Ever sat there and wondered whether it’d be such a big deal if you had your partner’s multivitamin, just today, just because you’d run out? While in most cases it’d be perfectly safe to supplement with an opposite sex tablet for a day or two, it’s not really recommended – because men and women have varying nutritional needs. Here’s the main differences between men’s and women’s multis:
What do women need most?
Iron for support during menstruation
Many women report dropping iron levels, which the menstrual cycle may be partially to blame for, as women lose blood over the course of it. Falling levels of iron can be responsible for feeling weak or unhealthy, and, in fact, iron deficiency is the most common nutritional deficiency in women, which can also lead to anaemia. This is why iron is featured heavily in women’s multivitamins.
Folic acid for the premise of children
Folic acid is often in women’s multivitamins as it is known to be an important factor in reducing birth defects in babies, when taken in the lead up to pregnancy. This means that even if a woman accidentally gets pregnant, she is covered for her folic acid needs with her multivitamin.
Calcium for healthy bones
Osteoporosis is a big risk factor in women’s lives especially as women age, estrogen which helps to protect bone strength, declines sharply at menopause. To combat this women’s multis contain a fair amount of calcium to help promote healthy bones. Combined with Vitamin A, this duo work to protect bones from this disease.
What do men need most?
Vitamin A for healthy eyesight
Vitamin A is well known to promote healthy vision, which can be an important issue for young men. Taking a
multivitamin with the right levels of vitamin A may help to stave off vision problems.
Chromium to reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes
Type 2 diabetes is a growing concern in the community. Type 2 diabetes leads to insulin resistance and is associated with unhealthy lifestyle habits. Chromium can help to normalize your blood sugar levels which is a significant factor in type 2 diabetes.
Lycopene for reducing the risk of heart disease
Heart disease is one of those killers that is more prevalent in men than women. Lycopene is a natural antioxidant that helps aid in the fight against developing heart disease and so you should have a look for this one on your men’s multivitamin.
Because men and women are more prone to some conditions, diseases, and illnesses than others - is why we have different levels of different nutrients in men’s and women’s multivitamins. So while it may be tempting to scarf your partner’s multi if you run out, it may be better to just order online to get your refill asap.
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