Written by Steve Theunissen | ISSA: CPT & Fitness Nutrition
Fact checked by Robert Iafelice, MS, RD, LDN
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A daily multivitamin will help to plug up nutritional deficiencies, compensate for the lower nutritional value of our modern foods and provide the vitamins and minerals needed to enhance exercise and recovery. Men have different micronutrient needs than women, so buying a multivitamin that is specifically designed for men makes a lot of sense.
The multivitamin market is huge, which makes finding the right supplement to meet your needs a daunting task. In this article, we'll sort out the best from the rest with a review of the seven best men's multivitamins, separated by category. We'll also discuss the research-backed benefits of taking a multivitamin for men and provide a comprehensive buyer's guide to help you make the best buying decision.
7 Best Multivitamins For Men
- Overall Best: Ritual Essential For Men
- Best For Active Men: Transparent Labs Multivitamin
- Best Budget: Swolverine Multivitamin
- Best Powdered: Athletic Greens AG1
- Best Organic: Kaged Multivitamin
- Best Gummy: SmartyPants Mens Formula
- Best For Men Over 40: GNC MegaMen
SFS Pick
Ritual
SFS Active Pick
Transparent Labs
SFS Budget Pick
Swolverine
1. Overall Best Multivitamin For Men: Ritual Essential For Men
Ritual Essential For Men contains ten essential nutrients that are important for men's health, including vitamin D3, vitamin K2, vitamin B12, boron, folate, magnesium, vitamin E, zinc, iron, and omega-3 fatty acids (DHA and EPA). The supplement is also non-GMO, gluten-free, and vegan.
Ritual Essential for Men is formulated with high-quality, bioavailable ingredients that are easy for the body to absorb and utilize. It's also designed to be gentle on the stomach, with a delayed-release capsule that helps to prevent nausea or digestive discomfort.
Ritual is transparent about its ingredients and manufacturing processes. The company provides information about the sources and quality of its ingredients, as well as information about its manufacturing processes and quality control measures. The supplement is also third-party tested for purity and potency.
The recommended dosage of Ritual Essential for Men is two capsules per day, taken with or without food. The capsules are designed to be easy to swallow and have a fresh minty taste.
Ritual Essential for Men is available as a subscription service. Here's how it works:
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Choose your subscription plan: You can choose a monthly or bi-monthly delivery plan, depending on how often you want to receive the multivitamin supplement.
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Customize your order: You can customize your order by selecting the number of bottles you want to receive with each delivery. You can also adjust the delivery frequency or skip a delivery if you need to.
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Receive your deliveries: Your Ritual Essentials for Men multivitamin supplements will be shipped to you automatically according to your selected delivery frequency. You will receive an email notification before each shipment to remind you of the upcoming delivery.
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Manage your subscription: You can manage your subscription online at any time, including updating your shipping address, adjusting your delivery frequency, or canceling your subscription.
One of the benefits of the Ritual Essential for Men subscription service is that it is designed to be convenient and hassle-free, ensuring that you always have a supply of the multivitamin supplement on hand. Additionally, by subscribing, you can save up to 10% off the regular price of the supplement.
Pros
- Ten key nutrients to fill nutritional gaps
- Available as a subscription with a 10% saving
- Delayed release capsules for improved bioavailability
Cons
- Expensive
Supporting your heart, bones, normal muscle and immune function are important for the long term. Ritual Essential For Men uses traceable ingredients, so you can be sure you are getting the highest quality...
2. Best Multivitamin For Active Men: Transparent Labs Multivitamin
Transparent Labs Multivitamin contains a range of essential vitamins and minerals, like fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, K, and water-soluble vitamins C and B-complex, as well as minerals such as magnesium, zinc, and selenium. The supplement also includes several additional ingredients that are specifically geared toward active men, such as CoQ10, alpha lipoic acid, and boron.
This supplement is designed to support the nutritional needs of active men, with added ingredients to support energy, muscle function, and recovery.
One of the unique features of Transparent Labs Multivitamin is that it is formulated using "nature-identical" vitamins, which are designed to be easier for the body to absorb and utilize. This supplement is non-GMO and free of artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives.
Transparent Labs is transparent about its ingredient sources and manufacturing processes. The company provides information about the quality and purity of its ingredients, as well as information about its manufacturing processes and quality control measures. The supplement is also third-party tested for purity and potency.
The recommended dosage of Transparent Labs Multivitamin is four capsules per day, taken with a meal. The capsules are vegetarian and are designed to be easy to swallow.
Reviews of Transparent Labs Multivitamin are generally positive, with many customers reporting improvements in energy, focus, and overall health. Customers also appreciate the transparency of the company and the high-quality ingredients used in the supplement.
Pros
- Added ingredients to support energy, muscle function, and recovery
- Use nature-identical vitamins
- Third-party tested for purity and potency
Cons
- Requires taking four capsules at a time
Transparent Labs Multivitamin is an ultra-potent multivitamin for active men and women. Made with bioavailable forms of key vitamins and chelated minerals, such as Chromax® chromium picolinate...
3. Best Budget Multivitamin For Men: Swolverine Multivitamin
Swolverine Multivitamin is a budget-friendly option for men who want to support their nutritional needs without spending a lot of money. The supplement is designed to fill men's nutritional gaps, with added ingredients to support prostate and heart health. It is formulated with high-quality, bioavailable ingredients and is generally well-tolerated and effective for supporting overall health and well-being.
Swolverine Multivitamin For Men's ingredient list includes Zinc, Magnesium, Vitamins A, C, D, E, and K to improve immune health and the B-Vitamins for energy.
A 30-serving container of Swolverine sells for around $20. That breaks down to a daily cost of 67 cents, representing very good value for money. The capsule contains gelatin, so this is not a vegan-friendly supplement.
Pros
- Very good value for the money
- Added ingredients for prostate support and heart health
- B-Vitamins for energy
Cons
- Not vegan friendly
Swolverine's Multivitamin is a once-a-day veggie capsule, packed with vitamins and minerals that deliver the nutrients your body needs for optimal wellness. Micronutrients (vitamins & minerals) are essential...
4. Best Powdered Multivitamin For Men: Athletic Greens AG1
Athletic Greens AG1 is a powdered multivitamin supplement that contains an amazing 75+ whole food sourced ingredients to meet the nutrition needs of men. It includes a range of essential vitamins and minerals, including vitamins A, C, D, E, K, and B-complex vitamins, as well as minerals such as calcium, magnesium, and zinc, making it an excellent choice for someone following a vegetarian or vegan diet.
The supplement also includes several additional ingredients that are specifically geared toward athletic performance, such as digestive enzymes and probiotics to bolster gut health, adaptogens to support stress management, and superfoods to provide additional nutrients and antioxidants.
Athletic Greens AG1 contains ingredients to support gut health, stress management, and recovery. You won't find any artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives in this GMO-free supplement.
The recommended dosage of Athletic Greens AG1 is one scoop per day, mixed with water or a smoothie. The powder is designed to be easy to mix and has a mild, refreshing taste.
Pros
- 75+ whole food ingredients
- Added ingredients to support gut health, stress management, and recovery
- Includes probiotics and digestive enzymes
Cons
- Expensive
AG1 contains powerful plant extracts, adaptogenic herbs and antioxidants to help your metabolism, energy and ability to adapt to stress. Nutrient-dense superfoods support the microbiome and provide...
5. Best Organic Multivitamin For Men: Kaged Multivitamin
Kaged Multivitamin is a high-quality organic multivitamin supplement. It is made from organic whole food sources, making it a natural and healthy option for men who want to avoid synthetic or artificial ingredients. It is generally well-tolerated and effective for supporting overall health and well-being.
This supplement contains 100% of the DV for 21 essential vitamins and minerals. The ingredients have been refined to optimize their bioavailability, making sure that you get the maximum benefit from each compound. It includes prebiotic fiber and polysaccharides for gut and immune health.
Kaged Multivitamin is 3rd party tested for banned substances and is certified safe for athletes.
Pros
- All ingredients are organic
- 3rd party tested for banned substances
- Includes prebiotic fiber and polysaccharides for gut and immune health
Cons
- Relatively expensive
Kaged MV is sourced from organic fruits and vegetables so you actually absorb the 21 essential vitamins and minerals. It’s properly dosed to help you cover your nutritional bases so you can perform...
6. Best Gummy Multivitamin For Men: SmartyPants Mens Formula
SmartyPants Mens Formula is a multivitamin supplement that comes in the form of gummy bears. It contains a range of essential vitamins and minerals, including vitamins A, C, D, E, K, and B-complex vitamins, as well as minerals such as calcium, magnesium, and zinc. The formula has recently been updated and now includes Beta Carotene, Vitamin B6, Vitamin K2 & Choline.
The supplement also includes several additional ingredients that are specifically geared toward men's health, such as lycopene for prostate health and CoQ10 for heart health.
The gummy bear form makes for a convenient and easy-to-take option for people who have difficulty swallowing pills. The gummies are also non-GMO and free of artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives. The supplement is specifically designed to support the nutritional needs of men, with added ingredients to support prostate and heart health.
This supplement is 3rd party lab tested. The recommended dosage of SmartyPants Men's Formula is six gummies per day, taken with or without food.
Pros
- Lycopene for prostate health
- No artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives
- 3rd party tested
Cons
- Requires taking six gummy bears at a time
SmartyPants Men’s Complete is a premium, multifunctional supplement that delivers omega-3s from fish oil, CoQ10 for heart health, lycopene for prostate health and essential nutrients including vitamin B12...
7. Best Multivitamin For Men Over 40: GNC MegaMen
GNC MegaMen contains a range of essential vitamins and minerals, including vitamins A, C, D, E, K, and B-complex vitamins, as well as minerals such as calcium, magnesium, and zinc. The supplement also includes several additional ingredients that are specifically geared toward men over 40, such as saw palmetto extract for prostate health, lycopene for cardiovascular health, and amino acids for muscle support.
MegaMen includes a number of proprietary blends to meet the particular needs of older men. These include an amino acid blend, a fruit and vegetable blend, a super antioxidant blend, and a brain health blend.
The supplement contains ingredients to support prostate health, cardiovascular health, and muscle support, which are important areas of concern for many men as they age. The supplement is also formulated with high-quality, bioavailable ingredients and is free of artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives.
Megamen is third-party tested for potency and purity.
Pros
- Designed for men 40+
- Saw palmetto extract for prostate health
- High-quality bioavailable ingredients
Cons
- Includes proprietary blends
Discover the power of a high-potency blend of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals shown to work better than a basic multivitamin. GNC Mega Men multivitamins deliver time-released nutrients...
Benefits of a Multivitamin for Men:
Here are five excellent reasons to get into the daily multivitamin habit.
1. May Support Heart Health
Some of the potential ways that a multivitamin may support heart health include:
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Providing essential vitamins and minerals: A well-balanced multivitamin supplement can provide essential vitamins and minerals that support overall health, including heart health. For example, vitamins B6, B12, and folic acid may help lower levels of homocysteine, an amino acid that has been linked to an increased risk of heart disease.¹
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Reducing inflammation: Chronic inflammation is a key contributor to the development of heart disease, and some studies have suggested that certain vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin C and zinc, may help to reduce inflammation in the body.
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Supporting healthy blood pressure: Some studies have suggested that certain vitamins and minerals, such as magnesium and potassium, may help to lower blood pressure, which is a considerable risk factor for heart disease.
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Antioxidant properties: Many vitamins and minerals, such as vitamins C and E, have antioxidant properties that help to protect cells from damage-causing free radicals. This may help to prevent the development of plaque in the arteries, which can result in heart disease.
It's important to note that while some studies have suggested a link between multivitamin use and improved heart health, the evidence is not conclusive.
2. Immune System Support
Here are some potential ways that a multivitamin may support the immune system:
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Vitamin and mineral augmentation: A good multivitamin supplement provides essential vitamins and minerals like vitamins A, C, and E, as well as zinc and selenium, which are all important for the functioning of the immune system.²
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Inflammation reduction: Chronic inflammation can weaken the immune system and increase the risk of illness. Some studies have suggested that certain vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acids, may help to reduce inflammation in the body and support immune function.
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Antioxidant benefits: Vitamins C and E both have antioxidant properties. This may help to prevent oxidative stress, which can weaken the immune system.
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Supporting the production of white blood cells: Some vitamins and minerals, like vitamin B6 and folate, are important for the production of white blood cells, which are a key part of the immune system.
3. Helps Fill Nutritional gaps
Taking a multivitamin supplement can help to make up for nutritional gaps in the diet by providing essential vitamins and minerals that might be inadequate. Many people do not consume a well-balanced diet that includes all of the nutrients they need for optimal health, which can lead to nutritional deficiencies.³
A well-formulated multivitamin supplement can help to provide the essential vitamins and minerals that may be lacking in the diet, including vitamins A, C, D, E, and K, as well as B vitamins, calcium, iron, and zinc. These nutrients play important roles in many physiological processes, such as metabolism, immune function, and bone health.
It's important to note that while a multivitamin supplement can help to make up for nutritional gaps in the diet, it should not be used as a replacement for a healthy and balanced diet. It's always best to get nutrients from whole foods whenever possible, as they often contain a complex mix of nutrients and other beneficial compounds that are not found in supplements.
4. May help reduce the risk of cancer
While the evidence is mixed, some studies suggest that taking a multivitamin supplement may help reduce the risk of certain types of cancer.⁴
Vitamins C and E have antioxidant properties that help to protect from cellular damage caused by free radicals. Some vitamins and minerals, such as folate and vitamin B12, are important for DNA synthesis and repair. These may help to prevent mutations in DNA that can lead to the development of cancer.
Chronic inflammation can add to the development of cancer. Some studies have suggested that certain vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acids, may help to reduce inflammation in the body and support immune function.
5. Prostate Health
Some vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin D, may help to support healthy hormone levels, which can contribute to prostate health. Antioxidant-supporting vitamins like C and E may help to prevent oxidative damage to the prostate gland that can lead to problems. Zinc is another mineral that is important for prostate health.
Side Effects Of Multivitamins
While multivitamins are generally safe for most people when taken as directed, they can cause side effects in some people. Here are some potential side effects of multivitamins:
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Upset stomach: Some people may experience gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, diarrhea, or stomach cramps when taking a multivitamin supplement.
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Allergic reactions: In rare cases, multivitamins can cause allergic reactions, especially if they contain ingredients such as soy or nuts.
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Interference with medications: Some vitamins and minerals can interact with certain medications, making them less effective or causing unwanted side effects.
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Toxicity: Taking too much of certain vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin A, vitamin D, and iron, can be toxic and cause serious health problems.
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Masking of symptoms: Taking a multivitamin supplement may mask symptoms of certain health conditions, making it more difficult to diagnose and treat them.
It's important to note that these side effects are relatively rare, and most people can take multivitamins safely without experiencing any adverse effects. However, if you experience any unusual symptoms or have concerns about taking a multivitamin supplement, it's a good idea to talk to your healthcare provider.
What To Look For When Buying a Multivitamin For Men:
With so many choices in the multivitamin for men market, it's important to have some guidelines to help you make your buying decision. Here are six key considerations:
1. Ingredients
Multivitamins can contain a wide range of ingredients, but here are some of the most common ingredients and why they are included:
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Vitamin A: Important for immune function, vision, and skin health.
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B vitamins (thiamin, riboflavin, vitamin B6, niacin, folic acid, vitamin B12): Important for energy metabolism, nervous system function, and red blood cell formation.
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Vitamin C: An antioxidant that supports immune function, wound healing, and skin health.
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Vitamin D: Important for bone health, immune function, and calcium absorption.
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Vitamin E: An antioxidant that helps protect cells from damage.
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Vitamin K: Vital for blood clotting and bone health.
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Calcium: Important for bone health and muscle function.
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Iron: Important for red blood cell formation and oxygen transport.
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Magnesium: Important for nerve function, muscle function, and bone health.
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Zinc: Important for immune function, wound healing, and protein synthesis.
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Selenium: An antioxidant that supports immune function and thyroid function.
2. Dosages
When choosing a multivitamin for men, it's important to pay attention to the dosages of the various vitamins and minerals included in the supplement. Here are some general guidelines to keep in mind:
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Avoid megadoses: Avoid multivitamins that contain megadoses of vitamins and minerals, as these can be harmful to health, especially when taken in excess over time.
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Check the percentage of the daily value (DV): Look for a multivitamin that provides approximately 100% of the recommended daily value (DV) for most vitamins and minerals. This will help to ensure that you are getting the nutrients you need without taking too much.
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Pay attention to iron content: Men generally require less iron than women, so look for a multivitamin that contains little or no iron unless you have a specific iron deficiency or other medical condition that requires iron supplementation.
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Consider additional needs: Depending on your individual needs, you may want to find a multivitamin that includes additional nutrients, such as omega-3 fatty acids, probiotics, or herbs.
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Look for high-quality ingredients: Look for a multivitamin that uses high-quality ingredients and has been tested for purity and potency.
3. Form
Some forms of multivitamins may be more easily absorbed by the body than others. For example, liquid or powder forms may be absorbed more quickly and efficiently than tablets or capsules.
Different forms of multivitamins may be more or less convenient, depending on your preferences and lifestyle. Chewable or gummy multivitamins may be more appealing to people who don't like swallowing pills, while tablets or capsules may be more convenient for people who are always on the go.
If you choose a chewable or gummy multivitamin, the taste may be an important factor to consider. Some people may prefer a specific flavor or find certain tastes unpleasant.
4. Testing/Transparency
Look for a multivitamin that has been third-party tested for purity and potency. Third-party testing verifies that the supplement contains the ingredients it claims to and is free from contaminants or harmful substances.
The best multivitamins are manufactured in a facility that follows good manufacturing practices (GMP) for dietary supplements, so look for that symbol on the label. This helps to ensure that the supplement is safe and high-quality.
The company should provide easily accessible information about the sources of their ingredients, as well as information about their manufacturing processes and quality control measures.
5. Price
It's important to choose a high-quality multivitamin supplement that uses pure, high-quality ingredients and has been tested for potency and purity. While these supplements may be more expensive, they are often more effective and may provide better value for the money in the long run.
You may also have to pay more for a multivitamin that provides adequate levels of certain nutrients.
Different forms of multivitamins may vary in price. For example, liquid or powder forms may be more expensive than tablets or capsules.
Some multivitamin brands may be more expensive than others due to factors such as marketing and packaging. While brand recognition can be important for some people, it's important to focus on the quality and value of the supplement itself.
6. Reviews
Reviews from other customers who have used the product can give you a sense of the product's effectiveness, safety, and quality. These reviews are often more objective and unbiased than marketing materials or claims from the manufacturer.
Reviews can give you an idea of how the multivitamin supplement has worked for other people in real-world situations. This can help you to determine whether the supplement is likely to work for you and whether it is worth the investment.
Multivitamin For Men FAQs
What is the best overall multivitamin for men?
The best overall multivitamin for men, according to our research, is Ritual Essential for Men, which provides ten key nutrients to fill the most common nutritional gaps. It is delay-released for better absorption and comes in an easy-to-swallow capsule. Ritual Essential for Men is also gluten and major-allergen-free, vegan, GMO-free, and absent of fillers and artificial colors.
Should men take multivitamins daily?
The decision to take a multivitamin supplement daily depends on the individual's specific nutritional needs and overall health. While a healthy, well-balanced diet can provide most of the essential vitamins and minerals that the body needs, some people may have difficulty getting all of the nutrients they need from food alone. In these cases, taking a daily multivitamin supplement can help to fill in nutritional gaps and support overall health and well-being.
What kind of vitamins should men take daily?
Here are some essential vitamins and minerals that men may benefit from taking daily:
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Vitamin D: Important for bone health, immune function, and testosterone production.
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Vitamin B12: Important for nerve function, red blood cell production, and energy metabolism.
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Vitamin B6: Important for protein synthesis, hormone regulation, and immune function.
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Zinc: Important for testosterone production, immune function, and wound healing.
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Magnesium: Important for nerve function, muscle function, and bone health.
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Omega-3 fatty acids: Important for heart health, brain function, and reducing inflammation.
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Vitamin C: An antioxidant that supports immune function, wound healing, and skin health.
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Vitamin A: Important for immune function, vision, and skin health.
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Vitamin E: An antioxidant that helps protect cells from damage.
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Calcium: Important for bone health and muscle function.
When should men take multivitamins?
There is no definitive time of day when men should take multivitamins, as it depends on personal preference and lifestyle. Some people may prefer to take their multivitamin supplement in the morning with breakfast, while others may prefer to take it with lunch or dinner.
However, it's important to note that some vitamins and minerals are better absorbed when taken with food, so it may be more effective to take your multivitamin supplement with a meal.
Summary
As we've seen, daily multivitamin for men has many health benefits. It supports heart health and the immune system while helping to fill nutritional gaps in the diet.
The best men's multivitamin on the market right now is Ritual Essential For Men, delivering the ten most important nutrients to fill nutritional gaps.
Most Best Supplement Resources:
- Best Vegan Multivitamins
- Best Multivitamins For Teens
- Best Multivitamins For Men Over 50
- Best Supplements For Men Over 40
- Best Probiotics For Men
- Best Omega-3 Supplements
- Best Greens Powder Supplements
References
- Rautiainen S, Rist PM, Glynn RJ, Buring JE, Gaziano JM, Sesso HD. Multivitamin Use and the Risk of Cardiovascular Disease in Men. J Nutr. 2016 Jun;146(6):1235-40. doi: 10.3945/jn.115.227884. Epub 2016 Apr 27. PMID: 27121531; PMCID: PMC4877630.
- Fantacone ML, Lowry MB, Uesugi SL, Michels AJ, Choi J, Leonard SW, Gombart SK, Gombart JS, Bobe G, Gombart AF. The Effect of a Multivitamin and Mineral Supplement on Immune Function in Healthy Older Adults: A Double-Blind, Randomized, Controlled Trial. Nutrients. 2020 Aug 14;12(8):2447. doi: 10.3390/nu12082447. PMID: 32823974; PMCID: PMC7468989.
- Ward E. Addressing nutritional gaps with multivitamin and mineral supplements. Nutr J. 2014 Jul 15;13:72. doi: 10.1186/1475-2891-13-72. PMID: 25027766; PMCID: PMC4109789.
- Lawson KA, Wright ME, Subar A, Mouw T, Hollenbeck A, Schatzkin A, Leitzmann MF. Multivitamin use and risk of prostate cancer in the National Institutes of Health-AARP Diet and Health Study. J Natl Cancer Inst. 2007 May 16;99(10):754-64. doi: 10.1093/jnci/djk177. PMID: 17505071.
Steve Theunissen
Author