When discussing men's vs women's vitamins, it should be understood that men and women have different nutritional needs for a number of reasons, and this applies to vitamins just as much as it applies to other forms of nutrition. Not only do men and women have different body masses and muscular structures, but also different hormone balances. It is little wonder, then, that they have different vitamin requirements.



However, that said, is it necessary for them to have different requirements in multivitamin supplements? Should a man have a different supplement to his wife, or can they share? Is it a case of men and women only in the multivitamin stakes, or is it unisex? Let us have a look at what the differences are and if they can be satisfied with one single supplement.

Apart from the normal human nutritional needs that are common to each sex, both men and women need vitamins and minerals that provide a level of antioxidants to slow down the aging process, substances such as glyconutrients needed to maintain the immune system and others needed for the maintenance of a healthy digestive system. In addition, there are nutritional needs that are specific to each sex. What are these?

The first, and most obvious difference between them, is the menstrual cycle of women. This obviously demands a cycle of high iron content to generate the haemoglobin needed to replace the blood loss. Specific anti-aging substances are not essential for life, but are more of a cosmetic nature, so shall be largely disregarded for the moment. We may come back to them later. However, both men and women would like to retard the effects of aging, irrespective of what some macho men might claim.

It is important for a woman that she looks ahead. Deficiencies in her nutrition today might not have an effect until many years hence. Take osteoporosis, for example. Women are particularly prone to this condition that affects many older women. However, the foundations of brittle bone disease, the deficiencies in her diet that can cause it, are laid down in her 30s. In order to prevent brittle bones appearing in her 60s she must take a calcium and magnesium rich diet when she is younger

However, think before you reach out for that bottle of multivitamins of the shelf. Too much of a good thing can be bad for you, and you are better off taking the vitamins and minerals that you really need. You should drink plenty water to leach the impurities from your body and keep your skin healthy and supple. That is one of the best ways you can keep aging at bay. Women should also eat fresh fruit. Don't go mad, but one or two pieces a day should give you many of the minerals that you need, not to mention that great antioxidant, vitamin C.

Supplements specifically for women include Black Cohosh that helps to control hot flashes during the menopause. Also useful during the menopause is Chasteberry. Isoflavones help to support a good estrogen balance, and a supplement containing flax lignin powder will also help. These are supplements that men will definitely not need! Evening primrose oil can help to control the symptoms of PMT (pre menstrual tension), otherwise known as PMS, and that is something for which I am sure your partner will be eternally thankful.

It can also help with some menopause problems, and breast pain associated with menstruation. Women should also take a supplement of folic acid, especially when pregnant, since it helps prevent birth defects of the brain and spinal cord. Vitamin B and E supplements should be taken when you are approaching menstruation since they help control some of the symptoms of PMS, and a calcium supplement can help reduce some of the cramps. A zinc supplement is also recommended at this time, as is St. John's Wort that can reduce insomnia and control mood swings.

It is better for a woman to forgo a general multivitamin supplement, but instead take a combination of vitamins and supplements that suit her needs. For example, magnesium and vitamin B6 help hormone production, while the other B vitamins and camomile tea can help to reduce stress.

Men, on the other hand, have a tendency to prostate problems, and saw palmetto is the favorite supplement for this. Vitamin C and zinc help to promote a healthy sperm count, though antioxidants in general are necessary to protect from heart disease. Vitamins such as A, C and E are needed and copper is also necessary to allow vitamin C to work efficiently.

There is a danger of men ignoring proper nutrition at the expense of supplements for sexual health that are not needed as often as many believe. An internet search for ?men's supplements? produces page after page of sex supplements rather than essential vitamins and minerals. A good diet supported by a good multivitamin and mineral supplement will provide men with all the nutrition they need for everyday requirements, and sex supplements will not be necessary: it is, however, big business!

The main supplement needed by an energetic or athletic man is magnesium, and after that, all that is needed are the specific requirements for conditions such as prostate and heart problems that have been discussed above.

Men and women's vitamins are different due mainly to the different hormone levels, and the special needs of menstruation and the menopause. Other than that they are very similar, both needing a good supply of the B vitamins and the antioxidant A, C and E. Zinc is needed by both sexes, but for different reasons and the only other difference are specific such as saw palmetto for men, Black Cohosh and evening primrose oil for women, and everything else for both.

The final conclusion is that it is necessary to be gender specific when discussing men's vs. women's vitamins. Men and women have different hormones and the monthly menstruation cycle of women makes different demands on their bodies. They both have different needs as they age, and all of that is reflected in their particular nutritional needs.