Last November my doctor ordered a DEXA bone scan, which showed I have some bone loss.  I don't have osteoporosis, but I do have osteopenia.  My doctor specifically recommended that I take daily calcium, vitamin D and magnesium. 

My search for a good supplement led me to the Vitamin Code Grow Bone system.  I showed it to my doctor, and she was extremely impressed with it (enough so that she is now recommending it to her patients with low bone density).  She said that supplements obtained via raw foods are supposed to be absorbed better and have higher effectiveness.  She also said that Garden of Life has a great reputation as a supplement company with high quality ingredients.

The Product

Raw One for Women is expensive, and the only store that carries the Vitamin Code products in our area is an independent health food store.  Unfortunately, their prices are almost double the prices of  some online vitamin stores, so if you are interested in trying it please do shop around.  The most I've paid is around $40, but I have seen it as cheap as $26.00.

These are vegan capsules, and come in a pink bottle with a "push and turn" child proof lid.  The bottle contains 75 capsules, but the daily dose is only one capsule so the bottle will last for 2 1/2 months.

The back label makes the Raw One for Women sound pretty amazing.  It states that the benefits for women are:

* Breast Health
* Bone Strength 
* Raw Energy
* Reproductive System
* Healthy Heart
* Healthy Skin 

This whole food supplement is free of dairy, gluten, soy, binders, and fillers. 

Supplement Facts

Vitamin A: 5000IU
Vitamin C (raw): 60mg
Vitamin D3: 1000IU
Vitamin E: 20IU
Vitamin K: 80mcg
Thiamin (B1): 1.5mg
Riboflavin (B2): 1.7mg
Niacinamide (B3): 20mg
Vitamin B6: 2mg
Folic Acid: 800mcg
Vitamin B12: 12mcg
Biotin: 150mcg
Pantothenic Acid (B5): 10mg
Calcium: 16mg
Iron: 6mg
Zinc: 3.8mg
Selenium: 50mcg
Copper: 1.5mg
Manganese: 1mg
Chromium: 120mcg
Molybdenum: 18.8mcg
Raw Organic Amla Berry (Indian Gooseberry): 120mg
Raw Enzyme and Probiotic Blend: 10mg

Thoughts

When I was searching for a good multi vitamin, I found several brands that required me to take three pills a day.  I know my limits, and the chances of my remembering to take them at three different times throughout the day are not very good.  This one a day formula seems perfect for my body and my schedule.

The capsules are light tan and average in size, measuring 7/8" in length.  They are easy to swallow and don't have a bad odor or leave an after taste in my mouth.  

Raw One for Women does seem to be very low in calcium, but I take the Vitamin Code calcium supplements, so this is taken in addition to those.  Women need both calcium and vitamin D for strong bones, so I am really puzzled by the lack of calcium in this formula.  We only build bone until the age of 30, then women start to lose more than they gain, so getting enough calcium is vital. 

My doctor specifically suggested that I take vitamin D3, and that is the type of vitamin D in these capsules.  My doctor said it is the preferable type because it's natural and better absorbed.  Vitamin D also helps the body absorb calcium.

I am on my second bottle of Raw One for Women, and while I don't notice any difference physically, I do feel that I am giving my body one of the best supplements on the market, one made especially for the needs of women.  The probiotics and natural enzymes aid in digestion.  I love taking a product that is a raw food.  Unless I come across a daily multiple vitamin that beats this one, it will be a part of my vitamin regimen.

There is one recommendation I would make to any woman taking this supplement, take additional calcium along with it.  For that reason alone I have to mark Raw One for Women down to four stars.

Recommended: Yes