Men and women have different dietary needs. While there is an overlap in certain nutrients, vitamins and other supplements must be taken in conjunction with a healthy diet. In addition, vitamins and other supplements may be associated with certain side effects. These concerns should be discussed with a doctor.
Multivitamins have been popular for years. Manufacturers have created different formulations to suit the nutrient requirements of men and women. However, there are some questions about the value of these products. It can be difficult to determine whether multivitamins are useful or not.
Women’s multivitamins tend to contain more iron than a men’s multivitamin. Iron is important for several important body functions, including the health of your heart and liver. However, too much iron can lead to serious conditions, including anemia. For this reason, you should only take women’s multivitamins if you are anemic.
Women’s multivitamins usually contain higher levels of vitamin D, folic acid, choline, thiamin, and calcium. As a rule, the recommended dietary allowances (RDA) for these nutrients vary by sex. If you aren’t getting the nutrients you need, talk with a nutritionist. Your doctor can also recommend a dietary adjustment to ensure that you get all the vitamins and minerals you need.
While the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the Food and Nutrition Board of the Institute of Medicine set the recommended daily allowances for these nutrients, the dietary recommendations vary by age. Some of these differences can be small, but over time they can add up.
Women’s vitamins also don’t include the zinc, riboflavin, and thiamin that men need. This is because the bodies of women and men have differing needs for these vitamins. Since women’s bodies produce less of these nutrients, the amount found in women’s vitamins is often higher than that required by men.
If you want to supplement your diet, be sure to choose water-soluble vitamins and fat-soluble vitamins. Water-soluble vitamins are important for digestive health, while fat-soluble vitamins are important for supporting immune health.
Men need more niacin, choline, riboflavin, and chromium. Because the body is different from women’s, men also have a lower need for folate and calcium. You can meet your calcium and folate needs through a healthy diet, but you should consider supplementation.
Men’s multivitamins also tend to have more lycopene and selenium. Lycopene is a powerful antioxidant that can help protect against prostate cancer. Selenium is vital for the production of testosterone, and it can be used to help your immune system stay strong.
While there are many differences in nutritional needs between men and women, both sexes can benefit from taking a multivitamin. One A Day Men’s Health Formula contains extra vitamins C and E. It’s a great way to make sure you’re getting all the nutrients you need. Taking a high-quality prenatal vitamin is a great way to ensure your child has all the nutrients they need.
The bottom line is that there isn’t a lot of evidence that male and female supplements are equally beneficial to both sexes. You should always consult with your doctor before trying any new product, especially if you are experiencing any health problems or have special dietary needs.
