If you are thinking about buying vitamins like PhytAge Prostate 911, you have probably seen many different kinds on the market and are not sure which ones to choose from. One of the main differences you might see is that there are different options for men and women when it comes to multivitamins and other kinds of supplements.
Some people wonder if this is just a marketing ploy or if the vitamins given to men and women are actually different. This guide will cover the main differences between the two vitamins so you know exactly which ones to choose that is right for you.
Difference Between Vitamins for Men and Women
Men need more of certain nutrients and less of other nutrients compared to women so the vitamins are made according to what their body needs and doesn't need. The Food and Nutrition Board is who outlines the different vitamin levels that people need.
The recommended dietary allowance or the RDA is what is used to determine how much of a nutrient someone needs based on their age and gender.
Different RDAs For Women and Men
Most vitamin and supplement companies make different formulas for men and women so that the RDA levels meet their needs. The main difference in RDA levels is that women need more iron and folate while men need more of other vitamins and minerals.
In general, men need more vitamin C, zinc, vitamin K, thiamin, choline, and chromium. They also need more niacin and riboflavin.
You should always talk to your doctor before beginning any new supplements because if you have a certain condition, you might need to take special vitamins that have a different formula.
As a man, it's safer to take vitamins for women but if they are taken long term, the high iron levels can lead to diabetes and liver disease.
Women can easily get sick when it comes to taking men's vitamins so they should avoid taking them whenever possible.
If you accidentally take one though, there will likely not be any issues. Just make sure you take the right one the next day.
Types of Vitamins For Men and Women
If you have been to a vitamin store or been to the supplement store at your local grocery store, you are probably overwhelmed with all the choices there for supplements.
There are many supplements that can be taken by both men and women, but you have probably noticed that multivitamins are always labeled for men and women. If you see multivitamins that are marketed towards men and women, make sure you buy the one according to your gender as this is what your body needs to be in optimal health.
Men's multivitamins often contain more of certain minerals like selenium. Men should consume more of this vitamin because it helps to protect against prostate cancer. Women's multivitamins often have more iron because women lose much of this mineral during menstruation.
Iron is very important for many bodily functions, especially for women so they always want to make sure they are choosing a vitamin with enough iron.
Too much iron can cause a lot of different health issues though which is why men are not recommended to take multivitamins with iron unless told to do so by a doctor.
For example, some of the multivitamins for women have as much as 18mg of iron and men only need about 8mg a day so this is more than double what is needed by a man.
Who Needs a Multivitamin?
Not everyone needs to take multivitamins and most doctors agree that changing your diet is more important and more effective compared to popping a multivitamin every day.
However, your doctor might recommend you take a multivitamin if you have certain health conditions where you might have a hard time absorbing certain vitamins and minerals.
It's also beneficial to take certain medications rather than just taking a multivitamin. For example, older men are recommended to take high levels of minerals that help protect against prostate cancer.
Women might need to take only iron supplements or vitamins that are good for hair and nail growth since this can slow down during phases of life like menopause.
Women also need special vitamins during pregnancy and breastfeeding as their bodies can easily become depleted of certain minerals during these times.
Specialized vitamins are often better at caring for your health compared to just taking a broad multivitamin that might not actually target the needs you really have for your body.
Before Taking Vitamins
Whether you are a man or woman, you need to consult with your doctor before taking any kind of vitamin. If you are experiencing health problems, you might also want to get a blood panel done or testing for mineral deficiencies to ensure you are taking the right vitamin and not spending money on supplements that will not help you.
If you think you need to take certain vitamins but are not sure which one, you can also schedule an appointment with a dietician to see what advice they can recommend based on your current health status.
Keep in mind some vitamins are also not good for those with certain conditions such as if you have peptic ulcers, have certain gastrointestinal diseases, or have recently had surgery or other trauma to the body.
The Bottom Line
Men's and women's vitamins are designed for RDA levels that are designed to meet the needs of everyone's age and gender. Men's and women's vitamins are different because they have different levels of certain minerals and vitamins.
This is why it's not recommended for someone to take a multivitamin long term that is not meant for them.
As with all vitamins and supplements, you want to make sure you consult your doctor before choosing one so that you take the right one for your body and any health needs you might have.
