As with anything else, when it comes to pre- and post-workout supplements, there are products on the shelves that are specifically formulated for specific genders. 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 that drives choice, not the consumer’s gender, says registered dietitian Shena Jaramillo.
“If you’re using pre-workout or post-workout supplements to support your strength training or marathon efforts, it’s not gender-specific,” she says.
As opposed to supporting general nutritional needs, training supplements are designed to improve athletic performance, and this applies to women and men alike. For example, pre-workout supplements like Beachbody Performance Energize contain caffeine and beta-alanine, which can help boost energy and delay fatigue in both genders.
With post-workout options like Beachbody Performance Recover, the goal is to speed muscle recovery and refuel. These results benefit both men and women. *
That doesn’t mean that each gender has slightly different nutritional needs. “For example, women have a higher need for iron, so this could be one of the ingredients in supplements designed for women,” says Jaramillo.
“Men’s versions may have a slightly higher calorie and protein content because men weigh more and need a higher intake to support their fitness,” she continues. “However, taking supplements that are not specifically designed for your gender may still be beneficial for your training.”
What should men and women look for in training supplements?
One of the main considerations to keep in mind when comparing training supplements is to take a closer look at the ingredients. Among other concerns, research suggests that some formulations may contain banned substances.
This does not apply to 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.
But in general, training supplements can be beneficial for both men and women, Jaramillo says, because they promote recovery and “can improve 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.
