7 best multivitamins for men over 50 in 2023

Share on Pinterest

A quick look at the best multivitamins for men

• Best for traceable ingredients: Ritual Essential for Men 50+ | Skip to Review
• Best subscription: Care/of Men’s Care Pack | Skip to Review
• Best vegan: Amazon Elements Men’s One Daily Multivitamin | Skip to Review
• Best multivitamin pack: Persona Men’s Essentials + Stress Support | Skip to Review
• Best general purpose: Centrum Multivitamin for Men | Skip to Review
• Best chewable gummy: SmartyPants Men’s Formula Daily Gummy Multivitamin | Skip to Review
• Best gluten-free: Nature Made Men’s Multivitamin Tablets | Skip to Review

How we chose

Top multivitamins for men over 50

The product options below:

• contain a wide range of vitamins and minerals
• contain doses that are suitable for adult males
• have undergone third-party testing for quality and safety

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 for traceable ingredients: Ritual Essential for Men 50+

• Price: Around $39.
• Type: Gel capsule.
• Dosage: 2 capsules daily.
• Ingredients: Folate, magnesium, zinc, boron, omega-3 DHA, and vitamins A, B12, D, E, and K2.
• Certifications: Vegan, gluten and major allergen-free, no genetically modified organisms (GMO), manufacturers are NSF certified and operate in a Current Good Manufacturing Practice (CGMP) facility.

This multivitamin capsule contains 10 essential vitamins and minerals, including magnesium, vitamin K2, and boron. People can take out a subscription, and Ritual will deliver this product each month.

A person receives 100% or more of the daily value (DV) for vitamin D, vitamin B12, and folate with this product. However, the levels of the other vitamins and minerals are lower.

Ritual states that its multivitamins are traceable and that it includes the vitamin and mineral country of origin on its website. The company makes each bottle out of 100% recycled material.

This product has a delayed-release design, and Ritual states that people should take two capsules per day.

The company uses a third party to test its products for heavy metals, microbes, allergens, and other contaminants.

Best subscription: Care/of Men’s Care Pack

• Price: Around $54.
• Type: Various within a pack, including pills and softgels.
• Dosage: Two multivitamin tablets and fish oil softgels daily, and one probiotic blend and astaxanthin capsule each per day.
• Ingredients: Astaxanthin, B. lactis, L. rhamnosus, L. acidophilus, vitamins D3 and K2, salmon oil, and omega-3.
• Certifications: Non-GMO and gluten-free, vegan or vegetarian, and produced in NSF and GMP-certified facilities.

The Care/of Men’s Care Pack contains four vitamins and minerals: probiotic blend, multivitamin, astaxanthin, and fish oil. Care/of is also a subscription service, meaning that customers can receive this vitamin pack every month.

All the vitamins and minerals in the pack are gluten-free and non-GMO. They may suit some vegetarians, apart from the salmon oil. The astaxanthin and probiotic blend are vegan.

Best vegan: Amazon Elements Men’s One Daily Multivitamin

• Price: Around $27 for 65 tablets.
• Type: Tablet.
• Dosage: 1 tablet daily with food.
• Ingredients: Calcium, iodine, zinc, selenium, copper, manganese, chromium, molybdenum, fenugreek powder, eleuthero powder, astragalus powder, ginger, turmeric, oregano powder, hawthorn powder, and vitamins A, C, D2, E, K1, K2, and B complex.
• Certifications: Vegan, gluten-free, non-GMO, and whole-food. The brand produces it in a CGMP facility.

This vitamin contains a botanical blend and 21 essential vitamins and minerals, including vitamin D, vitamin B12, and antioxidants, such as vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, zinc, and selenium.

Customers receive more than the DV for many of the vitamins and minerals in these tablets. However, for some vitamins, such as vitamin C, the tablets contain only some of the DV.

The company manufactures its supplements in GMP facilities and tests them to ensure quality.

The supplements are also gluten-free and vegan, and the company cultures 62% of the ingredients from whole food.

Best multivitamin pack: Persona Men’s Essentials + Stress Support

• Price: Varies depending on the pack.
• Type: Varies depending on the pack.
• Dosage: Varies, but the company provides time-of-day packs to ensure a person gets the correct dose at the optimal time.
• Ingredients: Niacin, folate, biotin, iodine, zinc, selenium, copper, chromium, potassium, ashwagandha, astaxanthin, DHA, omega-3, DPA, EPA, lutein, lycopene, organic spirulina, zeaxanthin, and vitamins A, B1, B2, B5, B6, B12, C, D3, E, and K2.
• Certifications: The company manufactures it in a CGMP facility. Some vitamins are suitable for vegans, vegetarians, those who have allergies, and those who follow a kosher diet.

This multivitamin pack contains several essential minerals and vitamins.

Vitamins C, D, and B all contain at least 100% of the DV. However, some vitamins and minerals, such as vitamins A and E, contain smaller amounts of DV.

Other ingredients in this pack include spirulina, ashwagandha, a daily probiotic, and omega-3.

Best general-purpose: Centrum Multivitamin for Men

• Price: Around $17 for 200 tablets.
• Type: Tablet.
• Dosage: 1 tablet daily.
• Ingredients: Thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, folic acid, biotin, pantothenic acid, calcium, iron, phosphorus, iodine, magnesium, zinc, copper, manganese, chromium, molybdenum, chloride, potassium, and vitamins A, B6, B12, C, D, E, and K.
• Certifications: Non-GMO and gluten-free. Centrum makes them in GMP facilities.

This general-purpose multivitamin contains a wide range of essential vitamins and minerals, including vitamins D and B12 and zinc.

The tablets contain gelatin, so they may not suit vegetarians.

With this product, a person can get 100% of the DV for many nutrients in a tablet. However, while vitamin B12 and selenium levels are high, those of calcium and potassium are low.

The company manufactures its supplements in GMP facilities and runs numerous quality checks.

Best chewable gummy: SmartyPants Men’s Formula Daily Gummy Multivitamin

• Price: Around $22 for a 30-day supply.
• Type: Gummy.
• Dosage: Six gummies daily with or without food.
• Ingredients: Biotin, choline, folate, iodine, niacin, riboflavin, selenium, thiamine, zinc, and vitamins A, C, D, E, K1, B6, and B12.
• Certifications: Non-GMO and gluten-free. SmartyPants makes them in GMP facilities.

This product provides good amounts of vitamin D, vitamin B12, and zinc. It also contains modest amounts of other essential nutrients, coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), and omega-3.

The product comes in the form of chewable gummies, which some people may find easier to swallow than tablets. However, it is worth noting that they contain 6 grams of added sugar per serving.

The company makes its products at FDA-registered GMP facilities. The gummies are non-GMO and free from common allergens.

Best gluten-free: Nature Made Men’s Multivitamin Tablets

• Price: Around $14for a 90-day supply.
• Type: Tablet.
• Dosage: One tablet daily.
• Ingredients: Thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, folate, biotin, pantothenic acid, calcium, iodine, magnesium, zinc, selenium, copper, manganese, chromium, molybdenum, and vitamins A, B6, B12, C, D3, E, and K.
• Certifications: Gluten-free and USP-verified.

These tablets contain 100% of the DV for biotin and iodine. However, the amounts of most nutrients are significantly higher than the DV.

In addition, this product provides less than 100% of the DV for calcium, magnesium, and vitamins A and K.

Nature Made recommends that a person who is taking medication or having blood clotting issues consults a doctor before taking this product.

Multivitamin comparisons

The table below compares the seven multivitamins for men over 50 explored in the section above.

Nutritional comparison

The below table compares all of the above products in-depth for their ingredient content:

How to choose multivitamins

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.
• 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.
• Eco-friendly materials: Some companies use eco-friendly materials, such as 100% recycled bottles or biodegradable packaging.

Pros and cons of multivitamins

Multivitamins may have some benefits and drawbacks, such as the following:

Do men over 50 need a multivitamin?

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 Institute of Medicine, 10–30% 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 can reduce the effectiveness of warfarin, a medication that prevents blood clotting.

A blood test may help a person determine whether they have a vitamin deficiency and require a supplement.

Which vitamins and minerals are important?

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 10–30% 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, many people do not get enough vitamin D from food alone, and an adult’s need for this nutrient increases as they age.

Antioxidants

Some vitamins and minerals are also antioxidants. Antioxidants can help protect against free radicals.

Some antioxidants to look for in supplements include:

• vitamin A
• vitamin C
• vitamin E
• selenium
• zinc

These nutrients have numerous potential benefits. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), AREDS, which is a combination of vitamins C and E, zinc, copper, lutein, and zeaxanthin, may slow age-related macular degeneration.

Research indicates that zinc is also necessary for prostate function.

Coenzyme Q10

CoQ10 is an antioxidant that may help protect against obesity and inflammation, according to a 2021 review.

The authors of a 2018 review suggest that CoQ10 can reduce the muscle pain and weakness that some people experience while taking statins.

Other considerations

A person should consult a healthcare professional before taking any multivitamins, especially if they have a health condition or are taking medications or other supplements.

A doctor will help a person determine what supplements, if any, would best suit them.

A person should strongly consider purchasing high quality multivitamin products from trusted sources. Third-party organizations, such as USP and NSF International, leave a seal of approval on supplement packaging to guarantee the quality and accuracy of the product.

Additionally, it is essential to check expiration dates on product packaging to ensure supplements are safe to take.

Are there any risks?

Some vitamins and minerals can cause side effects. For instance, some forms of calcium may cause gas and bloating, and iron supplements can cause constipation.

Also, certain nutrients can be harmful to some individuals. For example, a multivitamin product may:

• interact with medications or other supplements
• worsen preexisting conditions
• increase the risk of some health conditions
• cause toxicity at high dosages

Other vitamin sources

Taking a multivitamin can help supplement an individual’s food intake, but it should not replace a balanced, varied diet.

Vitamin-rich foods may also contain other essential nutrients, such as:

• protein
• omega-3 fatty acids
• fiber and prebiotics, which feed beneficial bacteria in the gut
• other antioxidants, such as polyphenols and beta carotene

The following table shows how to get a wide range of nutrients from food.

When to contact a doctor

Anyone with concerns about their nutrient intake may wish to consult a doctor or registered dietitian for advice.

These professionals can help a person determine whether they need a supplement and, if so, which one will suit their needs.

If an individual experiences any new or worsening symptoms while taking a vitamin product, they should stop taking it and contact a doctor promptly.

Frequently asked questions about multivitamins for men

Below, we look at some common questions about these products.

Do men’s multivitamins really work?

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.

Is it good to take a multivitamin every day?

Evidence is mostly inconclusive, and individuals should consider discussing dietary supplements with a healthcare professional. This will ensure they are taking products appropriate for their needs.

What vitamins should men take daily?

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 it is best to obtain calcium through food intake.

What is the best time to take a multivitamin?

Sometimes, a person will take a multivitamin in the morning with food. This helps with vitamin absorption. Individuals may also let a doctor guide their multivitamin routine, as some supplements may work better at different times of the day.

What vitamins should men not take?

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.

Do multivitamins actually work?

There is not enough evidence to state conclusively whether multivitamins work. Studies have found that multivitamins offer benefits and risks to health, whereas others have found that these products have no effect on health.

It is also important to note that people who take multivitamins tend to have healthier lifestyles and diets, which may influence study results.

Summary

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 are different.

It is important to know which nutrients a person needs and in what quantities. A doctor or dietitian can advise someone on which supplements to take and how to avoid potential adverse effects.

Learn more about vitamins, minerals, and supplements here.