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The best multivitamin for men over 50 depends on individual age, medications, and health status. Here is what to look for, along with reliable products at every price point.
The table below compares the seven multivitamins for men over 50 explored in the section above.
| Price | Type | Daily dose | Cost per daily dose | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ritual | $39 | gel capsule | 2 capsules | $1.17 |
| Amazon Elements | around $26.97 for 65 tablets | tablet | 1 tablet | $0.45 |
| Persona | $64.12 for a 28-day supply | varies within pack | varies depending on the pack | $2.29 |
| Centrum | around $19.29 for 200 tablets | tablet | 1 tablet | $0.10 |
| SmartyPants | around $24.12 for a 30-day supply | gummy | 6 gummies | $0.80 |
| Nature Made | around $13.59 for a 90-day supply | tablet | 1 tablet | $0.15 |
| Thorne | around $43.20 for 180 capsules | capsules | 3–6 capsules | $0.72 to $1.44 |
| Klean | around $38.07 for a 30-day supply | tablet | 2 tablets | $1.27 |
Medical News Today chooses multivitamins for men over 50 that meet the following criteria:
- Ingredients: MNTchooses multivitamins containing safe and high quality ingredients that can benefit health, such as vitamins A, B, and C.
- Dosage: MNTchooses multivitamins that clearly state the supplement dosage and how it relates to an adult’s daily recommended intake.
- Serving size: MNTselects multivitamins in which manufacturers recommend a safe dosage.
- Third-party testing: MNTchooses products that must undergo third-party testing for contaminants by an ISO 17025-compliant laboratory.
- Available certificate of analysis: MNTchooses companies that demonstrate transparency and share a product’s certificate of analysis (COA) after receiving its third-party lab results.
Medical News Todayfollows a strict product selection and vetting process. Learn more here.
Before purchasing multivitamins, a person may consider the following factors:
- Cost: Some multivitamins are more expensive than others, and not all products contain the same number of supplements. Check the packaging carefully to ensure the best value for money.
- Vitamin and mineral content: Not all multivitamin products contain the same selection or amount of vitamins and minerals. Determine your individual needs in terms of ingredients and potencies.
- Multivitamin form: Some multivitamins come in the form of a capsule, tablet, or chewable gummy. People may wish to consider purchasing a multivitamin that is easier to swallow.
- Subscription services: Some companies may offer a subscription service, delivering a monthly supply of multivitamins directly to a person’s home. Often, subscription pricing is discounted as well.
- Eco-friendly materials: Some companies use eco-friendly materials, such as 100% recycled bottles or biodegradable packaging.
Males and females often benefit from differing vitamin and mineral types, quantities, and combinations. With this in mind, some companies develop specific formulas of supplements, vitamins, shakes, and health bars. 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.
Multivitamins contain a range of vitamins and minerals that are essential for health. In many cases, a person can get these nutrients from eating a balanced diet and getting sunlight exposure.
However, as people get older, they may need extra help getting enough vitamins and minerals. There are several reasons for this, including:
- Reduced absorption: According to the National Resource Center on Nutrition and Aging, 10 to 30% of older adults do not absorb vitamin B12 effectively. If a person is not absorbing enough nutrients from their food, taking a supplement may help.
- Medication: Some medications can deplete a person’s vitamin levels. For example, proton pump inhibitors and metformin
can reduce levels of vitamin B12. - Physical training: If a male over 50 years is physically active, they may need additional vitamins and minerals to support their training.
- Reduced mobility: If an individual has a disability or chronic condition, they may not be able to cook fresh foods from scratch or get outdoors easily. This might make it more difficult for them to get enough of some nutrients.
- Limited diet: A person with dietary restrictions may not get all the essential nutrients from food and may benefit from taking a supplement.
- Age-related chronic disease: Conditions such as osteoporosis
may increase a person’s need for nutrients.
However, while some people may benefit from taking vitamin supplements, not everyone needs or benefits from them.
Getting too much of some vitamins can be dangerous, and some vitamins can also interact with medications. For instance, vitamin K
A blood test may help a person determine whether they have a vitamin deficiency and require a supplement.
It is essential to get enough of all the vital nutrients each day. However, there are some specific nutrients that males aged 50 years and over may benefit from taking.
Vitamin B12
As 10 to 30% of older adults may not absorb vitamin B12 from food efficiently, they may need to increase their intake through more foods containing B12 or from a supplement.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D is essential for bone health and immune function. However,
Antioxidants
Some vitamins and minerals are also antioxidants. Antioxidants can help protect against free radicals.
Some antioxidants to look for in supplements include:
These nutrients have numerous potential benefits. According to the
Coenzyme Q10
CoQ10 is an antioxidant that may help protect against obesity and inflammation, according to a
The authors of a
Men’s health resources
For more research-backed information and resources, visit our dedicated men’s health hub.
Some vitamins and minerals can cause side effects. For instance, some forms of calcium
Also, certain nutrients
- interact with medications or other supplements
- worsen preexisting conditions
- increase the risk of some health conditions
- cause toxicity at high dosages
Anyone concerned about their nutrient intake may wish to consult a doctor or registered dietitian for advice.
These professionals can help people determine whether they need a supplement and, if so, which one will suit their needs.
If an individual experiences new or worsening symptoms while taking a vitamin product, they should stop taking it and contact a doctor promptly.
While many people will receive the DV of most nutrients through their diet, multivitamins can help fill nutritional gaps.
A 2021 study discovered a positive relationship between vitamin D and testosterone levels, semen quality, and male reproductive health.
Other vitamins that males should ensure they get plenty of, include magnesium for heart health, vitamins A, B, C, and E for overall health, and calcium for bone health.
However, it is worth noting that obtaining calcium through food intake is best.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) state that multivitamins are the most common dietary supplement in the United States that contributes to increased nutrient intake in people in the U.S.
However, a 2020 review found that supplement use may have little to no benefit for disease prevention in those without clinical deficiencies.
To find the highest quality multivitamin, people should look for brands that undergo third-party testing and have certifications from organizations such as the United States Pharmacopeia (USP).
Multivitamins can fill nutrient gaps in otherwise healthy diets.
However, it is important not to take high doses of vitamins or minerals, as it can damage a person’s health. For example, having too much iron can cause nausea and vomiting, and may lead to liver damage.
It is also important to discuss taking multivitamins with a healthcare professional if a person is taking any medication. For example, vitamin K can negatively interact with Warfarin, reducing its ability to thin the blood.
A multivitamin may benefit males aged 50 years and over who cannot get enough nutrients from their diet. Some essential nutrients include antioxidants and vitamins B12 and D. However, everyone’s needs differ.
It is important to know which nutrients a person needs and in what quantities. A doctor or dietitian can advise on which supplements to take and how to avoid potential adverse effects.