Buying guide for best men's multivitamins
We all know the importance of eating a healthy, balanced diet, but in today's fast-paced world, pausing to consider the nutrient profile of each meal isn't always practical. Busy schedules and physically demanding lifestyles can leave men of all ages and fitness levels vulnerable to nutrient deficiencies.
A well-balanced men's multivitamin is an easy and affordable way to fill the nutritional gaps for enhanced physical and mental well-being. But with hundreds of formulations on the market, choosing the right men's multivitamin can be a challenge. If you need a hand, you've come to the right place!
Why choose a multivitamin formulated specifically for men?
While there are a host of excellent family-friendly multivitamins on the market, men and women naturally have different nutritional requirements. Gender-specific multivitamins are specially formulated to cater to these unique physiological needs.
Men’s multivitamins typically contain higher concentrations of ingredients that support the male reproductive system and show promise in preventing prostate and heart disease.
Most commonly, men’s multivitamins contain higher percentages of zinc, selenium, folic acid, lycopene, and vitamins B12, C, and E, all of which are important for male reproductive and hormonal health.
Some multivitamins require more than one dose per day, which is less convenient than once-a-day options. We note the daily dose requirements of each multivitamin we consider.
When we research men’s multivitamins, we want to know if they are made with synthetic or whole food sources. We assess the pros and cons of both varieties, including cost and potency.
It’s important for a multivitamin to be balanced in order to provide nutrients to meet men’s needs. In our research, we check the content of specific vitamins like B, B12, C, D, and E to determine if the product meets or exceeds the daily recommended requirements.
Multivitamins for men are available for specific needs, including men with active lifestyles and those who are over 50. We strive to help our readers find vitamins that match their individual requirements.
We want to find quality multivitamins that fit all budgets. When recommending products, we factor in the price.
We understand that some individuals have a difficult time swallowing large pills. We consider gummy multivitamins formulated for men, which can be tasty and easy to chew. We note the sugar content in these gummies, which may be a concern for some.
Ingredients are important to the overall quality of a multivitamin. Our assessments include making note of ingredients that are artificial, natural, and organic.
Multivitamins come in bottles of varying quantities. We take into consideration the number of vitamins in each bottle we recommend.
In our research, we evaluate men’s multivitamins for nutrients that are vital for various life stages. This includes zinc, lycopene, selenium, and folic acid.
Some vitamins contain Omega fatty acids, which support mood as well as heart and brain health. Determining whether a multivitamin contains these important nutrients is a key part of our research process.
Benefits of men’s multivitamins
If you have a sneaking suspicion that something’s amiss, but you can't quite put your finger on it, a multivitamin could be just what the doctor ordered. Feeling a little reluctant to jump on the one-tablet-a-day bandwagon? Take a look at these benefits to find out if taking a daily vitamin supplement is all it's cracked up to be.
Support immunity: Vitamin deficiencies can be directly linked to increased incidences of illness. Taking a multivitamin will help to make sure that you get your recommended daily allowance of immune-supporting vitamins, such as vitamin C, vitamin D, and vitamin E.
Increase energy: Simply giving your body the nutrients it needs to function properly can result in improved energy levels. However, adding the various members of the vitamin B family (thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, pantothenic acid, biotin, folic acid, and B12) can greatly improve your sense of vitality. Not only do B vitamins support the entire system by helping to convert food into fuel but they also play an important role in maintaining nerve health and protecting red blood cells.
Improve memory: Omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin B12, and vitamin E, among others, are known to support healthy brain function. In fact, many cases of nutrient-related memory impairment can be attributed to insufficient vitamin B12 intake.
Enhance mood: Some studies indicate that certain vitamins actively increase the natural production of feel-good chemicals. In particular, vitamins B12, B6, and folate have been shown to support healthy levels of serotonin production. In addition to B vitamins, healthy doses of omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin D have also been proven helpful in combating the negative effects of stress and anxiety.
Fight effects of aging: While men’s multivitamins are far from being an anti-aging miracle, they do contain a host of vitamins that are essential to cell, organ, and tissue health. Antioxidants like vitamin C, vitamin E, and beta carotene are known to fight off free radicals and promote cell regeneration.
- Bridge nutritional gaps: Fatigue, sluggishness, and general malaise are good indicators that you might be missing out on some important nutrients. For many, getting an optimal balance of vitamins and minerals through diet alone is easier said than done. Even those who follow a healthy lifestyle and strive to eat a diet rich in vital nutrients can benefit from the safety net provided by a good multivitamin.
Did you know?
Not all multivitamins are a once-a-day nutritional solution. Remember to check the packaging for dosage quantity and frequency.
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Types of multivitamins for men
Men’s multivitamins come in many forms, all of which can be categorized as either synthetic or whole food/plant based.
Synthetic vitamins are by far the most common dietary supplement available on today's market. These vitamins are engineered in laboratories to be chemically identical to naturally sourced nutrients. Because the cost of manufacturing synthetic multivitamins is relatively low, these vitamins tend to be the most affordable.
Whole food vitamins can be based on whole food sources with essential synthetic vitamins added or consist solely of complete whole food concentrates. While whole food vitamins generally have a lower potency than synthetic vitamins, some argue that natural nutrients are more readily absorbed by the human body. Due to higher manufacturing costs, whole food vitamins can be pricey.
The following types of multivitamins can be found in both synthetic and whole food forms. Note that the dosages vary: for some a serving is one per day and for others as many as three or four per day. The cost can vary from about $2 to $50 and more per month.
Active men’s multivitamins
Men who frequently engage in strenuous physical activity often have increased nutritional requirements. To account for this, many multivitamins for active men are crammed with extra ingredients like branched chain amino acids (BCAA) for muscle recovery, and some even contain proprietary blends of metabolism and energy-enhancing herbs. Most formulations also tend to be more highly concentrated to help counteract the depletion of essential nutrients.
- Price: Multivitamins for active men are generally priced between $10 and $30. Nutrient profiles, added supplements, and brand are the most common factors determining cost.
Senior/50+ men's multivitamins
As we age, our nutritional requirements change. Multivitamins for men age 50 and older are specially formulated to address the needs of mature individuals. While proprietary blends vary, most senior men’s multivitamins offer increased doses of vitamin B12 (which isn’t as readily absorbed beyond a certain age) and higher levels of vitamin D (which can take a dive due to reduced sun exposure and inadequate nutrition). Many senior men’s multivitamins also include additional omega-3 fatty acids to support joint health and brain function.
- Price: Multivitamins for senior men are available in both synthetic and whole food forms. Depending on which you prefer, prices can range from $10 to $50 per month.
Gummies
For men who struggle to swallow pills or capsules, chewable multivitamin gummies might be an option worth considering. A balanced gummy multivitamin can provide all the same benefits as traditional multivitamins in a tasty package, but be sure to check for undesirable ingredients like unnecessary sugars and artificial flavors and sweeteners.
- Price: Just like other multivitamins, gummies can be found in synthetic or whole food form and cost anywhere from around $10 to $50.
Once-a-day multivitamins
In terms of sheer convenience, once-a-day men’s multivitamins are hard to beat. These deliver all the key nutrients your body needs for the day in a single dose. Whether you're forgetful or simply dislike the idea of having to pop multiple pills or capsules throughout the day, a once-a-day multivitamin is your best bet.
- Price: Synthetic once-a-day vitamins typically cost around $10 to $15 for a bottle of 150 (a five-month supply). Food-based and whole-food varieties can cost as much as $40 for the same quantity.
Tips
Be consistent. Multivitamins are designed to bridge the gaps in your daily diet, and taking them sporadically is unlikely to do much good. Remembering to take your multivitamin every day acts as a security net to help make sure that no essential nutrients slip through the cracks, enabling your body to function at its best.
Don't double up on doses. If you’ve missed a dose, it can be tempting to take twice the daily allowance for the next, but don’t. Doubling your daily dose of vitamins is a bad idea for two reasons. First, there's only so much that the body can absorb at once, and excess water-soluble nutrients will simply be flushed out of your system. Second, and more importantly, a buildup of fat-soluble vitamins (which are stored in the liver and other fatty tissues) can cause numerous health problems.
Read and follow the dosage directions. Beyond sticking to the recommended daily allowance, reading and following the package instructions is essential. While it might be okay to take some multivitamins on an empty stomach, others need to be taken with food to avoid gastrointestinal discomfort. Also, certain multivitamins that may contain energy-increasing ingredients are best taken early in the morning. Remember, manufacturer instructions are there to help you get the most out of your multi.
Don't chug the multivitamins down with tea or coffee: The caffeine and tannins found in these pick-me-up beverages can interfere with the body’s ability to absorb certain vitamins and minerals. If the thought of giving up your morning cup of joe is enough to induce palpitations, take heart. You can still enjoy your cuppa and reap the benefits of a multivitamin. Just be sure to wait at least 15 minutes after drinking your coffee or tea before taking your vitamins.
Pair your vitamins with a healthy diet. Multivitamins are a great way to support your health and vitality, but they aren't meant to replace a healthy diet. Diet can also affect your body’s ability to absorb certain vitamins. For instance, fat-soluble vitamins like A, E, D, and K are best taken with a meal containing fats and protein from healthy sources, such as lean meat or fish.
- Ask your doctor for advice if you're taking medication. Some vitamins may interact or interfere with the effects of certain medicines. If you’re taking medication for a chronic condition, it’s best to get the go-ahead from your doctor before adding a multivitamin to your diet.
FAQ
Q. Is it safe to take probiotics and multivitamins at the same time?
A. Yes. Taking a probiotic alongside your daily multivitamin is not only safe but can also aid in the digestion and absorption of essential nutrients. Some multivitamins come complete with probiotics, so you might want to check the label before adding your own.
Q. Can I share my men’s multivitamin with my wife/girlfriend?
A. While taking a men’s multivitamin every now and then certainly won’t harm your significant other, the nutrient profile found in most of them generally won’t be sufficient to support the unique functions of the female body over the long term. Most notably, the iron levels of men’s multivitamins are much lower than those found in women’s multivitamins. In some cases, iron may even be completely absent from a men’s supplement. Because most women require additional iron, relying on a men’s multivitamin entirely isn't a good idea.
Q. What’s the best time to take a multivitamin?
A. This very much depends on the type of multivitamin you’re taking, as well as personal preference. While the general consensus is early morning, the best time to take a multivitamin varies from blend to blend and person to person. Some multivitamins need to be taken with food, and if you’re not a morning eater, afternoons or evenings may work better for you. However, if you’re taking an energy-enhancing supplement high in B vitamins, it’s best to get your dose in as early as possible.
