Men and women may be different from one another. They may experience wildly contrasting physical symptoms, temperaments, and hopeful plans for the weekend between the two of them. This being the case, I believe that men and women are still far too segregated. The wide world of women’s vitamins is there for a man to explore, if only he can see past the label and reap his own masculine benefits from them. Here are some of the top five vitamins normally marketed towards women that men should become familiar with.
The Top 5 Vitamins
Prenatal Vitamins
Don’t run away just yet. A prenatal vitamin is jam-packed with nutrients to supply both a mother and her baby. Tests have shown that men who take prenatal vitamins often have a decreased risk of heart attacks, and the vitamin also fosters healthy sperm for those trying to conceive. However, because of the vitamin’s high level of iron you must consult with your doctor before you give it a try; women normally need about double the amount of iron than men do, and an iron overdose is not something to be desired.
Folic Acid
Normally a staple for pregnant women, folic acid supplements can prove to be extremely beneficial to men as well. Healthy levels of folic acid can reduce the risk of stroke in men by 20%, and reduce the risk of a heart attack by 13%. Much in the same way it helps the development of a healthy fetus without birth defects, folic acid will help your body regenerate blood cells and create new DNA, protecting your body from Alzheimer’s and other degenerative diseases.
Melatonin
Melatonin is often targeted at women for its regulating properties. It helps them regulate their hormones and better control their menstrual cycles. For men, it steps in and affects the only cycle it can find: your sleep cycle. Consistent melatonin consumption will help keep your sleep cycle regulated and promote deeper sleep. It will not, however, make you drowsy or sedate you into a sleep, so take care not to over-consume.
Fish Oil
Women often take fish oil pills during their periods to help reduce the severity of their cramps. But fish oil pills are extremely useful for many other things, especially for overall brain and eye health. Chock full of omega 3, fish pills also great for reducing risk of heart disease and stroke. Omega 7 and 6 are also great fatty acids for men and women, so look into some of these great heart-healthy vitamins.
Biotin
Biotin is known as the ultimate hair vitamin. While men don’t normally seem to fuss about their hair as much as women, this is a great vitamin for men. Not only does it help your hair grow out full and shiny, it also strengthens your fingernails significantly after consistent usage. Some studies have also shown that it can help slow down and eliminate hair loss, but it varies from person to person. In any case, by improving the lusciousness of the hair you do have, you won’t need to compensate for those bare patches!
While many of these are labeled safe for both genders, you may still want to consult your physician before taking any new supplement. Women have many different nutritional needs than men, and some vitamins try to make up for deficiencies that men often don’t have. But if your doctor says you’re good to go, then beef up your diet with some of these girly supplements.
Victoria Ramos studied business and now blogs about developments in the field, as well as her other interests. She loves shopping, socializing, hosting parties, decorating, and writing. For more information on omega 7 supplements, visit Cardia 7 at their website.
What Kevin said. The internet is filled with these kinds of articles unsupported by citations to properly conducted studies and written by those with either no or questionable credentials.
Forgive my slight amount of vitriol.
Vitamins are overpriced, completely unregulated and a total rip off. With the exception of folate and iron in young women and vit d/calcium for bone health, they have never been shown to have any health benefit. The typical American diet provides an adequate level of all the essential vitamins. My medical opinion (I’m an MD) is that Men quite frankly are better of not buying any vitamin and saving up for Martin de candre 🙂
Not questioning your medical opinion, but why did my family doctor suggest that I start taking fish oil supplements for my high cholesterol and triglycerides?
Probably because you are not getting enough omega 3 fatty acids through your diet. Lots of oily fish (salmon, sardines, etc), fresh flax or chia seeds, and other foods added to your diet would have the same effect as a pill.
Fish oil is complicated. It likely does lower triglycerides and in older studies it had some heart benefits. Newer studies showed no benefits in people on appropriate heart medications. The good news is that it has minimal side effects
I would tell my patient something to this effect: if you are at risk for heart disease, the most important intervention is to take the appropriate medications (a statin, aspirin, blood pressure meds, etc). Fish oil doesn’t seem to add much to these meds but it doesn’t seem to hurt either. Take it if you want.
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