As with almost everything when it comes to pre- and post-workout supplementation, you can find products on store shelves that are formulated specifically for one gender. But do men and women really need different nutritional supplements?
Can men and women take the same nutritional supplements?
The goal of the supplement – not the gender of the consumer – should guide the choice, he says Shena Jaramillo, RD
“If you use before training or nutritional supplements after training to support your efforts strength training or running a marathon, it’s not gender-specific,” she says.
Unlike supporting general nutritional needs, exercise supplements are designed to enhance athletic performance, which applies equally to women and men. For example, a pre-workout supplement like Beachbody Performance Energize he brags caffeine and beta-alaninea combination that helps increase energy and delay fatigue regardless of gender.
With post-workout options such as Beachbody Performance Recoverythe goals are to help muscles recover faster and refuel. These outcomes benefit both men and women.*
This is not to say that the sexes do not have slightly different nutrient needs. “For example, women have a higher need for iron, and that could be one of the components in a dietary supplement aimed at women,” says Jaramillo.
“One for men may be slightly higher in calories and protein, as men may have a higher body mass and need a higher intake to support their fitness,” she continues. “However, taking supplements that aren’t specifically targeted at your gender can be beneficial to your workout.”
What should men and women look for in exercise supplements?
One of the main things to keep in mind when comparing exercise supplements is to look closely at the ingredients. Among other things, research suggests that some formulations may contain prohibited substances.
This is not the case with Beachbody Performance productswhich everyone wears Informed-Sport seal. This third-party independent certification tests products for substances on the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) Prohibited List.
However, in general, for both men and women, exercise supplements can be beneficial because they help promote recovery, Jaramillo says, “and can increase exercise performance.”
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat or prevent any disease.
