. Although it can also affect men, osteoporosis affects as many as half of all women over the age of 50, according to MedLine Plus. Women can prevent the onset of osteoporosis by getting adequate amounts of both calcium and vitamin D. The skin produces vitamin D when stimulated by the ultraviolet rays from the sun. In addition, almost all milk produced in the United States is fortified with vitamin D, according to the National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements.
Vitamin B12
The body requires vitamin B12 for the formation of red blood cells, to support the production of new cells, and for healthy nerves. Vitamin B12 works closely with vitamin B9, or folic acid, to regulate the production of new red blood cells and help iron function, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. For women, this helps to prevent anemia, which can occur due to the loss of blood each month during menstruation. Vitamin B12 in combination with folic acid may also reduce the risk of breast cancer. Natural sources of vitamin B12 include animal products such as fish, meat, chicken, eggs and milk. Since plant sources fail to provide any vitamin B12, vegetarians must eat foods fortified with B12, such as cereals, or take supplements.
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