How To Choose The Best Multivitamin For Men
A good multivitamin supplement is a convenient way to make sure you’re meeting all your vitamin requirements. Different vitamins all play different roles in your body and making sure you are not deficient in any is key to staying healthy.
- Why are multivitamins important?
- Do men need different vitamins?
- How to choose the best multivitamin supplement?
- Our top multivitamin recommendations for men.
Why are multivitamins important?
Vitamins and minerals are extremely important for keeping us fit and healthy. Whilst it’s possible to get most of your requirements from a well-rounded diet, there are certain circumstances that may need an extra vitamin boost.
Do Men Need Different Vitamins?
For optimal and day to day wellbeing, there isn’t much difference in the vitamin requirements for men and women.
The differences in the recommended daily allowance of certain vitamins is based on body size. I.e., men typically require more vitamin A, B, E, K and zinc due to their larger body size. 1 The main exceptions to this are iron and folate, which females need significantly more of due to their menstrual cycle.
However, one of the main differences between males and females is testosterone levels and there are a number of vitamins required for the maintenance of this important hormone. As such, there are certain vitamins that men may need to pay more attention to than women and the best multivitamin for men would account for these variations.
As well as the differences between men and women, there are also individual differences between men. Therefore, multivitamins are not going to have the same effects on everyone. The best multivitamins for men will try and cover all bases by providing more than just the RDA of vitamins for most men.
Two specific vitamins include:
Zinc
Vitamin D
How to Choose the Best Men's Multivitamin Supplement:
Consider what your goal is
Different vitamins and minerals all have their own role to play in the body. Multivitamins will vary in their content of specific vitamins and your reason for supplementing will therefore influence which multivitamin is best for you.
For example, if you are looking to maintain immunity during the winter, the best multivitamin would be one which included vitamin D. For a potential energy boost, a multivitamin with b-vitamins and vitamin C may be beneficial. For growth and performance in the gym, calcium and zinc are important.
Think about the delivery system
There are a number of different forms in which you can get your multivitamins. These range from standard capsules to powders and even gummies.
The best multivitamin option for you just depends on preference. If you struggle taking capsules and large vitamin tablets, a gummy may be a good option as its chewable and comes in different flavours. Powders can also be convenient to throw into a shake or smoothie.
Check the strength of the vitamins
It’s important to always check the RDA (recommended dietary allowance) content of the multivitamin. Firstly, to make sure they contain enough of a certain vitamin, but also to make sure you’re taking the correct amount. More isn’t always better and excessive consumption of a specific vitamin can have negative health consequences.
Whichever multivitamin you choose, make sure to follow the instructed dose and be sure that any other supplements you are taking do not have large amounts of the same vitamin. One of the advantages of a good multivitamin is that it will provide the large majority of your daily requirements reducing the need to further vitamin supplementation.
Our top multivitamin recommendations for men
Alpha Men
A-Z multivitamin
Multivitamin Gummies
Vegan A-Z
THE Multi
Joint
Joint contains a mix of natural extracts and vitamin C. It's designed to help preserve collagen which will help to protect your joints.
Take Home Message
Multivitamin supplements can be an easy, convenient way to ensure you are getting all your vitamins and minerals you require to stay healthy. The best supplement for you will be dependent on your goals and reasons for supplementing.
Always check the ingredient list to make sure your required vitamins are included and that amount is appropriate. It’s also useful to check with your doctor to see if you require any vitamin in particular.
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Liam is a certified sport nutritionist with the International Society of Sport Nutrition and is enrolled on the British Dietetics Association’s Sport and Exercise Nutrition register. He has a Bachelor’s of Science in Sport and Exercise Science and is graduate of the ISSN Diploma in Applied Sport and Exercise Nutrition.
Liam is an experienced personal trainer, helping clients reach their health and fitness goals with practical, evidence informed exercise and nutrition advice. In his spare time Liam has competed in numerous powerlifting competitions and enjoys hill walking, football and expanding his recipe repertoire in the kitchen.Find out more about Liam's experience here.
