Men’s and women’s vitamins: Doctor explains key differences
Difference between men’s and women’s vitamins (photo: Freepik)
At first glance, vitamins for women and for men seem to differ only in packaging design. In reality, the difference lies in the composition and dosages, which take into account the body's physiological needs, according to Everyday Health.
What’s the difference
Companies produce separate multivitamin formulas for men and women because the recommended daily intake of many vitamins and minerals varies depending on sex.
For example, women need more folic acid and iron than men, while men generally require higher amounts of most other micronutrients.
Specifically, men need 900 micrograms of vitamin A, while women need 700 micrograms. Men also require 15 mg more vitamin C, 30 mcg more vitamin K, and 3 mg more zinc. They also need more niacin, riboflavin, thiamine, choline, and chromium.
Is it safe for women to take men’s vitamins?
This should be avoided, as men’s multivitamins often contain higher amounts of vitamins.
A man without a specific medical need for certain supplements may take women’s multivitamins if he chooses a formula low in iron or iron-free.
Excess iron intake can lead to life-threatening conditions such as liver disease, heart problems, and diabetes.
Improving your diet is a better option than taking multivitamins. Your plate should be filled with nutrient-rich, high-quality foods, including:
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Fresh fruits and vegetables
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Fresh fish and poultry
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Whole grains
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Nuts, seeds, and legumes
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Healthy fat sources such as olive oil and avocado
Risks of excessive vitamin intake
Too much calcium and vitamin D can increase the risk of kidney stones. High doses of vitamin E may cause brain hemorrhage and lead to stroke.
Excessive vitamin K can interfere with the anticoagulant effect of blood-thinning medications.
Additionally, taking high doses of vitamin B6 over a year or longer is associated with nerve damage, which can affect body movement.
This material is for informational purposes only and should not be used for medical diagnosis or self-treatment. Our goal is to provide readers with accurate information about symptoms, causes, and methods of detecting diseases. RBС-Ukraine is not responsible for any diagnoses that readers may make based on materials from the resource. We do not recommend self-treatment and advise consulting a doctor in case of any health concerns.
