Taking a daily multivitamin is considered part of a healthy diet plan. Prenatal vitamins are designed to provide all the support a woman needs prior to conception, during pregnancy and while breastfeeding, but are prenatal vitamins safe for men?
Hormones and Prohormones
Prenatal vitamins do not contain any female hormones or prohormones. The vitamins are relatively standard with increased amounts of vitamins and nutrients like folic acid to protect against neural tube defects.
Iron Overdose
One thing men should consider before taking a prenatal vitamin is iron intake. Men should consume about 18 mg of iron each day, but prenatal vitamins contain about twice that. Iron overdose can be deadly, so if you eat lots of iron-rich foods you should probably skip the prenatal vitamin.
Vitamins and Minerals for Male Health
Certain brands of multivitamins include supplements like saw palmetto to promote male health. These supplements are not added to prenatal vitamins. If you are looking to optimize your health, a vitamin designed to promote male health may be more appropriate than a prenatal vitamin.
Preconception Health
One of the most intriguing pieces of information I found about men taking prenatal vitamins was the suggestion these vitamins improve male preconception health. Preconception vitamins for men are available with extra vitamin C, folic acid and zinc – aimed at promoting fertility and reducing the risk of neural tube defects. Specialty preconception vitamins can be ordered online, but you probably won’t be able to find male prenatal vitamins in your local vitamin shop.
There is no reason why most men can’t take a prenatal vitamin, but prenatal vitamins are formulated to support her health not yours. For your best health, look for a vitamin that contains lots of zinc, folic acid and vitamin C and change up your diet to include a rainbow of foods to promote overall health and vitamin intake from nature sources.