Like just about 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 really need different workout supplements?
Can Men and Women Take the Same Workout Supplements?
It’s the goal of the supplement — not the sex of the consumer — that should drive choice, says Shena Jaramillo, R.D.
“If you’re using pre-workout or post-workout supplements to support your efforts with strength training or running a marathon, that’s not specific to gender,” she says.
As opposed to supporting 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 Energize boasts caffeine and beta-alanine, a combination that helps increase 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. Those outcomes benefit both men and women.*
That’s not to say the genders don’t have slightly differing nutrient needs. “For example, women have a greater need for iron, and this could be one of the components in a supplement designed for women,” Jaramillo says.
“One for men may have slightly higher calorie and protein content, as men can have more body mass and require a greater intake to support their fitness,” she continues. “However, taking a supplement not specifically designed for your gender can still be beneficial to your workout.”
What Should Men and Women Look for in Workout Supplements?
One major 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.
That isn’t the case with Beachbody Performance products, all of which carry the Informed-Sport seal. This independent, third-party certification tests products for substances on the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) Prohibited List.
In general though, for both men and women, workout supplements can be beneficial because they help to 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.