Like almost anything, when it comes to pre- and post-workout supplements, you can find store shelf upon shelf of products formulated specifically for one gender. But do men and women really need different training supplements?
Can men and women take the same training supplements?
It’s the purpose of the supplement, not the sex of the consumer, that should drive the choice, he says Shena Jaramillo, RD
“If you are using pre workout or post-workout supplements to support your efforts with strength training or running a marathon, that’s not gender specific,” she says.
As opposed to supporting general nutritional needs, training supplements are designed to amplify athletic performance, which applies equally to women and men. For example, a pre-workout supplement like Beachbody Performance Energize it has 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 reserves. These results benefit both men and women.*
This is not to say that genders 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 of the men may have a slightly higher calorie and protein content, as men may have more body mass and require a higher intake to maintain their fitness,” he continues. “However, taking a supplement not specifically designed for your gender can still be beneficial to your training.”
What should men and women look for in workout supplements?
An important 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.
This is not the case with Beachbody Performance products, all of which carry the Seal Informed-Sport. 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, workout supplements can be beneficial because they help promote recovery, Jaramillo says, “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.
