Multivitamins for Men, According to a Dietitian

A quick look at the best multivitamins for men

• Best overall multivitamin for men: Ritual Essential for Men Multivitamin 18+
• Best subscription multivitamin for men: Amazon Elements Men’s One Daily Multivitamin
• Best men’s multivitamin for heart health: Garden of Life Vitamin Code Men
• Best men’s multivitamin softgel: NOW ADAM Men’s Multiple Vitamin
• Best men’s multivitamin tablet: New Chapter Every Man’s One Daily, Nature Made Multi for Him
• Best men’s multivitamin gummy: SmartyPants Men’s Complete, Vitafusion Men’s
• Best gluten-free multivitamin for men: INNATE Response Formulas Men’s One Daily Iron-Free, MegaFood Men’s One Daily

Men’s and women’s bodies have different needs, with men requiring more of some nutrients and less of others, compared with women.

For example, because men don’t lose blood monthly like menstruating women do, they’re at a lower risk of iron deficiency anemia. Therefore, iron requirements for men are lower (1).

While it’s possible for most people to meet nutrient needs through diet alone, some may need supplements, especially if they have issues with nutrient absorption, are following a restrictive diet, or need to eliminate certain foods due to an allergy or health condition.

Furthermore, elderly men are at a greater risk of several nutrient deficiencies, including vitamins B12 and D (2, 3).

Given that are many multivitamins designed specifically for men, it can be confusing knowing what one to choose. We narrowed down the best products using the following criteria:

• Vetting. All the products included have been vetted to ensure that they meet ishonest’s medical and business standards.
• Expert recommendation. The products below were handpicked by a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN).
• Ingredients. We looked for products that are free of artificial additives and fillers.
• Health concerns. We included options to suit a variety of needs.

Here are the 10 best multivitamins for men for 2022.

How to choose a multivitamin for men

Before starting a new supplement, talk with a healthcare professional about any nutritional gaps you may need to fill, as well as any supplements you may need to avoid.

On a similar note, if your doctor recommends a specific nutrient, you may want to consider taking that single nutrient, rather than a multivitamin, especially if you’re worried about overdoing it on some vitamins or minerals.

For example, vitamin E and calcium supplements may be problematic when taken in high doses (4, 5, 6).

When choosing which multivitamin is right for you, consider factors such as:

• Percent Daily Value (%DV). While 100% DV may seem ideal, ensure you aren’t exceeding the recommended amounts. It’s OK to choose a multivitamin that contains less than 100% of the DV for some nutrients, especially if you regularly consume them in your diet.
• Quality. Be sure to choose high quality supplements from trusted brands. Look for seals from organizations like USP and NSF on product packaging to ensure that supplements have been third-party tested for quality and accurate labeling.
• Allergies. Always double-check the ingredient label for potential allergies, such as dairy, gluten, or fish.
• Specific health concerns. Based on your specific health concerns, be sure to talk with your healthcare professional about whether there are certain nutrients you should look for or avoid in a multivitamin.
• Form. Multivitamins are available in many forms, including swallowable capsules, dissolvable tablets, liquids, and gummies. Look for the form that you’re most comfortable taking.
• Dosage. If you often forget to take your vitamins, you’ll want to choose a product that’s taken just once a day.
• Budget. As some supplements recommend taking more than one pill per day, it’s important to consider the price per serving when determining what product best fits your budget.
• Expiration dates. Check expiration dates to make sure the product is still at its best.

Important nutrients for men’s health

When choosing a multivitamin, you’ll also want to pay attention to the nutrients included.

Micronutrient needs are highly personal and vary by age and sex. They can also be affected by chronic diseases and medications.

However, generally, adult men need to make sure to get enough of the following vitamins and minerals (7, 8):

• Vitamin A: necessary for skin, eye, and immune health
• Vitamin C: essential for your immune system and collagen production
• B vitamins: involved in energy metabolism and red blood cell production
• Calcium, magnesium, vitamin D, and vitamin K: vital for bone health
• Vitamin E and selenium: antioxidants that help protect your cells from damage
• Magnesium and potassium: regulate blood pressure and heart and muscle contraction, as well as promote cardiovascular health

Several multivitamins for men may also contain vitamins, minerals, herbs, or antioxidants that could be beneficial for prostate health.

ishonest’s picks of the best multivitamins for men

Ritual Essential for Men Multivitamin 18+

• Price: $$$
• Type: gel capsule
• Dosage: 2 capsules daily
• Vitamins and minerals: folate, magnesium, zinc, boron, omega-3 DHA, and vitamins A, B12, D3, E, and K

Ritual is a popular subscription-based supplement brand that offers an essential multivitamin for men over age 18.

The mint-enhanced gel capsule contains the recommended Daily Value (DV) for a number of vitamins and minerals.

This vitamin also includes the omega-3 fatty acid docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), which has been shown to support heart health, as well as vitamins A and D, which have several benefits, including supporting gut health (9, 10).

This multivitamin is vegan and free of gluten, major allergens, and genetically modified organisms (GMOs).

Ritual products are processed in facilities that are National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) certified to ensure they meet current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP), which are quality standards set by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Additionally, these products are third-party tested by Eurorfins and IEH laboratories, have USP verification, and carry the Informed Sport Certification, which means they have been tested for banned substances.

Amazon Elements Men’s One Daily Multivitamin

The Amazon Elements Men’s One Daily Multivitamin contains 21 vitamins and minerals formulated specifically for men’s health.

It also includes antioxidants, such as vitamins A and C, and 62% of the ingredients come from whole foods.

Learn more

This multivitamin is vegan, gluten-free, and free of artificial colors, flavors, and chemical preservatives.

Amazon Elements supplements are manufactured in facilities that meet cGMP standards, as well as third-party tested, though the testing organization isn’t disclosed.

Amazon Elements Me’s One Daily Multivitamin is available as a one-time purchase, though you can save up to 15% by subscribing.

Garden of Life Vitamin Code Men

This raw-food multivitamin contains a blend of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants from 23 fruits and vegetables.

Four capsules provide 100% or more of the DV for many essential micronutrients, with calcium and iodine being among the exceptions.

It’s also formulated to bolster heart and prostate health with the inclusion of CoQ10, vitamin K, lycopene, and zinc (11, 12, 13, 14, 15).

Plus, it contains live probiotics and enzymes meant to support digestive support, as well as antioxidants (16, 17).

This multivitamin is vegetarian and gluten- and dairy-free, with no added fillers.

Garden of Life products are produced in facilities that meet cGMP standards and are third-party tested, though the name of the third-party organization isn’t disclosed on the website.

NOW ADAM Men’s Multiple Vitamin

If you have difficulty swallowing large tablets or capsules, you’ll want to consider NOW ADAM Men’s Multiple Vitamin Softgels.

What’s more, several reviewers note that unlike other products, the multivitamin doesn’t upset their stomachs.

A 2-capsule serving contains 100% or more of the DV for many essential nutrients for men. It’s also free of sugar, yeast, wheat, milk, egg, shellfish, and preservatives.

Keep in mind that the supplement does contain very high amounts of vitamin E and selenium, which could be problematic if you’re already consuming adequate amounts of these nutrients in your diet.

NOW has in-house labs that meet the FDA’s cGMP standards and test every product at various stages throughout production.

New Chapter Every Man’s One Daily

One tablet of this whole-food multivitamin contains most of the essential nutrients for men, with the exceptions of iron, magnesium, and calcium.

Moreover, it provides herbal and superfood supplements that may help promote heart health, support the immune system, and promote energy, such as maca, ginger, turmeric, and chamomile (18, 19, 20, 21).

Still, keep in mind that as the blends are proprietary, it’s unknown whether the supplement provides an effective dose of these herbs and superfoods.

This multivitamin includes beneficial probiotics and is fermented, which may make it easier to digest and allow it to be taken on an empty stomach.

It contains fermented soy, and NSF has certified it as gluten-free. It’s also non-GMO verified, vegetarian, and certified organic.

New Chapter is a Certified B Corporation, and its products have been tested by various third parties, including NSF International and Where Food Comes From Organic (WFCFO).

Nature Made Multi for Him

This iron-free one-a-day tablet contains 22 essential vitamins and minerals specific to men’s health.

It includes antioxidants such as vitamin C, selenium, and vitamin A (in the form of beta carotene). Unlike many other products on this list, this is a basic multivitamin and mineral supplement with no added herbs or superfoods.

It’s also free of gluten and artificial colors and flavors.

One potential downside is the supplement includes poorly absorbed forms of certain nutrients, specifically magnesium oxide and zinc oxide (22, 23).

Nature Made products are USP verified and have been produced in facilities that meet cGMP standards.

SmartyPants Men’s Complete

This chewable fruit-flavored multivitamin contains 17 essential nutrients for men, including the active forms of vitamin B12 (methylcobalamin) and folate (methylfolate) for better absorption.

It also provides CoQ10 and omega-3 fatty acids, both of which have been shown to promote heart health, as well as lycopene and zinc, which have been linked to good prostate health (9, 11, 12, 13).

The chews are non-GMO and free of common allergens, including milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, fish, shellfish, soy, gluten, and wheat.

These chewable vitamins have 11 grams of carbs and 6 grams of sugar per 6-gummy serving, so if you’re watching your carbs, a vitamin in tablet or capsule form may be a better choice.

SmartyPants products are processed in facilities that meet cGMP standards. Additionally, according to the website, all ingredients used are considered to be generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA.

While the company states its products are third-party tested, the testing organization isn’t disclosed.

Vitafusion Men’s

This gummy multivitamin supplies 15 essential nutrients for men in the form of berry-flavored chews.

It’s formulated to meet the specific health needs of men, as well as support energy metabolism and a healthy immune system (10, 24).

What’s more, it’s gluten- and dairy-free and contains no artificial flavors or synthetic dyes.

A serving of 2 gummies contains 4 grams of carbs and 3 grams of added sugar.

Vitafusion gummies are third-party tested, though the name of the third-party testing organization is not disclosed.

INNATE Response Formulas Men’s One Daily Iron-Free

Made from fruits and vegetables and with vitamins A, D, and B vitamins, this food-based multivitamin is designed to support energy levels, heart health, and immune response (10, 24).

It’s also a convenient option, as you’ll only need one tablet and you can take it any time of day, even on an empty stomach.

This product contains over 20 key nutrients for men, although not all at 100% of the DV, as well as a blend of superfoods and herbs for antioxidant and immune support. It’s certified gluten- and dairy-free, vegetarian, and Non-GMO Project verified.

INNATE Response Formulas is a Certified B Corporation, and its products have been third-party tested by several organizations, including the Non-GMO Project and The Detox Project — an independent lab that tests for glyphosate residue.

MegaFood Men’s One Daily

This iron-free, one-a-day, whole-foods-based supplement is certified gluten-free by NSF, and it has all essential vitamins plus lycopene, which may help promote prostate health (12, 24).

In addition to being free from gluten, these vitamins are certified non-GMO and free from dairy and soy.

Unlike many other multivitamins, it can be taken any time of the day and on an empty stomach.

MegaFood is a Certified B Corporation, which means its facilities meet internationally recognized quality standards. It uses an on-site lab for its testing, along with several third-party organizations that test for specific ingredients like gluten, dairy, glyphosate, and more.

Frequently asked questions

Below are some commonly asked questions about how to take multivitamins and their effectiveness.

Why are vitamins necessary?

Vitamins and minerals are essential to your overall health. They perform many critical roles in your body, from producing energy to ensuring the proper function of bodily systems.

Not getting enough of certain nutrients can negatively affect your health and even play a role in the development of certain diseases.

Do men’s multivitamins really work?

While multivitamins seem promising, especially when you know you aren’t getting all of your nutrient needs through diet alone, the research on their effectiveness is mixed (25, 26, 27).

That said, they’re unlikely to cause harm in most healthy individuals (28, 29).

If your healthcare professional determines you’re deficient in a specific nutrient, they will likely recommend taking a single vitamin, rather than a multivitamin, as a multivitamin will likely contain additional nutrients that you don’t need.

It’s important to note that multivitamins are not meant to replace a balanced diet. Instead, supplements are designed for people who are unable to meet their nutritional needs through their diet alone.

For this reason, a multivitamin may not be necessary for everyone.

Is it good to take a multivitamin every day?

Taking a daily multivitamin is likely safe, but it’s important to consider the possibility of toxicity. If you eat a nutrient-dense diet, you might consume more than the recommended amounts of some nutrients (28).

There are two kinds of vitamins: water-soluble and fat-soluble.

Water-soluble vitamins include B vitamins and vitamin C; excess amounts of these vitamins are flushed out through urine.

While water-soluble vitamins are generally safe, consistently taking very large doses of some of them may pose a risk. For example, consuming very high doses of vitamin B6 can lead to neurological symptoms and potentially irreversible nerve damage over time (30).

Fat-soluble vitamins, including vitamins A, E, and K, can accumulate in the liver when consumed in excess (31).

For this reason, overdoing it on fat-soluble vitamins is possible and can harm your health.

Furthermore, research suggests that consuming high amounts of vitamin E from supplements may be linked to an increased risk of prostate cancer in healthy men (4, 5).

While vitamin D is also a fat-soluble vitamin, toxicity is extremely rare, as it’s difficult to reach a toxic level unless you’re taking megadoses of vitamin D for an extended period of time (32).

Additionally, when some minerals, such as iron, are consumed in excess, they can affect the absorption of other nutrients and cause side effects, such as fainting or an upset stomach (1).

On a similar note, when calcium is consumed in excess, it may cause cardiovascular problems (6, 33).

Therefore, it’s important to only take supplements when needed. Talk with a healthcare professional about whether a multivitamin is right for you.

What’s the best time to take a multivitamin?

Some multivitamins should be taken with food, while others claim they can be taken without, though this could cause an upset stomach.

Fat-soluble vitamins are absorbed best when taken with a meal containing healthy fats. Therefore, to get the most out of your multivitamin, it’s a good idea to take it with a meal.

Which meal you take your multivitamin with is up to you, but taking it with the same meal each day can help you remember to take it consistently.

The bottom line

While it’s possible (and advisable) to meet your nutrient needs by consuming a balanced diet, some people may fall short of the daily recommended amounts of vitamins and minerals.

Fortunately, some supplements are designed specifically to help men get the micronutrients they need.

Given the wide variety of high quality multivitamins to choose from, you’re sure to find something that works for you.

Just remember, it’s best to talk with a healthcare professional before taking supplements, especially if you take other prescribed or over-the-counter medications.

Also, be advised that the FDA doesn’t regulate supplements the same way as it regulates foods and medications. Therefore, it’s best to choose supplements that have been third-party tested for quality and accuracy.

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