Multivitamin supplements generally contain a broad spectrum of micronutrients (i.e. vitamins and minerals) that your body needs. The purpose of taking a multivitamin is to ensure that you're meeting all your micronutrient needs — especially those you may not get from your diet. The reason adult men should take a men's multi, rather than a generic multivitamin, is because they're specifically formulated to address health issues unique to your gender, including hormone production and prostate concerns.
Uses
Multivitamins are useful for people who do not meet their recommended daily allowance (RDA) of needed vitamins and minerals from a healthy, well-rounded diet. In the U.S., especially, people with bad dietary habits tend miss out on adequate servings of fruits and vegetables. Multivitamins help prevent certain deficiency-related illnesses, ensure proper biochemical balance, and regulate optimal physical functions.
The most prominent reason for taking a multivitamin formulated for men is for the prevention of conditions that are more likely to affect males.
Benefits
Men's multivitamins promote sexual health, endurance, energy and stamina. Like ordinary vitamins, they also help provide protection against developing conditions and diseases like cancer, type 2 diabetes, prostate problems, and heart disease.[6] Antioxidants vitamin A, vitamin E, and vitamin C (some know them as "ACE" vitamins) help reduce free radical damage, which can reducing the risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol.
Ingredients in men's multis
A multivitamin for men should include all the popular vitamins and minerals (vitamin A, C, D, and B complex). But a good multi for guys can also include micronutients specifically useful for promoting conditions unque to men's health.
Vitamin D
Guys are always looking for ways to increase testosterone production, and supplementing extra vitamin D is a great start.[5] Middle-aged males, around 40-plus years, are the primary beneficiaries of added vitamin D supplementation for testosterone-boosting benefits. Vitamin D also helps increase calcium absorption, therefore helping preserve bone density.
Additional benefits of vitamin D include treatment of psoriasis, a skin condition similar to eczema. It also helps improve low thyroid function, cardiovascular conditions, and metabolic syndrome — a condition caused by obesity. It should be noted that these health problems are best prevented with a healthy diet and exercise. Multivitamins are a health "insurance policy" of sorts.[8]
Fenugreek extract
The suddenly-popular Testofen (fenugreek extract) is included in many vitamin packs for men. It is effective in improving lean body mass and increasing strength.[5] This is an excellent nutrient for lifters and athletes — or any guy looking to improve his overall fitness. Like vitamin D, fenugreek helps boost low testosterone levels in older males.
ZMA
ZMA consists of zinc, magnesium aspartate, and vitamin B6. Studies show that ZMA is beneficial for all men concerned with testosterone levels and has been clinically proven to increase hormone production.[10]
Omega fatty acids
Some products, like Allmax Nutrition's Vitastack, contain omega-3, omega-6, and omega-9 fatty acids. Adding omegas to the mix is convenient because of their heart, joint, and mental health benefits.
Recommended dosage
Very rarely do people need to take in more than a vitamin or mineral's upper tolerable limit (UL). The following chart should help you determine what multivitamins are best for your needs, based on your age:[12]
| Vitamin or Mineral | Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) or Adequate Intake (AI*) | Upper Tolerable Limit (UL) |
|---|---|---|
| Boron | N/A | 20mg |
| Calcium | 19 to 50: 1,000mg 71+: 1,200mg | 19 – 50: 2,500mg 51+: 2,000mg |
| Chloride | 19 to 50: 2,300mg 50 to 70: 2,000mg 71+: 1,800mg | 3,600mg |
| Choline (vitamin B complex) | 70+: 1,800mg | 3,500mg |
| Copper | 900mcg | 10,000mcg |
| Fluoride | 4mg* | 10mg |
| Folic Acid (Folate) | 400mcg | 1,000mcg |
| Iodine | 150mcg | 1,100mcg |
| Iron | 8mg | 45mg |
| Magnesium | 19 to 30: 400mg31+ | 350mg |
| Manganese | 2.3mg* | 11mg |
| Molybdenum | 45mcg | 2,000mcg |
| Nickel | N/A | 1.0mg |
| Phosphorus | 700mg | Up to 70: 4,000mg 70+: 3,000mg |
| Selenium | 55mcg | 400mcg |
| Sodium | 19 to 50: 1500mg 51 to 70: 1300mg 71+: 1200mg | 2,300mg |
| Vanadium | N/A | 1.8mg |
| Vitamin A | 3,000 IU | 10,000 IU |
| Vitamin B3 | 16mg | 35mg |
| Vitamin B6 | 19 to 50: 1.3mg 51+: 1.7mg | 100mg |
| Vitamin C | 90mg | 2,000mg |
| Vitamin D | Up to 70: 15mcg 70+: 20mcg | 100mcg |
| Vitamin E | 22.4 IU | 1,500 IU |
| Zinc | 11mg | 40mg |
Older men should look for a multi that helps with joint stiffness and pain, such as Vitastack, which has glucosamine and chondroitin.
Popular multivitamins
Popular men's multivitamins, such as Animal Pak, Orange Triad, Anavite, and OptiMEN, contain a larger amount of vitamins than typical one-a-day supplements. Animal Pak, for example, contains 9900 IU of vitamin A (beta carotene) per serving, which is only 100 IU below the UL. It also contains 300 IU of vitamin E, or 1000% of the recommended daily intake (RDI) per serving. The UL for vitamin E is 1,500 IU.
Many people criticize men's multivitamins saying that they contain too much of certain vitamins or minerals, which can cause toxicity issues. According to the chart, even one of the most "packed" multivitamin for athletes (Animal Pak) contains a safe amount of each of the ingredients.
The controversy over how much to take of each vitamin and/or mineral is a perpetual one. Each individual is different, and so is each individual need. Ultimately, you should talk with your doctor about any supplement you want to take to ensure safety.
Forms
Multivitamins are typically available in multi-tablet doses, such as OptiMEN by Optimum Nutrition, Anavite by Gaspari, and Armor V by Muscle Pharm.
Allmax Vitastack, and Myogenix Myovite come in individually wrapped packs containing anywhere from six to nine pills. This allows the product to be efficiently spread between different capsules or tablets.
Multivitamins are available in capsule form, and, less often, powder and liquid. You can purchase a supply that will last anywhere from 30 days to 120 days.
Side effects
The main reported side effect from multivitamin use is discoloration of the urine. This is not a sign of dangerous toxicity.
Overall, studies show little evidence of adverse effects or multivitamin toxicity.[1]
Disadvantages
There are very few downsides to taking a multivitamin. The main disadvantage is that it could create a dependency on supplements to achieve adequate micronutrient intakes, therefore decreasing motivation to improve dietary habits.
Here's a checklist of what to look for in a multivitamin:
Contains less than the UL (upper tolerable limit) of any nutrient
Good reviews
Tested and approved
Fits your personal health needs
Considerations
Before starting any new supplement, you should always talk to your physician. Experts caution users to avoid misuse and overconsumption of minerals, which can cause adverse effects.[11]
Possible risks for women
Women who consume a men's multivitamin while pregnant or nursing may expose the fetus to micronutrients that could effect growth and development. Fenugreek, found in some men's multis, may impair sensorimotor development and cause spinal communication complications.[4] We recommend that women check the ingredients and their effects before consuming a supplement formulated for men. Also, it's not advisable for a women to use a men's multi for a prolonged period of time. Taking your guy's multivitamin when you run out of your women's formulation shouldn't be a problem for a few days. But they will not contain all of the vitamins and minerals that are crucial for a female's unique health needs.
Where to buy
You can purchase these products right here at PricePlow. We not only offer advice and suggestions about your favorite products, but also the option to purchase right from the same page. You can save 30% to 50% off retail prices and even avoid sales tax, depending on where you live.
What to buy
Allmax Vitastack and Animal Pak are great, all-encompassing men's multis, containing the nutrients you need to live a healthy life. Muscle Pharm has recently released their Arnold line of supplements. One of their newest additions is the Iron-Pack.
If you're not a fan of packs, Optimum Nutrition's OptiMEN is a three-tablet dose with everything you need. Another product we like is Armor V by Muscle Pharm.
References
- Hathcock, J. N.; The American Society for Clinical Nutrition; "Vitamins and Minerals: Efficacy and Safety;" 2014
- Park, S. Y. et. al.; American Journal of Epidemiology; "Multivitamin Use and the Risk of Mortality and Cancer Incidence;" 2010
- Poole, C.; Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition; "The effects of a commercially available botanical supplement on strength, body composition, power output, and hormonal profiles in resistance-trained male;" 2010
- Khalki, L. et. al.; PLOS ONE; "Prenatal Exposure to Fenugreek Impairs Sensorimotor Development and the Operation of Spinal Cord Networks in Mice;" 2013
- Pilz, S. et. al.; Hormone and Metabolic Research; "Effect of Vitamin D Supplementation on Testosterone Levels in Men;" 2011
- Huang, H. Y. et. al.; American Society for Clinical Nutrition; "Multivitamin/Mineral Supplements and Prevention of Chronic Disease: Executive Summary;" 2007
- Holick, M. F.; American Society for Clinical Nutrition; "Vitamin D: importance in the prevention of cancers, type 1 diabetes, heart disease, and osteoporosis;" 2004
- Fu, L. W. and Vender, R.; Dermatology Research and Practice; "Systemic Role for Vitamin D in the Treatment of Psoriasis and Metabolic Syndrome;" 2011
- Norton, A.; Reuters; "Metabolic syndrome continues to climb in the U.S.;" 2010
- Wilborn, C. D.; Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition; "Effects of Zinc Magnesium Aspartate (ZMA) Supplementation on Training Adaptations and Markers of Anabolism and Catabolism;" 2004
- Lukaski, H. C.; The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition; "Magnesium, zinc, and chromium nutriture and physical activity;" 2000
- WebMD medical reference; reviewed by Johnson, K.; "Vitamins and Supplements Lifestyle Guide;" 2012
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