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.
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