For adult men, it is sometimes tough to find the right men’s multivitamin. A one-size-fits-all approach, although effective when shopping for T-shirts, does not always apply to health products. To find the best multivitamin for men, talk to a professional who can advise you based on your individual health concerns, dietary habits, and lifestyle.
Multivitamin for Men Supplements
Since men have different nutritional needs than women, the best multivitamin for a man is specifically formulated for him. It should not necessarily contain iron because the body has difficulty getting rid of excess iron, but it should have adequate amounts of other essential nutrients. Most multivitamin supplements contain at least the recommended dietary allowance of most micronutrients, according to the Linus Pauling Institute. Those that contain more, however, may not be necessary for most healthy men.
Vitamin D
Osteoporosis, a brittle bone disease, is not just a woman’s problem, although most people view it that way, according to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. In comparison to women, men have larger skeletons, and their bone loss starts later and progresses more slowly. However, they are still at risk for bone loss if they smoke, have certain medical conditions, or don’t maintain a balanced diet. Since bone mass peaks in a man’s 30s and begins to decline thereafter, the best multivitamins for men will contain at least 600 IU of vitamin D.
Vitamin B-12
Since a man’s ability to absorb vitamin B-12 sometimes declines with age, supplementation is important. This is especially true for vegetarians, as vitamin B-12 is only found in animal products and fortified foods. Adult men need vitamin B-12 for optimal health and energy. You may also benefit from a methylated form of B-12.
Vitamin C
As an antioxidant, vitamin C helps counteract cell-damaging molecules that contribute to illness and disease. Although most multivitamin supplements provide the recommended dietary allowance of vitamin C, this number focuses solely on preventing deficiency diseases. Adult men will need more vitamin C to help prevent chronic diseases. In total, a man’s recommended daily vitamin C intake is 400 to 1,000 mg. Male smokers need more per day than nonsmokers, however.
There are also many herbs to promote men’s health, including prostate health. Learn more about these herbs. Maintaining healthy lifestyle habits is also crucial for optimal health. Get enough sleep, manage your stress, exercise and eat a whole food diet. Avoid processed foods and foods high in sugar.
References: National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases; Osteoporosis in Men; January 2011; Linus Pauling Institute; What to Look for in a Multivitamin Supplement; Jane Higdon, Ph.D.; November 2003; Linus Pauling Institute; Vitamin C; Balz Frei, Ph.D.; November 2009