Key takeaways
- Multivitamins for men typically include vitamin D, vitamin B12, calcium, magnesium, and zinc to support overall health.
- To find the best men’s multivitamin, consider the range of nutrients it provides, avoid artificial additives or allergens, and check for third-party testing.
- Our top pick for men 18+ is Ritual Essential for Men 18+ Multivitamin, while Thorne Men’s Multivitamin 50 + is the best for men over 50.
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.
The table below compares the products in this article by price, suitability, form, and allergens.
| Product | Price | Best | Form | Allergens and dietary information |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Ritual Essential for Men 18+ | $37 | for men over age 18 | capsules | suitable for vegans |
Thorne Men’s Multi 50+ | $52.00 | for men over age 50 | capsules | contains iodine, which may cause an allergic reaction in some |
MegaFood Men’s One Daily | $37.99 | for muscle and bone health | tablets | • unsuitable for vegans • gluten- and GMO-free |
MegaFood Men’s Multi Gummies | $14.99 | multivitamin gummy | gummy | • unsuitable for vegans • gluten- and GMO-free |
Pure Encapsulations Men’s Nutrients | $37.20 | for prostate health | capsule | vegetarian, gluten-free, dairy-free, and GMO-free |
Nature Made Multi for Him | $12.49 | affordable multivitamin | tablets | free from gluten, colors, and artificial flavors |
We selected these multivitamins for men based on criteria we think are good indicators of safety, quality, and transparency.
As a part of our vetting process, we consider:
- the product’s composition, ingredients, and overall quality
- any third-party certifications
- the company’s reputation and business practices
- any lab test results
- marketing claims
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.
Below are some factors to consider when choosing a multivitamin product:
- Price: Multivitamins can be expensive. A person can consider how long each bottle of multivitamins will last and how often they would like to take them. Some brands may offer similar formulations for a lower price.
- Form: Multivitamins are available as gummies, tablets, and softgels. People can choose their preferred form depending on whether they find swallowing tablets difficult or want a flavored option.
- Free from: Some individuals may prefer or require supplements that do not contain ingredients such as lactose, gluten, or animal products. Manufacturers typically state if products contain potential allergens on the packaging label and in online product descriptions.
- Ingredients: Product labels and company websites should provide a list of the ingredients a multivitamin contains. Some may contain some of the vitamins that someone may be lacking, but it does not mean they contain them all. Also, some formulations may contain high levels of a certain vitamin. For instance,
some studies indicate the dangers of having too much calcium from supplements. If a person takes a supplement with a high level of a nutrient that they also take in through their diet, they may end up having too much. - Precautions: Individuals should consult a medical professional before taking multivitamins, as the ingredients may interact with medications or interfere with laboratory tests.
- How to take: People can check how often they should take the vitamins and whether they should take them with food. Buyers should prioritize products that give clear dosage instructions.
People should consult a healthcare professional about the supplements they may need to take and avoid.
The
It is not usually necessary to take more vitamins and minerals than the recommended daily allowance (RDA), as the potential risk of adverse effects increases.
An individual might choose to take multivitamin and mineral supplements for many reasons, including:
- replacing nutrients they lack in their diet
- reducing the risk of chronic conditions
- improving their overall health
| Men who might benefit | Key points | Recommended daily nutrients |
|---|---|---|
| Older adults (ages 70+ years) | Osteoporosis is more common in females, but as males reach age 50, their risk of developing the condition Getting additional calcium and vitamin D can help protect bones from osteoporosis. Most multivitamins and mineral supplements contain low amounts of calcium. | • calcium: 1,200 mg • vitamin D: 800 IU |
| Athletes | Active men typically burn more calories and may need additional nutrients to maintain weight. Evidence suggests vitamin D may improve aerobic endurance, strength, and anaerobic power. It is still unclear whether athletes benefit from doses above the standard RDA. | More high quality research is needed to determine the optimal vitamin D intake for athletes. |
| Vegetarians or vegans | Men following a vegetarian or vegan diet may lack vitamin B12, which is mostly present in animal products. | • vitamin B12: |
Males of all ages should prioritize getting as many essential vitamins and minerals as possible through their diets each day.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) provides a free online tool for calculating optimal vitamin and mineral intake. A person simply enters their biological sex, age, height, weight, and activity level.
There are 15 essential vitamins and 15 essential minerals, which include those below.
| Vitamins | Minerals |
|---|---|
| • vitamins A, B6, B12, C, D, E, and K • thiamin • riboflavin • folate • niacin • choline • pantothenic acid • biotin • carotenoids | • calcium • chloride • chromium • copper • fluoride • iodine • iron • magnesium • manganese • molybdenum • phosphorus • potassium • selenium • sodium • zinc |
On the whole, a person will find similar ingredients in all multivitamins. However, multivitamins for men will be tailored specifically for men’s health, meaning the levels of each vitamin and mineral will differ from multivitamins for women’s health.
For instance, men’s multivitamins will often contain less iron than women’s multivitamins because males do not lose iron through menstruation. Additionally, the doses of important fertility nutrients, such as folic acid, will be lower in men’s multivitamins.
However, additional ingredients may include saw palmetto and beta-sitosterol for men’s multivitamins. These ingredients
What ingredients are in the best multivitamins for men?
The ingredients in a multivitamin will vary among brands, and the amount of each vitamin or mineral will also vary product by product.
Multivitamins for men typically contain:
Other ingredients that may be present in men’s multivitamins include:
If a person has any adverse reactions while taking multivitamins, they should seek medical advice. According to the
- mixes medications and supplements
- takes too much of a supplement
- substitutes supplements for medications
If a person thinks they have a vitamin or mineral deficiency, they should speak with a healthcare professional. A simple blood test can determine any deficiencies that may be present, and a doctor can advise on how someone can increase their levels of relevant vitamins or minerals.
Below are answers to some common questions about multivitamins.
There is no research to indicate the best time to take a multivitamin.
Manufacturers often do not recommend when a person should take multivitamins. However, they sometimes recommend taking multivitamins with food to increase absorption.
It may be best for someone to take a multivitamin in the morning so they experience any potential benefits throughout the day.
Men’s multivitamins can help fill nutritional gaps in the diet, supplying vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients that might be lacking.
However, they do not treat, prevent, or cure any condition, and a person should not use them to replace complete, nutritious meals.
The NIH recommends that people, especially those taking blood thinning medications, consult a doctor about whether they can take a multivitamin.
Nutritional needs vary depending on health, diet, age, and lifestyle. Some key vitamins that men approaching their 50’s often benefit from include vitamin D, calcium, magnesium, and B vitamins.
The NIH set guidelines for daily intakes of each vitamin and mineral, and the USDA provides an online tool for people to calculate their optimal vitamin and mineral intake.
Anyone worried about vitamin or mineral deficiencies should speak with a doctor to discuss the best supplements for them.
The best multivitamin depends on a man’s age, diet, and health needs.
People should prioritize products that have undergone third-party testing to ensure they only contain the ingredients listed on the packaging and are free from contaminants.
The best brand of multivitamin will depend on a person’s needs, preferences, and budget.
Some of the best brands include Thorne, Ritual, and MegaFood. All of these brands send their products for third-party testing and passed our strict vetting standards.
Ritual Essential for Men Multivitamin 18+,and Thorne Men’s Multi 50+ are just two of our top picks of good multivitamins for men.
These options include the most important vitamins and minerals for males in every dose, and the companies send their products for testing at third-party labs. This ensures the multivitamins contain exactly what the packaging states and do not contain dangerous ingredients or contaminants.
People should discuss their chosen multivitamin with a doctor to ensure it is safe and appropriate for them to take.
There are many multivitamins and mineral supplements available for males. The best way to get all the nutrients one needs to stay healthy is to follow a healthy, balanced diet.
However, it can be more difficult for some people, including those following a vegetarian or vegan diet, to get enough vitamins from a diet alone. In these cases, taking multivitamins or mineral supplements is a convenient and effective way to improve a person’s intake of essential nutrients.