Do prenatal vitamins contain female or other hormones?

Prenatal vitamins do not contain any female hormones or prohormones. he does not suddenly grow breasts or lose his "manhood" if he takes prenatal vitamins. They usually contain only vitamins and other ingredients which are safe both for men and women. 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

The Institute of Medicine published a Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) which is the average daily level of intake sufficient to meet the nutrient requirements of nearly all (97%-98%) healthy people. They also published the DRI or the "Dietary Reference Intakes" which are the tolerable upper intake levels and which are different by a person's age or sex.

Different prenatal vitamins contain different levels of vitamins. 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 his. 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.