It can be difficult to get all the vitamins and minerals your body needs from food alone. It’s often necessary to supplement your diet with additional nutrients that you’re not getting enough of in your day-to-day diet. Here’s a list of the best vitamins and supplements for men that you should consider taking to help your body get all the essential nutrients it needs to function properly.
1. Vitamin D
Vitamin D is an important vitamin because it supports immune function, bone health, and testosterone production. The most natural source of vitamin D is sunlight, but it can also be found in foods like milk and fatty fish. If you don’t get much sunlight due to geographical location or the nature of your job, you’re likely to develop a vitamin D deficiency. That’s why one of the best vitamins and supplements for men is vitamin D. It’s difficult to get enough of this vitamin from diet alone, so supplements are often necessary for men to stay healthy.
2. Magnesium
There are many biochemical reactions in your body that require magnesium. This mineral supports energy production, muscle function, nerve transmission, and blood pressure regulation. Magnesium is also involved in bone and heart health and may even help prevent heart disease. Your body can absorb magnesium from foods like leafy green vegetables, beans, seeds, nuts, and whole grains. However, it can be difficult to eat sufficient magnesium-rich foods to supply your body with enough of this mineral, and roughly half of the American population does not meet the recommended daily intake. That’s why magnesium is recommended as one of the best vitamins and supplements for men to take.
3. B Vitamins
B vitamins, including B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B7, B9, and B12, are essential nutrients for the health of your heart, brain, and nervous system. They also play important roles in converting the food you eat into usable energy as well as producing red blood cells. Things like stress and alcohol consumption can deplete the levels of certain B vitamins in your body. Vegans and vegetarians are at a higher risk of B vitamin deficiencies because the best sources of these vitamins are animal-based foods. Because it can be difficult to consume enough B vitamins in your diet, it’s often necessary to take B complex supplements.
4. Probiotics
Probiotics are one of the most overlooked yet one of the best vitamins and supplements for men. Probiotics promote the growth of beneficial bacteria in the digestive system. These bacteria are essential for digestive health and immune function. Probiotics can be found in fermented foods, including yogurt, kombucha, kimchi, sauerkraut, kefir, miso, tempeh, and others. To maintain a healthy gut, you may need to take a probiotic supplement to promote the growth of strains of beneficial bacteria in your gut.
5. Calcium
As men age, they become more at risk of developing osteoporosis and experiencing bone fractures and breaks. To mitigate this risk, you may need to take a calcium supplement. Calcium is essential for maintaining bone strength and density. Make sure you take vitamin D supplements along with your calcium supplements or a supplement that contains both calcium and vitamin D. Vitamin D helps your body absorb this vital nutrient. Other sources of calcium include milk, cheese, yogurt, dark leafy greens, and calcium-fortified juices and cereals.
6. Zinc
Zinc is a very important mineral for men’s reproductive health. This mineral plays an essential role in testosterone production, prostate health, and sperm production. Zinc also supports immune function, digestive health, and energy conversion. Zinc deficiencies are common in men, and even more so for vegetarians and vegans. The best dietary sources of zinc are animal products, including red meat, seafood such as oysters, and poultry. Zinc can also be found in beans and whole grains, but it is less easily absorbed from plants. It’s often necessary to take a zinc supplement to give your body the amount it needs to function properly.
7. Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Omega-3s are essential for brain function, cardiovascular health, and joint health. Omega-3s are polyunsaturated fatty acids that are most famously found in fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, and sardines. They can also be found in plant-based foods such as flaxseeds, walnuts, and chia seeds. According to the American Heart Association, men should consume fatty fish at least two times a week. If you don’t get enough omega-3s from your diet, you can take supplements containing fish oil or krill oil.
Shop for the Best Vitamins and Supplements for Men at Paul’s Pharmacy
Now you know more about some of the best vitamins and supplements for men. It’s often necessary to add supplements to your daily routine to make sure your body gets all the essential nutrients it needs. If you are interested in improving your body’s health and function with vitamins and supplements, browse our online store today to find what you need! If you have any questions, please reach out to us at one of our Paul’s Pharmacy locations and we’ll be happy to help!
