Choosing the Best Multivitamins for Men and Women: Is there A Difference?

How to choose the best multivitamins for men and women?  — The process of selecting a multivitamin shouldn't be complicated, but there are now so many possibilities that it can be challenging to go through them all. Your gender is a logical place to start when limiting the options. 

Is There a Difference Between Men’s and Women’s Vitamins and Mineral Supplements? 

In general, there isn't much of a difference between multivitamins made for men and women. Most of them have a similar combination of vitamins and minerals in nearly the same amounts. But the major distinction is limited to a handful of particular minerals. 

For instance, men and women require the same essential 25 vitamins and minerals for overall health, but the consumption amount for each gender varies.*  

Adequate Intake (IE) and Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) are measurements that represent the daily dietary requirements for men and women of various ages in order to preserve the body's proper functioning.  These limits for the majority of vitamins and minerals have been determined by the Institute of Medicine now known as the National Academy of Medicine.

Difference Between Men’s and Women’s Daily Vitamins and Minerals Intake

The significant distinction between men’s and women’s multi is iron. Women need more iron than men. Premenopausal women should take twice as much iron as men because of menstruation. Biological men shouldn't consume the same amount of iron as women since too much iron might accumulate in the body and cause organ deposits.* It’s also worth mentioning that the FDA recommends higher iron and folate consumption for pregnant women to sufficiently support neural tube development and blood health.

On the other hand, biological men have a slightly higher RDA for vitamin C than women. Although this difference is usually insignificant because most adults get enough through their diet.

Men's and women's vitamins and mineral supplements may contain substances that prevent gender-specific diseases.  Male multivitamins may include higher lycopene, which may prevent prostate cancer.* Some supplement companies also differ because they include herbs with advantages for different genders. 

 For additional guidance and information, check the list of all the essential vitamins and minerals for men and women.

If women take multivitamins for men, and vice versa, will there be side effects? 

Do men and women need different vitamins and minerals? Well, men's and women's multivitamins are formulated differently. Now, will you get sick if you take the wrong kind of multivitamin? According to industry experts, this is not frequently the case.

Taking multivitamins for the opposite sex shouldn’t harm you if you only take them occasionally. * However, long-term use might have undesirable consequences like mineral buildup, especially in males who consume too much iron. 

Men and women may be advised to take specific vitamins based on health conditions. Doctors may occasionally recommend iron deficient men take a woman's daily multivitamin. In different situations, a single iron supplement would be sufficient.  *

Can I take only specific vitamins and minerals? 

Individual vitamin and mineral supplements are typically not gender-specific. You should be able to purchase a specific supplement if your doctor determines that you have a deficiency. Just make sure to follow the dosage instructions! 

If you opt to take individual vitamins, you may also want to consider the best time to take them. For example, water-soluble vitamins like Vitamin C are best taken on an empty stomach.You should also consult your doctor first to determine what kind of supplement is best for you. 

The mixture of vitamins and minerals that have varying dosages gives rise to gender-specific multivitamins. Its formulations are perfect for the unique needs of men, women, and moms-to-be.

Does age matter in choosing the right multivitamins? 

When selecting a multivitamin, consider age groups as well! Because different age groups have varying dosage recommendations, not all multivitamins designed for men or women will be suitable for you. 

 For instance, multivitamins designed for kids and the elderly typically contain larger doses of micronutrients like calcium than adults under 50 may require. Vitamin D requirements are often higher in older men and women. Menopausal women also usually don't need as much iron as those who are menstruation heavily. * 

Multivitamin Supplement for Seniors: Importance and Benefits

Concern for health increases as people age, our body's metabolism slows down, and our ability to absorb nutrients from food begins to decline. Thus, it's important to ensure you get all the nutrients you need to stay healthy. Some people in their senior years may not get all the nutrients from diet alone due to some dietary restrictions or medication.

Fortunately, many supplements are available to help you stay healthy and active into your senior years. The best way to find out what vitamins are right for you is by talking with your doctor or nutritionist. They can help determine any deficiencies and recommend the best vitamins for men and women over 60 years old.

Here are the top 3 reasons why older adults need multivitamin supplements:

1. Physiological changes come along with aging

The National Institute of Health has different dietary recommendations for individuals aged 70 and older; this is done to accommodate their increased micronutrient requirements. 

2. Energy consumption and absorption decrease as people age.

This is somewhat caused by a decline in physical activity, which results in a lesser need for food due to a slower metabolic rate. Older people may experience diminished appetites or, unfortunately, financial difficulties, which prevents them from purchasing enough nutrient-dense foods.  

Additionally, older adults' bodies have a decreased capacity for absorbing and utilizing micronutrients compared to younger people *.

3. Maintenance supplements are beneficial for seniors.*

For older adults, greater nutrient intake is essential to ensure that the body gets enough micronutrients despite less effective absorption and use. * Long-term diseases and medications can also impact nutrient needs as if that weren't enough. This is also why most seniors have prescribed maintenance supplements; however, swallowing pills and tablets is one of the challenges of seniors when taking multivitamins - Root'd MULTIs are perfect for addressing this dilemma. * Just mix with water, which can easily be consumed and absorbed in the body. Or, if you want a fancier way to take your multi, you can try one of our sugar-free and low-calorie mocktails!

Summary 

Keep in mind that healthy diet is a priority, but supplements are necessary!

Remember to consume a good portion of fruits, vegetables, and other vitamin and mineral-rich foods daily because getting vitamins and minerals from a pill is typically insufficient to keep the ordinary person happy and healthy. 

 The next time you are choosing a daily multivitamin, pay close attention to the ingredients and their quantities to ensure you aren't taking more than you need.

Speaking with your doctor before picking a daily multivitamin or supplement to maintain your health is crucial.

Finding the best daily vitamins for men and women can be tricky and may vary depending on our individual needs and lifestyle. Consult a doctor and seek professional advice to help you make the best decision that won't have negative long-term repercussions; a physician can prescribe a dosage optimal for your age, sex, and probable deficiency.