As with almost everything, when it comes to pre- and post-workout supplements, you can find store shelves upon store shelves of products formulated specifically for one gender. But do men and women really need different exercise supplements?
Can men and women take the same workout supplements?
It’s the purpose of the supplement — not the sex of the consumer — that should drive the choice, says Shena Jaramillo, RD.
“Whether you’re using pre-workout or post-workout supplements to support your strength training efforts or running a marathon, it’s not gender-specific,” she says.
Unlike supporting general nutritional needs, exercise supplements are designed to enhance athletic performance, which applies equally to women and men. For example, a pre-workout supplement like Beachbody Performance Energize boasts caffeine and beta-alanine, a combination that helps boost energy and delay fatigue regardless of gender.
With post-workout options, such as Beachbody Performance Recover, the goals are to help muscles recover faster and replenish fuel stores. Both men and women benefit from these results.*
This is not to say that the sexes do not have slightly different nutrient needs. “For example, women have a greater need for iron, and that could be one of the components of a supplement designed for women,” says Jaramillo.
“One for men may have a slightly higher calorie and protein content, as men may have more body mass and require a higher intake to support their fitness,” she continues. “However, taking a supplement that is not specifically designed for your gender can still be beneficial for your training.”
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 banned substances.
This is not the case with Beachbody Performance products, all of which bear the Informed-Sport seal. This independent third-party certification tests products for substances on the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) banned list.
In general, though, for both men and women, exercise supplements can be beneficial because they help promote recovery, Jaramillo says, “and can enhance 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.
