Skip to content
ARE THEY ESSENTIAL? DO THEY REALLY HELP? HOW DO I CHOOSE ONE WISELY?
These are the questions many men ask themselves about men’s multivitamin products, and finding clear answers can feel overwhelming. The real truth is that while a multivitamin supplement can never be a replacement for a healthy, balanced diet, there is good evidence to support that many men can experience positive outcomes from including one. Why? Here are five great reasons for men to build a multi into their daily routine, plus some tips for how to spot the best multivitamins on offer:
1. NUTRITIONAL ‘GAPS’ AND THE MODERN DIET
Try as we might, it’s getting harder and harder to maintain a healthy, wholefood diet in today’s world. Busy lives mean eating ‘on the run’, which makes fast and convenience foods, lacking in key nutrients, more common inclusions than we might hope. When we also factor in nutrient depletion of soils, it’s easy to see how we can end up in a nutrient deficit.
Studies on Australian men have found that it’s common for nutrients like magnesium, vitamin D and calcium to fall short in their daily intake,1,2 especially as they get older. Well-formulated multivitamins for men take these dietary lacks into account and look at the nutrients men specifically need to maintain optimal health.
2. ENERGY, IMMUNITY AND MALE REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH
The benefits of men’s multi’s are most frequently seen in the domains of energy and immunity. In general, men have higher requirements for nutrients that support energy metabolism, which include magnesium,3 and B-complex vitamins.4 These key nutrients are critical for converting food into energy, and keeping energy levels sufficient throughout the day. Men also have increased requirements for selenium5 and vitamins C6 and D,7 all of which play important roles in maintaining immune system health and function. In addition extra zinc and selenium can help support sperm motility and production.8
3. SUPPORTING LONGEVITY
Multivitamins aren’t a ‘cure-all’ by any means, but by ‘filling in the gaps’ nutritionally, there are beneficial ways that a daily multi can improve long-term health outcomes.
4. MEN’S PHYSIOLOGY
We’ve seen that men have higher requirements for some nutrients, which is why a targeted men’s multi will have more benefit than a generic one. Similarly, men have lesser requirements for other nutrients, especially iron.9 A formulation tailored to men’s needs both reduces the risk of over-supplementation and provides ample amounts of nutrients needed in higher quantities.
5. LIFESTYLE DEMANDS
Long work hours, family responsibilities and environmental stressors all increase men’s physiological demands for key nutrients. A daily men’s multivitamin helps ensure nutrients such as B-complex vitamins and vitamin C are consistently available to support the body’s ability to cope with everyday physical and mental demands.
If you’ve determined that a men’s multivitamin would benefit you, how do you go about making the choice? Here are the top 4 questions to ask:
⊲ Is it tailored for men?
⊲ Are there bioavailable forms of nutrients used? (i.e. methylated B-vitamins, citrates and mineral chelates).
⊲ Does it include extra nutritional value in the form of wholefoods and non-GMO herbs, fruits and vegetables?
⊲ Does it meet regulatory standards? (i.e. TGA-listed in Australia)
Choosing a quality men’s multivitamin may take a little time, but the benefits are well worth the effort!
*References available on request
