So what is the difference between a women's multivitamin and a men's multivitamin? If you run out of yours, is it a big deal for you to sneak a few of the other for a few days, until you can run out to the store again?
Our last blog post talked about how it's probably best to get nutrients from food, although this can be difficult. So, if you decide to take a supplement, such as a multivitamin, what's the difference?
Different companies will come up with different formulations, so it's important to check to label to be sure that if there is a specific nutrient that you are looking for, that it's in there in the amounts that you would like. Also, there's a huge difference in the absorptivity of different supplements, so that's important to keep in mind, if you've been taking a certain brand consistently for a while, but find that you do not feel any difference from it. All vitamins and supplements are definitely not created equal.
Now, here are a few key points for women's supplements:
Calcium: Needed to support strong bones and prevent bone density loss, which can lead to osteoporosis. (Have you heard a story of how an old lady fell and broke her hip? Her hips were weak from not enough calcium, and so broke from the small impact of a fall.)
To aid in absorption of calcium, it is recommended that calcium be taken with Magnesium and Vitamin D.
Iron: When women menstruate, they lose some iron. For this reason, women's vitamins have more iron that those for men. Women that are past menopause do not need this extra iron any more. The extra iron is not included in men's vitamins because excessive iron can build up in the body, causing undesired things to happen.
These are just the basics, a small taste of general nutritional information for you. I provide guidance for my clients with personalized goals and requirements. Visit Dorothy Pang, L.Ac's website at www.AcuSpaWellness.com for a full list of services provided.
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
What Women Need (Nutritionally) Part 1
Men and women are different. Emotionally and physically, and this also means nutritionally!
Why are there multivitamins that are targeted specifically towards women? Are these really necessary?
Of course it is probably best to get all of the nutrients that your body needs from food sources, instead of a supplement when possible. However, the nutritional profile of the food that is available to us is definitely in decline. The things that we grow to eat do not have the same nutrient value as 50 years ago. Generally we believe that the effects of commercialized farming are stripping the earth of it's minerals faster than they can be replenished, which means less nutrients for our food to absorb and therefore contain. Studies are showing that generally organic foods contain more nutrients that non-organic foods. One example can be found here:
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/319226/organic_tomatoes_more_nutritious_10year.html?cat=5
So, what's in a women's multivitamin that is not in a men's formula? Of course, this will vary by company, so it's important to check the label. Our next blog post will go over a few key differences.
Interested in upping your personal wellness factor? Chinese herbal medicine and acupuncture are a fabulous, natural way to do so. Check out Dorothy Pang, L.Ac's website at www.AcuSpaWellness.com for more info on these ancient, time tested secrets to better health!
Why are there multivitamins that are targeted specifically towards women? Are these really necessary?
Of course it is probably best to get all of the nutrients that your body needs from food sources, instead of a supplement when possible. However, the nutritional profile of the food that is available to us is definitely in decline. The things that we grow to eat do not have the same nutrient value as 50 years ago. Generally we believe that the effects of commercialized farming are stripping the earth of it's minerals faster than they can be replenished, which means less nutrients for our food to absorb and therefore contain. Studies are showing that generally organic foods contain more nutrients that non-organic foods. One example can be found here:
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/319226/organic_tomatoes_more_nutritious_10year.html?cat=5
So, what's in a women's multivitamin that is not in a men's formula? Of course, this will vary by company, so it's important to check the label. Our next blog post will go over a few key differences.
Interested in upping your personal wellness factor? Chinese herbal medicine and acupuncture are a fabulous, natural way to do so. Check out Dorothy Pang, L.Ac's website at www.AcuSpaWellness.com for more info on these ancient, time tested secrets to better health!
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