The Different Nutritional Needs Of Men And Women

Men and women’s bodies differ in structure but also in function. There are nutritional requirements that need to be considered especially upon reaching adulthood. Get to know some of the most important nutrients for men and women on this list below:

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Protein

Before boosting protein intake because of a fad diet, one must consider the healthy amount that is required for a certain body type. Men require more protein because they are physically bigger and bulkier. Those who engage in athletic activities may also need to go beyond the 60-gram requirement to build muscle and boost energy levels. As for women, eating beyond the required 60 grams of protein can lead to calcium loss and expose the body to osteoporosis. However, consuming the right amount will facilitate cell growth and repair.

Calcium

Women are more at risk of osteoporosis and bone fractures. Therefore, their calcium requirement is higher than men. Aside from strengthening the bones, calcium is also important for maintaining blood pressure. Women under 50 require 1000 mg, and those beyond 50 need 1200 mg of calcium. While men can also have osteoporosis, too much calcium may not be beneficial for their bodies. For males of all ages, 800 mg is the safe amount daily. Exceeding this level may put them at risk of prostate cancer.

Iron

Compared to women, men don’t’ need much iron in their system. In fact, too much may expose them to heart attack. Most experts suggest 8 mg as the safe amount for males of all ages. On the other hand, women require more iron especially those who have regular monthly menstrual cycles. This also makes them more prone to iron deficiency anemia and other kinds of anemia which could affect their focus and energy. For women below 50, their required intake is 18 mg per day. Once they reach menopausal age, they only need 8 mg per day.

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These three nutrients are important in keeping a person’s body in excellent condition. Women and men should be aware of the required intake to prevent nutritional deficiencies that could lead to complications in the future. When it comes to taking health supplements, it’s best to find formulas that are appropriate for one’s age and gender.

A graduate of Medical College of Wisconsin, Victoria J. Mondloch, M.D., has close to three decades of experience specializing in women’s health, family medicine, and preventive health and wellness. Visit this page for more information on Dr. Mondloch.

Women’s Health: A Topic Not To Be Ignored

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Putting emphasis on women’s health does not regard men’s health as a topic that is less important. For generations, women’s health has been an issue seen in the background, and only now is it being placed in the forefront. Focusing on it will not take resources away from men’s health.

Women’s health includes a woman’s total well-being, not identified merely by biological factors and reproduction, but also by consequences of workload, stress, nutrition, and others. Its issues have obtained higher international visibility and reaffirmed political commitment in past decades. Women represent 50 percent of the world’s population, deserving much attention about their health.

While men and women both need medical care, some diseases are experienced explicitly by the latter. Many diseases like osteoporosis also occur in a much bigger proportion of women than men, and issues such as menopause only happen in women. Several illnesses that can have an effect on women’s health can be genetic, but others appear as a result of poor habits like smoking, obesity, and consuming drugs and alcohol.

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In spite of their fear of breast cancer, heart disease is the No. 1 cause of death in women in the United States, as women are more likely to die within a few weeks of a heart attack than men. Cancer is the second leading cause of death among women. There is an apparent gap between the health care provided to men and the one offered to women. Hospitals and medical practices dedicated to women’s health work towards closing this chasm.

Victoria J. Mondloch, M.D., has been a practicing physician for more than three decades. She is armed with experience specializing in women’s health, family medicine, and preventive health and wellness. For more information about Dr. Mondloch and her practice, visit this page.