Can Men Use Women's Vitamins?

Multivitamins are vitamins that contain a mixture of both fat-soluble and water-soluble vitamins. Multivitamins are sold in many combinations specified for particular health benefits such as the health of certain parts of the body or to support natural changes that occur during pregnancy or aging. Since men and women both require different values of certain vitamins, there are supplements marketed specifically to be used by women or men. Men can take these supplements, but they run the risk of toxicity in certain vitamins and minerals, if not directed to take them by a physician.

Women’s Vitamins

Multivitamins formulated for women are made specifically to meet the nutritional requirements that women need. As women age, the demand for certain minerals and vitamins increases. This is also true for pregnant women and menstruating women. Men and women both require different dosages of calcium, iron and B-complex vitamins such as folic acid.

Uses for Men

Men who have iron deficiency or calcium deficiency may be directed by their physician to use multivitamins formulated for women. According to American Pregnancy, as part of a healthy pre-conception plan, men can take multivitamins, which can include prenatal vitamins. Men who suffer from malnutrition may also be directed to take women's multivitamins to supplement for their deficiency.

Considerations

If you are suffering from a vitamin deficiency or you do not eat regularly, consider taking a multivitamin formulated for men. These vitamins contain the recommended daily value of each vitamin for adult men. If you have a deficiency, you can take the specific vitamins that you're deficient in, as an individual supplement. Keep in mind, if you are deficient in a fat-soluble vitamin, you should not take a multivitamin and an individual supplement at the same time, to avoid hypervitaminosis or mineral poisoning.

Safety

Do not take women's prenatal vitamins or women's multivitamins without the consent of your physician or pharmacist. These vitamins contain high levels of iron and calcium, which if taken beyond the recommended dose can result in overdose or a toxicity. Toxicity of vitamins or mineral poisoning can result in kidney damage and in severe cases, death.