In an ideal world, everybody would be getting all the nutrients and minerals they need from the food that they consume. However, this world is far from ideal, and we find that we sometimes need to do extra things to stay as healthy as we wish. In the US, for instance, dietary supplementation is extremely popular; in fact, it is estimated that 47% of Americans use some form of dietary supplement. And in 2011 alone, they spent $30 billion for over-the-counter nutritional items: 47% for vitamins and minerals, 17% for herbal or botanical supplements, and 12% for sports nutrition products.
American men, in particular, like their supplements. About 50 percent of them aged 18 and above reportedly take a multivitamin, and for valid reasons. According to the USDA, there are plenty of American men who do not get what they need only from the food that they eat: men aged 31 to 50 years old need to eat dark green vegetables by about 350% more, as well as fruits by about a hundred and fifty percent more, just to meet federal dietary guidelines. Men have also been found to be deficient in every nutritional category, except for meat and beans.
So if you’re thinking of using supplements, you will be happy to know that there are plenty of ready options on the market that you can choose from. Even better, there are supplements that are specially made for men, and ten of the best of them are as follows.
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Top 10 Best Supplements for Men
Bayer One A Day Men’s Health Formula Multivitamin
One of the most popular multivitamins on the market, Bayer’s One a Day combines vitamins A, B6, C, D, E, and K, as well as riboflavin, thiamin, and niacin to deliver heart health support, ideal immune health, great muscle growth and development, and healthy blood pressure. Quality is also optimal, as this product does not have additional sweeteners, dairy-derived ingredients, artificial flavorings and colors, and gluten. Every bottle also comes with 250 multivitamins, so you can buy one and be set for a couple of months.
Pros
- The product is known for helping boost energy
- Also works well for vegetarians
Cons
- Some users with acne-prone skin have said that it causes whitehead breakouts
- They are rather large and hard to swallow
Dr. Tobias Omega 3 Fish Oil Triple Strength
Dr. Tobias’ Omega 3 fish oil tablets have racked up about 8000 5-star reviews on Amazon, which is a testament to the efficacy that it delivers, as far as customers are concerned. It features the usual rewards associated with fish oil, such as support for heart, eyes, and brain health, but it does not have the fishy aftertaste and burps that are also associated with fish oil. Each serving of the product also contains about 2000mg of fish oil, as well as 400mg of omega-3 fatty acids. Every bottle will also be good for 45 days.
Pros
- Comes with an enteric coating for better absorption
- Non-GMO
- Also works well for females, as well as people of all ages
Cons
- The product contains soy
- The coating has a tendency to fade quickly
Optimum Nutrition Opti-Men Daily Multivitamin
If you’re into bodybuilding, the Optimum Nutrition Opti-Men daily multivitamin has been formulated exactly for you. This product contains five special blends that deliver all the nutrition that you need, including 25 vitamins and minerals, antioxidants, L-arginine, L-glutamine, and other branched-chain amino acids, Ginkgo biloba powder, and raw oyster powder. As thus, you can expect to see an improvement in your performance in the gym, feel a boost in your immune system, and recover faster from tough workouts.
Pros
- Delivers a powerful punch of essential nutrients, vitamins, and minerals
- Boosts energy, focus, and overall sense of well-being
- Very, very affordable
Cons
- May change the color of your urine
- The pill is rather large and difficult to swallow
NatureWise Vitamin D3 5,000 IU
The NatureWise Vitamin D3 5000 IU pills are among the most popular types of vitamin D supplements on the market; in fact, it is so popular that it has generated nearly 5000 5-star reviews on Amazon. Each pill is highly concentrated, but it is still easy to swallow due to its relatively small size. Each bottle also sets you up for an entire year, as it comes with 360 softgel capsules.
Pros
- Manufactured by a trusted name in the industry
- Uses healthy olive oil
- Very reasonably priced
Cons
- Not ideal for vegetarians
- Product testing is not done by an unbiased, third-party laboratory
Garden of Life – RAW Probiotics Men
This product is specially formulated to help support prostate and heart health of men, by virtue of its 85 billion live cultures and 31 probiotic strains. Additionally, it can help treat a wide range of issues, such as colic, eczema, liver disease, and even the common cold. It is also made with vegetarian and gluten-free whole food ingredients, and rich in vitamins B1, B2, B6, B9, B12, C, D, and E.
Pros
- Delivers great support for your immune system, prostate health, and digestive system function
- Contains 31 microorganisms and 85 billion probiotic cells per serving
- Vegetarian, gluten-free, and soy-free
Cons
- More expensive than similar products of its kind
- One serving requires taking 3 capsules
- Some users have said that it can cause gas
Evlution Nutrition EVLTest
A testosterone booster, EVLTest from Evlution Nutrition reportedly helps with increasing muscle mass, stamina, strength, and performance. It contains D-aspartic acid, as well as Tribulus extract to also help with promoting libido. It also features fenugreek, which is an herb that can boost your sex drive and performance, while providing a good dose of antioxidants. Additionally, it has vitamin D and ZMA.
Pros
- The product lists everything you need to know about it, so you are saved from having to worry about proprietary blends
- Delivers a multi-pronged approach to restoring testosterone levels back to normal
Cons
- May cause headaches
- May cause grogginess
Bulk Supplements Green Tea Extract
This green tea extract from Bulk Supplements contains 50% polyphenols, to deliver fat-burning benefits, weight loss management, and heart health support. It is also lab-tested for quality and purity, so you are assured of getting a safe product. In addition, this supplement can help protect you from free radical damage, such as signs of aging and inflammation.
Pros
- Non-GMO, dairy-free, and gluten-free
- Lab-tested for purity and quality
Cons
- Some users have said that the powdered taste of the product is difficult to get used to
NOW Probiotic-10
This probiotic from NOW is a multi-species supplement that features 10 different lactic acid bacteria strains. These include Lactobacillus acidophilus La-14, Bifidobacterium breve Bb-03, and Streptococcus thermophilus St-21, which are all acid and bile-resistant. These strains are also reportedly clinically validated, to deliver the benefits that are associated with probiotics. The recommended dose is 1 capsule once or twice a day, between meals or on an empty stomach. And it does not contain wheat, soy, egg, gluten, fish, shellfish, or tree nut ingredients.
Pros
- Contains a multi-species collection of varying acid-resistant and bile-resistant strains
- Non-GMO, and does not contain allergens including gluten and soy
Cons
- Does not disclose the amount of FOS it contains, which may be an issue for those on a FODMAPS diet
- Needs to be refrigerated
NatureWise Elite 95% CLA 1300
A non-stimulating weight loss supplement, the NatureWise Elite 95% CLA 1300 supplement only contains natural ingredients and is free from allergens such as soy, peanuts, dairy, fish, and wheat. It is considered to be ideal for weight loss; in fact, the manufacturer claims that daily use of the supplement will be beneficial towards achieving weight management goals. It also reportedly helps with the metabolism of fat, as well as the development of lean body mass.
Pros
- Contains all-natural ingredients free from allergens
- Tested for purity and potency
- Non-stimulating weight loss supplement
Cons
- Not ideal for vegetarians
Life Extension Magnesium Citrate
The Life Extension Magnesium Citrate supplement is considered to be helpful in maintaining normal muscle and nerve function, keeping heart rhythm steady, boosting the immune system, promoting strong bones, and enhancing cardiovascular health. Suitable for vegetarians and non-GMO, it contains 40% magnesium per serving.
Pros
- Delivers multiple health benefits
- Offers a slightly lower dose for those who need to control their magnesium intake
- Non-GMO and ideal for vegetarians
Cons
- Some users have reported powder leakage inside bottles
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Who Needs Supplements for Men
Supplements for men can be used by an adult male who wishes to make sure that he is getting the nutrients and minerals he may otherwise be missing out on because of an unhealthy, poor diet, or a busy lifestyle. These products are also ideal for those who are living active lifestyles and need a little more by way of energy, motivation, drive, mental clarity and focus, and other essentials.
What Are The Benefits Of Supplements for Men
Supplements for men offer the biggest benefit of providing rewards that are specific to men’s needs and men’s issues, such as boosting testosterone levels. This is particularly important as there are a host of issues that are connected to low testosterone levels, such as loss of libido, fatigue, and erectile dysfunction. Many of the products on the market are formulated to offer answers to concerns that only men deal with, and men are assured of finding at least one thing that will take care of something that troubles them in particular, or more than women.
Supplements are also known to boost energy levels and promote muscle growth, which can benefit many men, not only those who are into serious fitness. Multivitamins are known for reflecting the complex interactions from food-based sources and may possibly fill the deficiencies left by individual supplements.
In addition, beta-carotene supplements are associated with brain benefits if regularly taken over a prolonged period. Along with vitamins C and E, as well as zinc, they may also slow down age-related macular degeneration, which causes blindness.
The right supplement will also help lessen chronic inflammation, oxidative damage, and decreases in testosterone and muscle mass brought on by age. Specific ingredients, in particular, will up the advantages. Fish oil, for instance, is ideal as it can target issues that are specific to men. According to the American Heart Association, consuming high amounts of the substance can reduce the risk of heart disease by half, as well as the risk of sudden death by heart attack by two-thirds. Additionally, the American Psychiatric Association says that fish oil supplementation can positively impact a wide range of mental issues, from depression to cognitive decline.
Green tea extract is another good ingredient, especially in fighting chronic disease. Research conducted in Japan found that green tea extract can significantly reduce the risk of cancer, and the findings were corroborated by a scientific correspondence in the journal Nature.
What Safety Issues Should You Be Aware Of For Supplements for Men
For all the good that they do, supplements for men also lead to certain side effects. One of the most important factors that lead to this is the overconsumption of certain supplements. If you have taken more than the recommended dietary allowances of some supplements, you can expect adverse reactions. Vitamin E, for instance, has not been found to produce significant benefits, when taken daily. In fact, the Selenium and Vitamin E Cancer Prevention Trial (SELECT) found that men who took vitamin E daily were more at risk of developing prostate cancer than those who did not consume the supplement on a regular basis. Vitamin A should also be kept to safe amounts. Taking too much of it through supplementation can raise retinol levels in the blood, which may increase your risk of hip fractures.
The specific ingredients found in the supplement should also be carefully monitored. Certain herbal goodies that are touted to be beneficial may give rise to dangerous interactions that can put your life at risk. Ginkgo biloba and vitamin E, as examples, are risky to take if you are already taking blood-thinners.
In addition, some substances can lead to uncomfortable side effects. Products with St. John’s wort, which is considered to be a significant herbal remedy for depression, fatigue, and anxiety, can produce anything from intestinal discomfort to dizziness. Also, it can boost or decrease the metabolism of prescription drugs and thus change their blood levels. Some studies have even found that the herb can interfere with immune-suppressing drugs important to the prevention of organ transplant rejection.
You will also want to make sure that your supplements are of quality. The Food and Drug Administration does not require the testing of supplements before they are released to the market, and some products may contain unlisted ingredients and contaminants.
Types Of Supplements for Men
There are many types of supplements for men, but among the most important are as follows.
Beta-alanine. Beta-alanine is an amino acid that produces carnosine, which helps stabilize Ph levels of your muscles and improve athletic performance. It is also known to boost endurance, and it can be particularly beneficial to men who do performance sports such as MMA, rugby, and hockey as it can delay muscle fatigue. It can also be of use to bodybuilders.
L-Glutamine. L-Glutamine is a naturally-occurring amino acid that takes care of the transportation of nitrogen into your muscles. It is also important to our body’s metabolism, immune system function, energy restoration, and protein synthesis. It gets depleted during intense workouts, and it sometimes takes up to a week before it goes back to normal levels. Taking an L-Glutamine supplement can help you make sure that you can train as hard as you like and still have the protection from catabolism that you should have.
Multivitamins. Multivitamins pack a powerful combination of essential nutrients into one product, which makes it optimally convenient. It also helps bridge the gap between the things that you’re missing out on because of your diet and makes sure that you stay in top health.
Spirulina. A type of algae found in tropical and subtropical environments, it contains a high dose of antioxidants such as minerals, proteins, and fatty acids. It aids physical well-being, so it can be useful for everybody, but it can be particularly beneficial to those going through caloric restriction or preparing for an endurance event. Spirulina is also said to decrease the release of histamine, which can help people with persistent allergies.
Vitamin C. Vitamin C is one of the most popular vitamins used singularly, and as a supplement, it is very, very available. The RDA for this vitamin is only 40mg every day, but many people take more than the recommended amount as they believe that it can be significant in heading off potential diseases, due to its ability to boost immune system function. In addition, it is an antioxidant and used as a remedy against the common cold.
Whey protein. Whey protein is among the most popular types of protein powders out there, and it is particularly ideal for weight loss. It is also helpful in the growth and recovery of your muscles after exercise. Supplementation through protein powders like whey protein can help you fill the gap between the amount of protein that you consume and the amount of protein that you should consume. It is especially recommended for men who are looking to enhance their strength and muscle building and are undergoing intense training.
ZMA. ZMA or Zinc monomethine and aspartate and Magnesium Aspartate are considered to be beneficial in raising testosterone production by up to 30 percent. As thus, it is popular among bodybuilders and athletes as a recovery aid for exercise. It is also said to improve sleep and increase libido.
Product Use Limitations/Who Shouldn’t Use Supplements for Men
When using supplements for men, even the best supplements for men, there are a couple of things that must be avoided. Multivitamins that include vitamin K should never be taken by those who are taking warfarin. Similarly, blood thinning vitamin E and Asian ginseng should not be taken alongside other blood thinners such as warfarin, aspirin, and ticlopidine.
In addition, if you’re taking green tea, do not take codeine, ephedrine, atropine, pseudoephedrine, Cardec DM, Lomotil/Lonox, warfarin, and theophylline or aminophylline. Finally, CoQ10 should not be taken with warfarin.
How To Manage the Use of Supplements for Men
To make the most out of supplements, it is important to go into their selection with a clear idea of what you should be looking for, and what you should be avoiding. As the FDA does not regulate the safety of these products, a good rule-of-thumb to follow is to check with the United States Pharmacopeia or NSF International to assess the quality of your chosen supplement.
It is also necessary to speak to your doctor if you have existing medical conditions before you go ahead and start popping pills into your mouth. This is critical towards ensuring that you will be safe as you go through supplementation, and there will be no dangerous interactions that may put your life at risk. Even if you don’t have medical issues, it is still important to ask your doctor for guidance.
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Conclusion
The best supplements for men are those which have a well-studied listing of benefits, manufactured by trusted companies, and have been tested by independent laboratories for quality and efficacy. They are also those that do not produce negative side effects or cause dangerous drug interactions if you are dealing with an existing medical condition.
However, the best supplements for men still do not hold a candle to the vitamins, minerals, and other essential nutrients that men can get from natural food sources. At the end of the day, what these products should do is only bridge a gap between what you should be getting vs what you are actually getting, not serve as a replacement for everything you should be getting from a healthy diet.
