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Should Men and Women Use the Same Protein Powder?

21/02/2020
Should Men and Women Use the Same Protein Powder?

Traditionally, the protein powder industry was dominated by the men of our species. Because of this, it’s been a daunting task for women to find protein powders that are tailored to her.

But are there any major differences that women should consider in a protein powder that they can’t get from using their boyfriends or husbands? As a woman, you’ve probably checked the label of his protein powder and wondered if you should use it?

Here, we’re going to take a look at what the major differences are between women’s and men’s protein. By the end, you’ll be armed with some key points you should remember next time you’re shopping for protein powder.

Protein Is… Well… Protein

It’s important to remember that protein is protein no matter the shape or form it comes in. To put it another way, there aren’t specific proteins for women and other kinds of protein for men.

So at least on the surface, there’s no reason you can’t use a protein powder that’s marketed toward men. As a matter of fact, there are some major supplement brands that have started putting varied serving suggestions on their labels for women and men alike.

However, the answer to your question about protein powders for women and men isn’t as simple as that. There’s a strong probability that these “unisex” protein powders aren’t the best ones for you to use. There are several factors you need to take into consideration when making a purchase.

What Are the Major Differences Between Women’s and Men’s Protein Powders?

Physiologically speaking, women and men are different. As such, it makes a lot of sense that each sex’s nutritional requirements are going to vary.

For example, generall a woman requires fewer calories, carbs, fats and proteins than men. Because of this, it’s common for protein powders for women to have less protein in each serving.

But beyond just the protein content, women’s protein powders typically have additional ingredients that a women’s body needs to stay in top condition.

These ingredients include:

  • Folic Acid is essential for women that are pregnant or trying to be. It also helps women fight the dangers of strokes, heart disease and several kinds of cancer
  • Vitamin B6 which helps women maintain healthy immune systems and reduces heart disease
  • Iron which assists red blood cells in the transportation of oxygen throughout the body. Because women lose a lot more blood than men due to their monthly cycle, women need more iron than men in order to fight fatigue or anemia

Women’s protein powders typically have a higher content of folic acid, vitamin B6 and Iron than men’s powders do.

Additional Key Points to Consider

It’s also important to note the number of sugars that a lot of today’s protein powders use in their formulas. Protein powders, in general, have been known as bland (or in some instances, absolutely disgusting) to the pallet. They’ve tasted synthetic or sometimes completely flavorless.

Because of this, efforts have been made to improve the taste of powders that are sold. This is especially true for powders that are marketed directly to women.

But the best protein powders for women won’t add a lot of sugars just to give users a boost in flavor.

At the same time, don’t always trust brands that are marketed as “zero sugar added.” Often, these brands will use substitutes for sugar, such as sucralose or aspartame. These additives are worse for your body than natural sugar.

If what you’re looking for is a natural solution that doesn’t contain a lot of processed sugar, look for brands that use natural sweeteners such as honey or stevia.

Should You Use the Same Protein Powder as a Man?

Don’t assume that you’re automatically barred from using your boyfriend’s or husband’s amply available protein powder. Using his is definitely better than using nothing at all.

However, now you’re equipped with specific information about what women’s protein powders can do for you, and how it is an improvement over using his.

Only you know your unique fitness goals and diet needs. Using a quality women’s protein powder might be just the thing you need to finally push you toward your ultimate goal.