Battle of the Sexes: Men vs Women Nutrient Needs

Vital for keeping immune systems in top order and good for energy, iron requirements are dramatically different early in life for women due to monthly blood loss. Iron from vegetable sources (dried beans, legumes) isn't absorbed as well as the iron in meats, but both are valuable. In fact, adding vitamin C rich foods like citrus and tomatoes easily boosts iron absorption from vegetable foods.

He needs:  8 mg

She needs:  18 mg per day during child bearing years (27 mg if pregnant); 8 mg per day after 51