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Some manufacturers develop specific multivitamin formulas to benefit either male or female biology. Some of the best multivitamins for men will include those that are helpful to male bodies.
Quick links
- Best all-in-one: Ritual Essential for Men Multivitamin 18+
- Best multivitamin gummy: SmartyPants Men’s Formula
- Best for energy: NOW Foods ADAM Superior Men’s Multivitamin
- Best for older adults: Ritual Essential for Men Multivitamin 50+
- Best for heart health: Centrum Specialist Heart Multivitamin
- Best for traveling: K Nutri Men’s Essentials
- Best for sleep: MegaFood Multi for Men 40+
Males and females often benefit from differing vitamin and mineral types, quantities, and combinations. With this in mind, some pharmaceutical companies develop specific formulas of supplements, vitamins, shakes, and health bars to benefit either male or female biology. A person should discuss their options with a doctor or healthcare professional who can help them decide, and choose the product they feel works best for them and their needs.
This article discusses multivitamin supplements marketed for men, and the differing nutritional needs that male bodies may have at various times in their lives. It also provides information about the potential risks of taking too many multivitamins.
Please note that the writer of this article has not tried these products. All information presented is purely research-based and correct at the time of publication.
Medical News Today follows a strict product selection and vetting process. Learn more here.
Please note that the writer of this article has not tried these products. All information presented is purely research-based and correct at the time of publication.
Medical News Today follows a strict product selection and vetting process. Learn more here.
Best all-in-one: Ritual Essential for Men Multivitamin 18+
| Price | around $30 for a pot of 60 multivitamins |
|---|---|
| Form | capsule |
| Main ingredients | vitamins A, D, and K2, omega-3, magnesium, zinc. |
| Pros | vegan and free from major allergens |
| Cons | Does not contain calcium or vitamin C. Requires a subscription. |
Ritual Essential for Men Multivitamin 18+ contains 8 micrograms (mcg) of vitamin B12, along with folate, magnesium, zinc, boron, omega-3 docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and vitamins A, D3, E, and K.
It is also vegan and contains no gluten, major allergens, or genetically modified organisms (GMOs).
Ritual Essential for Men Multivitamin 18+ is available to purchase online for around $30 for a pot of 60 capsules.
Best multivitamin gummy: SmartyPants Men’s Formula
| Price | around $27 for a bottle of 180 multivitamins |
|---|---|
| Form | gummies |
| Featured ingredients | omega-3, choline, and coenzyme Q10 |
| Pros | According to reviews, the gummies have a pleasant taste and are easy to swallow. |
| Cons | Some people report an upset stomach and note that the gummies have a bitter taste. |
These multivitamin gummies contain no GMOs, artificial colors, or sweeteners. They are also gluten free.
There are three flavors: lemon creme, blueberry, and blackberry.
The company claims these vitamins support immune function, prostate health, heart health, and energy production. It also advises a person can take up to 6 gummies per day.
SmartyPants Men’s Formula is available to purchase online.
Best for energy: NOW Foods ADAM Superior Men’s Multivitamin
| Price | around $20 for a pot of 90 multivitamins |
|---|---|
| Form | softgels |
| Main ingredients | saw palmetto, plant sterols, and lycopene |
| Pros | Positive reviews state the softgels are easy to swallow, help increase energy levels, and improve sleep quality. |
| Cons | Some commenters claim they experienced symptoms that stopped after discontinuing use. |
These softgels contain soy and gelatin. The company claims they are easy to swallow.
The company recommends that people take 2 softgels per day with meals.
NOW Foods ADAM Superior Men’s Multivitamin is available to purchase online.
Best for older adults: Ritual Essential for Men Multivitamin 50+
| Price | around $35 for a pot of 60 multivitamins |
|---|---|
| Form | capsule |
| Main ingredients | Vitamins A, E, B12, Omega-3, boron. |
| Pros | Vegan and free from major allergens. |
| Cons | Does not contain calcium or vitamin C. Requires a subscription. |
Males older than 50 years of age should aim to get
A good example is Ritual Essential for Men Multivitamin 50+, as it contains 16 mcg of vitamin B12. It also contains omega-3 DHA, magnesium, folate, zinc, boron, and vitamins A, K2, E, and D.
Ritual multivitamins are also vegan and free from gluten, major allergens, GMOs, and synthetic fillers and colorants.
Ritual Essential for Men Multivitamin 50+ is available to purchase online for around $35 for a pot of 60 capsules.
Best for heart health: Centrum Specialist Heart Multivitamin
| Price | around $11 for a pot of 60 multivitamins |
|---|---|
| Form | tablets |
| Featured ingredients | vitamin C, calcium, potassium, and iron |
| Pros | Positive reviews state that the tablets may help individuals who have experienced a heart attack and those with high blood pressure. |
| Cons | Some reviewers note that the tablets are difficult to find in local stores. |
This multivitamin suits both males and females and claims to support the heart and maintain blood pressure.
The tablets include antioxidants that the company states can support the immune system.
The manufacturer recommends taking 1 tablet twice per day with meals.
Centrum Specialist Heart Multivitamin is available to purchase online.
Best for traveling: K Nutri Men’s Essentials
| Price | around $37 for 30 packets |
|---|---|
| Form | tablets |
| Featured ingredients | folic acid and biotin |
| Pros | Positive reviews praise the product’s quality, with individuals noting that the packets are easy to open and convenient for traveling. |
| Cons | Some of the pills are not small, and some people report having difficulty swallowing them. |
This product comes in 30 packets containing different tablets. The formulation aims to improve heart health and support the prostate, bones, and muscles. The product also claims to help balance the body’s electrolytes.
These vitamins are low in net carbohydrates and can benefit individuals who follow a keto or paleo diet. They are also free from sugar and alcohol and are low in net carbohydrates.
K Nutri Men’s Essentials is available to purchase online.
Best for sleep: MegaFood Multi for Men 40+
| Price | around $26 for a bottle of 30 multivitamins |
|---|---|
| Form | tablets |
| Featured ingredients | niacin and folate |
| Pros | Reviewers note that the tablets are easy on the stomach, help improve sleep quality, and help them feel more energized. |
| Cons | Some reviewers state that they did not notice a difference after taking the tablets for 2 or 3 months. |
This MegaFood multivitamin is for men who are aged 40 years or older. It claims to support bone health, cognitive and memory function, and prostate health. Also, it does not contain iron, iodine, or vitamin K.
The tablets are free from gluten and GMOs and will suit vegetarians.
A person can take 2 tablets at any time they choose, not necessarily with meals.
Warning
According to the MegaFood website, biotin, one of the ingredients, can interfere with laboratory results. Therefore, a person who is taking medications or planning to undergo laboratory testing should consult a doctor before using this product.
MegaFood Multi for Men 40+ is available to purchase online.
The table below lists several supplements marketed for men. We list the vitamins and minerals in each product in milligrams (mg), mcg, or international units (IUs). The table also contains percentages that reflect each product’s daily value of a vitamin or mineral.
| Ritual Essential for Men Multivitamin 18+ | SmartyPants Men’s Formula | NOW Foods ADAM Superior Men’s Multivitamin | Ritual Essential for Men Multivitamin 50+ | Centrum Specialist Heart Multivitamin | K Nutri Men’s Essentials | MegaFood Multi for Men 40+ | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Calcium | 200 mg (15%) | – | 25 mg (3%) | – | 54 mg (4%) | 675 mg (68%) | – |
| Chromium | 120 mcg (343%) | – | – | – | 60 mcg (171%) | 50 mcg (42%) | 120 mcg (343%) |
| Iron | – | – | – | – | 3 mg (17%) | – | – |
| Magnesium | 200 mg (48%) | – | 12.5 mg (3%) | 60 mg (14%) | 20 mg (5%) | 350 mg (88%) | – |
| Manganese | 2 mg (87%) | – | – | – | 1 mg (43%) | 2 mg (100%) | 1.5 mg (65%) |
| Niacin | 25 mg (156%) | 4 mg (25%) | 17.5 mg (88%) | – | 10 mg (63%) | 10 mg (50%) | 20 mg (125%) |
| Potassium | – | – | – | – | 32 mg (>1%) | 50 mg (1%) | – |
| Riboflavin (vitamin B2) | 3.4 mg (262%) | 0.26 mg (20%) | 12.5 mg (735%) | – | 0.9 mg (65%) | 50 mg (2,941 %) | 2 mg (154%) |
| Thiamin (vitamin B1) | 3 mg (250%) | 0.12 mg (10%) | 12.5 mg (833%) | – | 0.8 mg (63%) | 50 mg (3,333%) | 2 mg (167%) |
| Vitamin A | 970 mcg (108%) | 270 mcg (30%) | 5000 IU (100%) | 180 mcg (20%) | 525 mcg (58%) | 15,000 IU (300%) | 525 mcg (58%) |
| Vitamin B6 | 4 mg (235%) | 1.7 mg (100%) | 12.5 mg (625%) | – | 2.5 mg (147%) | 52.5 mg (2625%) | 6 mg (353%) |
| Vitamin B9 (folate) | 665 mcg (166%) | 400 mcg (100%) | 200 mcg (50%) | 400 mcg (100%) | 333 mcg (83%) | 400 mcg (100%) | 340 mcg (85%) |
| Vitamin B12 | 12 mcg (500%) | 4 mcg (167%) | 125 mcg (2,083%) | 16 mcg (667%) | 100 mcg (4,167%) | 100 mcg (1,667%) | 12 mcg (500%) |
| Vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid) | 80 mg (89%) | 45 mg (50%) | 125 mg (208%) | – | 30 mg (33%) | 500 mg (833%) | 200 mg (222%) |
| Vitamin D | 20 mcg (100%) | 40 mcg (200%) | 500 IU (125%) | 50 mcg (250%) | 5 mcg (25%) | 600 IU (150%) | 25 mcg (125%) |
| Vitamin E | 14.8 mg (99%) | 9 mg (60%) | 75 IU (250%) | 10 mg (67%) | 6.8 mg (45%) | 110 IU (367%) | 20 mg (133 %) |
| Vitamin K | 20 mcg (17%) | 36 mcg (30%) | 40 mcg (50%) | 100 mcg (85%) | 12.5 mcg (10%) | – | 90 mcg (75%) |
| Zinc | 15 mg (136%) | 11 mg (100%) | 15 mg (100%) | 2.4 mg (22%) | 3.8 mg (34%) | 40 mg (267%) | 15 mg (136%) |
Below are some factors people may wish to consider when choosing a multivitamin product:
- Price: Products are available at different prices, and some brands offer discounts.
- Form: Multivitamins are available as gummies, tablets, and pills. A person can choose their preferred form.
- Free from: Some individuals may prefer or require supplements that do not contain ingredients such as lactose, gluten, or those animal-based. Manufacturers typically inform about this on the packaging label.
- Ingredients: Product labels and company websites should provide a list of the ingredients a multivitamin contains. Some may contain some of the vitamins that a person may be lacking, but it does not mean that they contain them all. Also, some formulations may have too much of a certain vitamin for a person’s needs. For instance,
some studies indicate the dangers of having too much calcium. For this reason, vitamins that contain calcium may not suit everyone. - Precautions: Individuals may consider consulting a medical professional before taking multivitamins. This is because the ingredients may interact with their medications or interfere with laboratory tests.
- Use: A person can check how often they should take the vitamins and whether they have to take them with food.
It is advisable to consult a healthcare professional about what supplements a person may need to take and any supplements they may need to avoid.
Also, it is important to look for high-quality supplements that have seals from organizations such as the U.S. Pharmacopeia and the National Sanitation Foundation to guarantee that products have undergone third-party testing.
It is not usually necessary to take more than the recommended daily allowance (RDA) of vitamins and minerals. Exceeding this limit for certain nutrients, such as preformed vitamin A,
A study in The Journal of Nutrition suggests that
An individual might choose to take multivitamin and mineral supplements for many reasons, including:
- to replace nutrients that they lack in their diet
- to reduce the risk of chronic conditions
- to improve their overall health
Young adults
Young adults going through puberty should focus on eating a balanced diet that incorporates a variety of foods, such as:
- vegetables
- legumes and beans
- fruit
- whole grains
- dairy products
- lean meats, poultry, fish, or other healthy sources of protein
For young adults who lack nutrition in their diet, there may be a benefit to taking multivitamin and mineral supplements.
Getting at least
Furthermore, the body needs vitamin D to absorb calcium. Doctors recommend young males get at least
Young males aged 14–18 years also need at least
Iron is present in many foods, such as fish, chicken, beans, and spinach. Most young males will get enough iron from their diets and require less iron on a daily basis, compared with people who may have begun menstruation.
For adults over the age of 18 years who feel they need supplementation to their diets, various multivitamins are available.
Older adults
Osteoporosis is more common in females, but as males reach the age of around 50 years, their risk of developing the condition may also begin to increase. Getting additional calcium and vitamin D can help protect their bones from osteoporosis.
After the age of 70 years, males should aim to get 1,200 mg of calcium and 800 IU of vitamin D per day.
Most multivitamin and mineral supplements contain low amounts of calcium. Consuming more dairy or alternative milk products can help a person increase their calcium intake. Another option is to take calcium supplements.
Athletes
Athletes burn more calories than non-athletes. Therefore, they need to eat more to maintain their weight. It is unclear whether athletes also need more than the RDA of vitamins or minerals.
Vitamin D plays an essential role in bone health, and
- aid recovery from muscle damage after exercise
- improve heart function
- support the immune system
More high-quality research is necessary to confirm whether athletes gain additional benefits from supplementing vitamin D.
Brain health
Many studies have investigated whether or not getting extra vitamins or minerals can improve brain health.
However, a 2018 review was unable to show significant evidence that vitamin B6 or any other vitamin or mineral supplement can improve brain function.
Vegetarian or vegan diets
Males following a vegetarian or vegan diet may lack vitamin B12, which is mostly present in animal products.
Anyone over 14 years of age and following a vegetarian or vegan diet should consider taking at least
Another option is to consume more foods containing vitamin B12, such as fortified cereals or nutritional yeast.
Taking supplements is another way to increase one’s vitamin B12 intake. Multivitamin and mineral supplements typically supply enough vitamin B12.
Below are answers to some frequently asked questions about multivitamins:
Do men’s multivitamins really work?
Many companies market their multivitamins as dietary supplements, and these contain vitamins, minerals, herbs, and amino acids, among other ingredients.
According to the
However, they do not treat, prevent, or cure any condition, and a person should not use them to replace complete, nutritious meals.
The
Is it good to take a multivitamin every day?
Individuals should follow the manufacturer’s instructions about how they should take their multivitamins.
It may also help to seek medical advice. During the appointment, a person can discuss their needs and the diet they follow, and doctors can determine whether the person needs to increase their dosage.
Are multivitamins bad for the liver?
There are many multivitamin and mineral supplements available for men. In most cases, following a healthy, balanced diet is the best way to get enough nutrition to stay well.
However, it can be more difficult for some people to get enough nutrition from diet alone, including those following a vegetarian or vegan diet. In these cases, taking multivitamin and mineral supplements is a good way to improve one’s nutrition.