Dr Mindy Pelz revealed the key supplements men and women should take during an appearance on The Diary of a CEO podcast with Steve Bartlett
When it comes to supplements, you could say there are too many options – and it can be overwhelming. But one best-selling health author has pinpointed the standouts for both men and women, especially when it comes to prioritising hormonal health.
Dr Mindy Pelz shared her views during an appearance on The Diary of a CEO podcast with Steve Bartlett. When asked which supplementation she would recommend, the medical professional didn’t hesitate.
“For women, the most important supplement she could ever take is magnesium,” she said. “Magnesium makes every single hormone in your body.”
Magnesium plays a vital role in hundreds of bodily processes. According to the NHS, it helps convert food into energy, supports normal muscle and nerve function, and contributes to healthy bones.
The National Institute of Health (NIH) reports that magnesium is involved in more than 300 enzymatic reactions, including those that regulate blood pressure and blood sugar levels. Some studies, the NIH notes, suggest the substance may even help with symptoms linked to premenstrual syndrome and sleep quality, although more research is needed.
For men, however, Dr Pelz has highlighted a different mineral. “For men, I would say the most important supplement for hormones, zinc, because zinc makes testosterone,” she said.
Zinc is essential for immune function and cell growth. According to the Office of Dietary Supplements, zinc plays a key role in DNA synthesis and reproductive health, and deficiency has been linked to reduced testosterone levels in men.
Research published in the journal Nutrition found that marginal zinc deficiency in older men was associated with significantly lower testosterone concentrations, reinforcing the link between the mineral and male hormonal health. The NHS also states that zinc supports wound healing and helps the immune system fight infection.
Experts stress that while supplements can support health, they are not a replacement for a balanced diet. Official NHS advice for anyone considering new supplements is that they should speak to a GP or pharmacist first, particularly if they have underlying health conditions or take regular medication.