Choosing a multivitamin shouldn’t be difficult, but with so many alternatives accessible these days, it may be difficult to navigate through the sea of possibilities. When narrowing down the options, it’s natural to start with your gender.
Gender neutral require the same critical 13 vitamins and minerals for good health, the amount they require may differ. Continue reading to know more if can men take women’s vitamins.
Can Men Take Women’s Vitamins? Let’s know!
The simple answer is that men can take women’s vitamins without causing major damage in many circumstances. However, there are several significant factors to consider.
Because the RDA for many vitamins and minerals differs specific gender, supplement firms provide various multivitamin formulations. Men require more vitamins and minerals than women, in addition to less folate and iron.
According to the board of the institute of National Academies of Medicine, males require 900 micrograms of vitamin A, while women require 700 mcg. Men require 15 milligrams more vitamin C per day, 30 micrograms more vitamin K, and 3 milligrams more zinc. They also require an increase in niacin, riboflavin, thiamin, choline, and chromium.
Common Minerals in Men’s Vitamins
Men’s vitamins are usually designed to provide critical nutrients that support men’s special health demands. Men’s vitamins should contain the following minerals from food and nutrition board:
B vitamins
B vitamins are essential for many body activities, including energy synthesis, metabolism, and red blood cell creation. Men’s vitamins frequently contain more B vitamins, such as B6 and B12, than women’s vitamins.
Zinc
Zinc is required for immunological function, the generation of testosterone, and wound healing. Men have somewhat greater zinc requirements than women.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D is essential for bone health, muscular function, and immunological function. males and women need comparable levels of vitamin D, however, males may be more susceptible to vitamin D insufficiency.
Amino Acids
Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins and are essential for muscle development and repair. Men’s vitamins may contain amino acids that are particularly advantageous to muscular health, such as arginine and creatine.
Common Minerals in Women’s Vitamins
Women’s vitamins are designed to meet the nutritional needs of women, especially throughout their reproductive years. Key minerals included in women’s vitamins include:
Folic Acid
Folic acid is required for the development of babies and aids in the prevention of neural tube abnormalities. Women of reproductive age are encouraged to get enough folic acid.
Iron
Iron is essential for transporting oxygen throughout the body, and it is especially vital for women because of blood loss during menstruation.
Calcium
Calcium is necessary for bone health, and it is especially critical for women as they age owing to the risk of osteoporosis.
Iodine
Iodine is necessary for thyroid function and helps to regulate metabolism. Due to pregnancy and lactation, women may have somewhat greater iodine needs.
Why Should Men Avoid Taking Iron Supplements
Women are more likely than males to be iron deficient. Men, on the other hand, should avoid taking iron supplements unless prescribed by a doctor with recommended intake. Excessive iron consumption in males can result in iron overload, which can harm the liver, heart, and other organs.
Conclusion
While most women’s vitamins may be taken by men without adverse effects, it’s crucial to be aware of the nutritional requirements of male and female. Before taking any supplements, including women’s vitamins, men should visit their doctor to verify they are getting the proper nutrients in the recommended dietary proportions especially if you have health issues.
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*This information is not intended to serve as a substitute for professional medical or dietary advice tailored to individual needs.
Dr. Kimberly Langdon has been an MD for 31 years, board-certified obstetrician/gynecologist with 19-years of clinical experience. She graduated from The Ohio State University College of Medicine, earning Honors in many rotations. She then completed her OB/GYN residency program at The Ohio State University Medical Center, earning first-place accolades for her Senior Research Project and Score of 98th percentile on a National Proficiency Test.
During her clinical career, she delivered over 2000 babies and specialized in minimally invasive procedures, menopause, endometriosis, menstrual disorders, and polycystic ovarian syndrome. After retiring from clinical practice, she founded a medical device company to commercialize her two patented and four patent-pending medical devices for both life-threatening and non-life-threatening infections.
