As with almost anything, when it comes to pre- and post-workout supplementation, you can find store shelf upon store shelf of products formulated specifically for one gender. But do men and women need different exercise supplements?
Can Men and Women Take the Same Exercise Supplement?
It’s the purpose of the supplement — not the gender of the consumer — that should drive the choice, he says Shena Jaramillo, RD
“If you use pre-workout or post-workout supplements to support your efforts in strength training or running a marathon, that’s not gender specific,” she says.
As opposed to supporting general nutritional needs, exercise supplements are designed to boost athletic performance, which is equally applicable to women and men. For example, a pre-workout supplement such as Stimulate Beach Body Performance Boasting caffeine and beta-alanine, a 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 replenish fuel stores. Those results benefit both men and women.*
That’s not to say that the sexes don’t have slightly different nutrient needs. “For example, women have a greater need for iron, and this may be one of the components of a supplement designed for women,” Jaramillo said.
“The one for men may have a slightly higher calorie and protein content, as men may have more body mass and need greater intake to support their fitness,” he continued. “However, taking a supplement that isn’t specifically designed for your gender can still benefit your workout.”
What Should Men and Women Look for in Workout Supplements?
A key consideration to keep in mind when comparing workout supplements is to look closely at the ingredients. Among other concerns, research suggests that some formulations may contain prohibited substances.
That’s not the case with Beachbody Performance products, all of which carry Informed-Sport seal. This independent, third-party 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, cure, or prevent any disease.