Do men and women need different workout supplements?

Like almost everything, when it comes to pre- and post-workout supplementation, you can find shelf after shelf of products formulated specifically for one gender in stores. But do men and women really need different workout 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 choice, says Shena Jaramillo

“If you are using pre-workout either post-workout supplements to support your efforts with strength training or run a marathon, that’s not gender specific,” she says.

Rather than meeting 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 Energize Beachbody Performance 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 reserves. These results benefit both men and women.*

That’s not to say that genders don’t have slightly different nutrient 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.

“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 maintain their fitness,” he 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?

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.

That is not the case with Beachbody Performance Productsall of whom wear the 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, training supplements can be beneficial because they help promote recovery, Jaramillo says, “and can increase training 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.