Like just about everything, when it comes to pre- and post-workout supplementation, you can find products in stores that are formulated specifically for a given gender. But do men and women really need different workout supplements?
Can men and women take the same workout supplements?
It is the purpose of the supplement – not the gender of the consumer – that should guide the choice, says Shena Jaramillo, RD
“If you use pre-workout Or post-workout supplements to support your efforts with strength training or running a marathon, it’s not gender specific,” she says.
Instead of meeting general nutritional needs, workout supplements are designed to amplify athletic performance, which applies equally to women and men. For example, a pre-workout supplement like Beachbody Performance Energization boasts 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 replenish fuel stores. These results benefit both men and women.*
This isn’t to say that the sexes don’t have slightly different nutritional needs. “For example, women have a greater need for iron, and this could be one of the components of a supplement designed for women,” says Jaramillo.
“A product aimed at men may have a slightly higher calorie and protein content, as men may have more body mass and need a greater intake to support their fitness,” she continues. “However, taking a supplement not specifically designed for your gender can still benefit your workout.”
What should men and women look for in workout supplements?
A major consideration to keep in mind when comparing workout supplements is to look closely at the ingredients. Among other concerns, research suggests that certain formulations may contain prohibited substances.
This is not the case of Beachbody Performance Productswho all wear the Informed-Sport Seal. This independent, third-party certification tests products for substances on the World Anti-Doping Agency’s (WADA) prohibited list.
In general, though, for both men and women, workout supplements can be beneficial because they help promote recovery, says Jaramillo, “and can increase workout 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.
