Heart disease, dementia, and chronic kidney disease are some of many conditions that commonly affect men aged 65 and older. In fact, 80% of men in this age group have at least one chronic condition such as these, and 68% have two or more chronic conditions.
If you’re an aging male, a multivitamin can supply your body with the vitamins and minerals it needs to stay healthy and ward off chronic disease. However, with all the multivitamin brands available, it can be overwhelming and difficult to choose the best one for your personal needs.
Here’s more about the importance of multivitamins, along with a curated list of top-rated multivitamins for older men that can help you make an educated decision.
Why Are Multivitamins Important for Older Men?
Only 10.1% of males in the United States eat the recommended amount of fruits, which is between 1.5 and 2 cups a day. In addition, only 12.5% of men aged 51 and older eat the recommended amount of vegetables, which is 2-3 cups a day.
Multivitamins are important because they can provide you with certain vitamins and minerals you may not be getting in your everyday diet. For example, some multivitamins contain omega-3 fatty acids that are typically only found in fatty fish like salmon, tuna, and mackerel. Therefore, if you don’t eat fatty fish or don’t have access to it, a multivitamin can provide you with the recommended daily amount of omega-3s that can reduce your risk for conditions like heart disease.
Here are other reasons aging men may need multivitamins:
- Medication use. Older men are more likely than younger men to use medications. Some medications can prevent the body from absorbing certain nutrients.
- Health conditions. Older men are at greater risk for chronic conditions like osteoporosis that can be improved or avoided with proper nutrient intake. Men with osteoporosis need more calcium and vitamin D to increase bone mass and bone strength.
- Reduced mobility. Disability and chronic conditions can make it difficult for older men to leave the home or cook healthy meals. Multivitamins can provide adequate nutrients to men with reduced mobility.
Top Multivitamins for Older Men
You should consider several factors when choosing a multivitamin, including serving sizes, dosages, and ingredients. You should also choose a brand that contains certain nutrients you may be lacking. For example, if you rarely spend time in the sun, you may want a multivitamin that contains calcium and vitamin D.
Below are top-rated multivitamins recommended for men over the age of 50.
Mykind Organics Men’s Multi 40+ by Garden of Life
This multivitamin for men contains more than 30 organic herbs, fruits, and vegetables, and offers 100% of the daily value of 16 vitamins and minerals. This blend supports prostate health, heart health, energy, and metabolism. Men who use this daily multivitamin from Garden of Life need only two tablets a day, taken with meals.
Men’s One Daily by MegaFood
What makes this multivitamin unique is that it can be taken on an empty stomach. If you’re a man who is busy and constantly on the go, you can take this multivitamin without having to be mindful about pairing it with meals.
This blend contains 20 essential nutrients that support immunity, energy, metabolism, and muscle and bone health. Men who use the One Daily by MegaFood need only one tablet a day taken with a beverage.
Essential For Men Multivitamin 50+ by Ritual
If you prefer subscription-based services that deliver products straight to your door, consider the Essential for Men Multivitamin by Ritual. This quality multivitamin is formulated with premium ingredients, including omega-3 fatty acids, calcium, and magnesium, that support heart health, bone health, and immunity. Other benefits included with this subscription are free shipping and a money-back guarantee.
Adam Multivitamin Softgels for Men by Now
An estimated six in 10 cases of prostate cancer are diagnosed in men aged 65 and older. Adam Multivitamin Softgels for Men by Now contain several herbs and nutrients that support prostate health, such as saw palmetto, lycopene, CoQ10, and more.
Other highlights of this multivitamin are that it has 13 essential vitamins, 10 minerals, and choline—the latter of which supports brain health. Its serving size is two softgels taken once a day with food.
Men’s Formula Daily Gummy Multivitamin by SmartyPants
If you prefer chewing tablets over swallowing them, you may want to try the gummy multivitamin by SmartyPants. This multivitamin includes omega-3s and 16 other essential nutrients that support male health. These gummies can be taken conveniently with or without food.
A disadvantage of this multivitamin is that one serving size is six gummies, which contain added sugar and carbs. If you are conscious about your weight and sugar intake, you may want to think twice before taking this or any other gummy multivitamin.
Don’t Forget to Consult Your Doctor
Before you choose a multivitamin, ask your healthcare provider for their recommendation. Your provider can review your medical history and may even run tests to see whether you are deficient in any vitamins or minerals. If so, your doctor can recommend a brand that delivers the right type and amount of nutrients you need to support your overall health.
Resource Links
- “The Top 10 Most Common Chronic Conditions in Older Adults” via National Council on Aging
- “Adults Meeting Fruit and Vegetable Intake Recommendations — United States, 2019” via Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- “mykind Organics Men’s 40+ Multi Tablets” via Garden of Life
- “Men’s One Daily Multivitamin” via MegaFood
- “Essential for Men Multivitamin 50+” via Ritual
- “Key Statistics for Prostate Cancer” via American Cancer Society
- “Adam™ Men’s Multiple Vitamin Softgels” via Now
- “Men’s Formula” via SmartyPants Vitamins