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What Are The Best Vitamins For A Man To Take

What To Look For When Choosing A Multivitamin For Men

The BEST Quality Multivitamins For Men, Women, & Kids

The type of multivitamin you need depends on your age, diet and any health conditions you may have. Most offer the basic essential vitamins and minerals, but different formulas contain specific blends.

If youre over the age of 50, for example, you should choose a multivitamin specifically for 50+, says Kostro Miller: These tend to have higher levels of vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin D and B, she says. If you want to increase your stamina or boost your metabolism, she adds, look for a brand that supports that.

Youll find multivitamins for men in the form of tablets, liquid supplements or gummies.

When To Contact A Doctor

Anyone concerned about their nutrient intake may wish to consult a doctor or registered dietitian for advice.

These professionals can help a person determine whether they need a supplement and, if so, which one will suit their needs.

If an individual experiences any new or worsening symptoms while taking a vitamin product, they should stop taking it and contact a doctor promptly.

Below, we look at some common questions about multivitamins for men.

Is Your Diet Enough To Provide The Vitamins You Need

Maybe you already eat a pretty solid diet and try to include a variety of nutrient-rich foods in your meals every day. Wondering if you could still be at risk for having low levels of some of the best vitamins for men? The risk factors mentioned above make nutrient deficiencies more common in men, which means its wise to take supplements if several apply to you. Research shows certain groups of men are also more prone to missing key vitamins, which makes them good candidates for supplementing with extra vitamins and minerals in order to meet all of their needs:

You rarely eat seafood or meat, eggs, dairy and poultry:

Vegetarians and vegans are more likely to be low in vitamin B12, iron, certain essential amino acids and omega-3s. If you avoid animal foods all together, its a smart idea to take a daily supplement, and if you dont consume much fish or seafood regularly, chances are you can use extra omega-3s.

Iron deficiency is one of the most common deficiencies worldwide, and while many people think women are the ones normally affected by low iron and anemia, men can be too. Consider adding at least some animal proteins into your diet or pairing plant sources of non-heme iron with vitamin C-rich foods to boost iron absorption.

You have a history of intestinal problems that block absorption:

Youre taking medication

Final Thoughts on the Best Vitamins for Men

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Why Should Men Over 60 Take Multivitamins

As men age their ability to absorb nutrients from food naturally declines which often leads to weight loss, fatigue, and various vitamin and mineral deficiencies. Additionally, men over 60 may also experience a significant reduction in their caloric intake.

One way men over 60 can counter this process is by adding supplements to their diet, such as multivitamins.

Some of the most common vitamin and mineral deficiencies seen in older men include:

How Do You Know If A Vitamin Is Good Quality

The Best Multivitamins for Men of 2020  ReviewThis

To evaluate the quality of a vitamin, check the ingredients label and look for products that are free of fillers, additives, and artificial ingredients.

If possible, look for a vitamin that is tested or certified by a third party and buy from brands that are transparent about how their products are sourced and manufactured.

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Ingredients In A Daily Multivitamin For Men

First, its important to understand the common ingredients found inmultivitamins for men. The best multivitaminswhether for men or for womenshould include the 13 essential vitamins and minerals, says Howard D. Sesso, Sc.D., MPH, associate epidemiologist at Brigham and Womens Hospital and associate professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School:

  • Vitamin C: Supports immune health
  • Vitamin D: Important for bone health and muscle function
  • Vitamin E: Reduces the effects of free radicals on the body
  • Vitamin K: Plays a role in blood clotting and maintaining calcium levels

Additionally, mens multivitamins commonly contain copper, manganese, selenium, and zinc. However, ingredients and quantities vary from brand to brand . You should carefully read the ingredient label to find allergens, artificial colors, preservatives, and other ingredients you may be sensitive to.

Ingredients may also vary depending on your age. For example, multivitamins for men over age 60 may contain additional ingredients such as saw palmetto or magnesium. Older men may also want to consider their vitamin B12 dosage. Important for the nervous system and red blood cells, vitamin B12 levels often decrease with age, says Sesso.

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Diversity Of Nutrients In Multivitamins For Men

Were looking at multivitamins here, so if a product just hits you with some calcium and vitamin K, we consider that more of a bone health supplement than a comprehensive multi. But we havent selected many multivitamins that just have vitamins and minerals as we mentioned above, there are some with enzymes, some with omega-3s, and some with compounds that havent yet been described as essential by the FDA.

For example, nettle leaf extract, for example, has been linked to lower inflammation in a few studies, like a 2013 study in Phytomedicine. Its hard to say which results are totally definitive here, but we like it when most of a products ingredients are backed by science and extend beyond just vitamins.

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The Best Vitamins For Men

By Jillian Levy, CHHC

In an ideal world, we would all eat very low-processed, organic and nutrient-dense diets filled with all sorts of foods that provide us with the vitamins we need. But this isnt always possible or realistic for many men, leaving a lot of room for common nutrient deficiencies and health problems as a consequence. Many people assume vitamin or mineral deficiencies are mostly a third-world problem in the 21st century, but in fact research tells us that even in developed nations, the best vitamins for men arent consumed enough.

A high percentage of men today eating a typical western diet experience at least one type of vitamin or nutrient deficiency, mostly due to eating a poor diet thats low in vitamin-rich foods like veggies and fruit. In 2009, a report by NBC News stated that studies show 77 percent of men dont take in enough magnesium, that many of us are deficient in vitamin D, and that the vitamin B12 in our diets may be undermined by a common heartburn medication. And we havent even mentioned our problems with potassium and iodine yet.

What Are The Most Important Supplements For Mens Health

5 Best Supplements For Men (Take These Products EVERY Day!)

Although men benefit from a wide range of nutrients, many are easier to obtain than others, meaning that only a select few may require supplementation to meet nutritional needs. Depending on your specific daily needs, you should consider taking the following supplements to support your overall health and wellness.

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Interaction Of Nutrients In Multivitamins

Some nutrients interact with each other, which also plays into potency and dosage. The Journal of the American College of Nutrition, for example, is one of many publications to have printed a study that found too much zinc in a supplement can lower the amount of calcium you absorb. We made sure all of the ingredients in the products we selected for this list did not interact in a negative way.

How To Choose And Take A Supplement

The vitamin aisle can be an overwhelming space. Plus, it’s important to note oversight in this industry is slim â that means, manufacturers can make extravagant claims on the package. As you browse options, here are some considerations to keep in mind:

  • âChoose reputable brands.â âLook on the label to see if it’s been tested by a third party, such as the U.S. Pharmacopeial Convention .
  • ââAvoid ingredients as needed.ââ If you have a food allergy or dietary restriction, check the ingredient list to make sure the supplement doesn’t contain anything that’s off-limits.
  • âFollow the dosage instructions.â Overdoing it on vitamins isn’t good for your health, so follow the instructions on the label. It’s also wise to check in with your health care provider before starting to take any supplements â in some cases, there can be interactions with other medications, according to the U.S. Food & Drug Administration .

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To Supplement Or Not To Supplement

What’s a guy to do? Pop a vitamin pill and leave it at that? Not so fast, says Howard Sesso, ScD, MPH, an associate professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School and project director of the Physicians’ Health Study II, which followed nearly 15,000 male doctors over the course of 10 years to evaluate the potential health benefits of four of the most popular vitamins: C, E, beta carotene, and multivitamins.

“Studies over the last few years have suggested that individual supplements don’t have benefits,” Sesso tells WebMD.

In one large study, Sesso and his fellow researchers found that neither vitamin E or C lowered the risk of cardiovascular disease. That study was published in The Journal of the American Medical Association in November 2008. In a study published in JAMA in January 2009, the same team reported that taking supplements of vitamins E and C did not lower a man’s risk of developing prostate or total cancers.

However, other studies have been more positive. PHS II researchers reported in 2007 that beta carotene supplements might have brain benefits if taken regularly over many years. Beta carotene, taken along with vitamins C and E and zinc, might also slow the progression of age-related macular degeneration, a cause of blindness.

So, where does that leave us? Still short of certainty.

And there’s still plenty of evidence to be gathered.

Who May Not Benefit From A Mens Multivitamin

Best Vitamin Supplements For Men

The different vitamins and minerals found in a particular whole food work together in ways we are only beginning to understand. Because of this, there are numerous benefits to getting our nutrients from eating a wide variety of whole foods. Scientists are calling the complex relationship of all the various components that make up a whole food the food matrix. While some supplement companies try to pack in all of these nutrients in their multivitamins, we don’t know if this will ever be as effective as getting our nutrients from food as nature intended.

Given the lack of scientific evidence, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics does not recommend the routine use of multivitamins for preventing chronic diseases without first carefully weighing the risks and benefits.

Those who may not benefit from a men’s multivitamin include:

Those who eat a varied diet and don’t have health issues: If you are not vegetarian or vegan, eat a variety of nutrient-dense foods, and have no medical indication for extra vitamins and minerals, there is probably no need to add the expense of a multivitamin.

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Hims Immunity Gummy Vitamins

QUALITY PICK

These immunity gummy vitamins from Hims have a delicious meyer lemon flavor and are formulated to be taken three times each day. Each gummy contains a bunch of crucial vitamins including Vitamins A, E, K as well as thiamine for supporting a healthy immune system. You can buy one jar or subscribe and get them regularly delivered to your home so you never run out.

How Can I Get The Vitamins And Minerals I Need

It is usually better to get the nutrients you need from food, rather than a pill. Thats because nutrient-dense foods contain other things that are good for you, like fiber.

Most older adults can get all the nutrients they need from foods. But if you arent sure, always talk with your doctor or a registered dietitian to find out if you are missing any important vitamins or minerals. Your doctor or dietitian may recommend a vitamin or dietary supplement.

Its important to be aware that some supplements can have side effects, such as increasing the risk of bleeding after an injury or changing your response to anesthesia during surgery. Supplements can also interact with some medicines in ways that might cause problems. For example, vitamin K can reduce the ability of the common blood thinner warfarin to prevent blood from clotting. If you do need to supplement your diet, your doctor or pharmacist can tell you what supplements and doses are safe for you.

When looking for supplements to buy, you may feel overwhelmed by the number of choices at the pharmacy or grocery store. Look for a supplement that contains the vitamin or mineral you need without a lot of other unnecessary ingredients. Read the label to make sure the dose is not too large. Avoid supplements with megadoses. Too much of some vitamins and minerals can be harmful, and you might be paying for supplements you dont need. Your doctor or pharmacist can recommend brands that fit your needs.

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Whens The Best Time To Take A Multivitamin

Some multivitamins should be taken with food. Others claim they can be taken without food, though this could cause an upset stomach.

Fat-soluble vitamins are absorbed best when taken with a meal containing healthy fats. To get the most out of your multivitamin, its a good idea to take it with a meal.

Which meal you take your multivitamin with is up to you, but taking it with the same meal each day can help you remember to take it consistently.

Who Should Buy Huge Supplements Huge Multivitamin

Best Vitamins, Supplements, and Proteins For Every Man’s Needs
  • Men who are active and need higher doses of vitamins and minerals will like the numbers on this multi.
  • If youre looking for adaptogens, youll appreciate the ashwagandha here.
  • Folks who want a long list of vitamins and minerals in their multi. This supp has over 30 nutrients to help fill your dietary gaps.

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Folate For Heart Health

Folate, or folic acid, is one of the important B vitamins. Folate may help protect men and women from heart disease because it prevents the build-up of homocysteine, a substance that your body needs to build protein but that can lead to heart and blood vessel disease if produced in excess.

What you need to know about folate:

  • The recommended allowance for folate is 400 micrograms a day, which you can get from eating a few servings of leafy green vegetables or beans daily.
  • Folate can be included in your multivitamin, but you should not have to take extra dietary supplements unless your doctor says your homocysteine is low. Too much folate may increase your risk for colon cancer.

“Great sources of nutrition for folate include lima beans, spinach, asparagus, oranges, strawberries, and avocado,” says Kooi.

Best Multivitamins For Men

Nea Pantry

Nea Pantry is a freelance writer living in downtown Toronto. She writes full-time for Honest Brand Reviews, alongside a variety of copy writing projects for local and international businesses. When not writing, you can find her in the kitchen whipping up a batch of vegan muffins.

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How To Eat To Support Supplementation

Supplements are intended to do what their name implies: supplement your diet. Supplements shouldnt take the place of eating healthy foods, so taking them is not an excuse to avoid eating things like veggies, fruit and fish even the best supplements!

Even if you do regularly take high-quality supplements, you should still make an effort to eat nutrient-dense foods every day. Some of the best foods for providing essential vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and more include:

Are There Certain Factors That Men Over 60 Should Consider When Selecting A Multivitamin

MENS MULTI+TEST VITAMIN  Beyond Max Supplements &  Nutrition

Men over 60 should always consult their local health professional about any potential drug-interactions they may experience from taking a multivitamin product along with certain drugs or medications.

Although most multivitamins are safe to use, some men may be at risk for complications stemming from pre-existing conditions.

Additionally, men over 60 should take extreme caution to not overconsume certain vitamins.

For example, men who consume an excessive amount of Vitamin A may place themselves at higher risk for liver damage whereas those who overconsume Vitamin C may experience nausea or diarrhea.

Finally, along with being cautious of not overconsuming certain vitamins, other nutritional components of multivitamins may lead to additional undesired effects.

For example, calcium should not be supplement unless prescribed by a medical doctor since studies show that supplementation might increase cardiovascular risk.

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Ingredients & Potential Interactions

It is essential to carefully read the ingredient list and nutrition facts panel of a supplement to know which ingredients and how much of each ingredient is included relative to the recommended daily value of that ingredient. Please bring the supplement label to a healthcare provider to review the different ingredients contained in the supplement and any potential interactions between these ingredients and other supplements and medications you are taking.

Many mens multivitamins on the market today also contain additional ingredients like herbs, enzymes, and probiotics, with additional health claims that havent necessarily been validated through quality research. Some of those ingredients may interact with some of your medications and/or medical treatments, which is why it is vital to review supplements you are or plan on taking with a medical provider.

There are many factors that contribute to how easily our bodies can use the vitamins and minerals we consume from food or supplements. Some nutrients work together, so consuming them at the same time is beneficial. Other nutrients work against each other, so it is best not to consume them at the same time. For example, calcium reduces your absorption of iron, whereas vitamin C can enhance it.

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