Studies show that most Americans don’t get enough of several important nutrients from their diets. A multivitamin/mineral supplement can help fill in those nutrient gaps. But does it make scientific sense to choose a supplement specifically tailored to men or women? There is some rationale behind creating gender-specific supplements, but the choices can be complicated. There are a variety of supplement formulas designated for men or women of different ages, life stages, lifestyles, and with varying health concerns, making it a challenge to choose the best one for you.
Gender Differences
Yes, men and women have different nutritional needs. The recommended dietary allowances (RDAs), set by the National Academy of Sciences, are broken down into male and female needs, in addition to age groups. For women, the differences are most dramatic during pregnancy, breastfeeding, and before and after menopause. Some differences in nutrient needs are simply due to differences in body size between most men and women.How Women’s Needs Differ
Iron needs are greater for women, especially in childbearing years. Calcium requirements increase for women during and after menopause, due to the risk of developing osteoporosis as estrogen levels drop. Folic acid requirements double in women immediately before and during pregnancy, especially during the first trimester, to prevent neural tube defects (spina bifida) in the fetus.How Men’s Needs Differ
The need for several nutrients, including zinc, chromium, riboflavin, niacin, choline, thiamin, and vitamins A, C, and K, are slightly higher in men compared to women. Men’s supplements generally have little or no iron, as it can build up over time and lead to organ damage, a consequence more common in men.Choosing a Supplement
Gender-based differences among many of the supplements are hard to justify. Calcium, iron, and folic acid are likely to be higher in women’s supplements than in men’s, but supplements that include small amounts of herbs, like black cohosh for women or saw palmetto for men, are unlikely to be helpful. A vitamin/mineral supplement is supposed to be an “insurance policy” for the diet, not a substitute. With the exception of extra iron for men (if your doctor recommends against it), a unisex supplement and a healthy diet is likely a good bet for meeting your nutrient needs.Environmental Nutrition is the award-winning independent newsletter written by nutrition experts dedicated to providing readers up-to-date, accurate information about health and nutrition in clear, concise English. For more information, visit www.environmentalnutrition.com.
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