The best multivitamins for men provide essential vitamins and minerals to boost energy, improve brain and bone health, and more. In this article, we compile our best medically vetted options.
Sex and gender exist on spectrums. For the purposes of this article, we use “male” and “female” to refer to a person’s sex assigned at birth. Learn more.
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, type, and allergens.
| Price for 1-month supply | Suitable for | Type | Allergens and dietary information | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ritual 18+ | $33 (subscription only) | males ages 18 to 50 years | capsules | suitable for vegans |
| SmartyPants | around $27 | those who prefer a chewable multivitamin | gummies | free from GMOs, artificial colors, sweeteners, and gluten |
| Thorne | around $50 | men ages 50 years and over | capsules | contains iodine, which may cause an allergic reaction in some |
| Centrum | around $12 | people who want to bulk buy vitamins | gummies | • unsuitable for vegans or vegetarians • free from gluten |
| Nature Made | around $13 | those looking for affordable vitamins | tablets | free from gluten, colors, and artificial flavors |
| The Vitamin Shoppe | $36.99 | those who have difficulty swallowing pills | liquid | free from gluten, dairy, nuts, and soy |
| MegaFood Men’s | from $38 | males looking for muscle and bone health support | tablets | • unsuitable for vegans • gluten- and GMO-free |
| Pure Encapsulations | around $72 | people with food allergies | capsules | free from wheat, peanuts, eggs, and dairy |
| One A Day | around $12 | people over 65 years | tablets | • unsuitable for vegetarians or vegans • free from gluten, dairy, wheat, soy, egg, shellfish, artificial flavorings and sweeteners |
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
Read more about how we vet products and brands.
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 studiesTrusted Source 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 need to consult a healthcare professional about the supplements they may need to take and avoid.
The
It is not usually necessary to take more than the recommended daily allowance (RDA) of vitamins and minerals. Exceeding this limit for certain nutrients, such as preformed vitamin A,
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
Young adults
Young adults going through puberty should focus on eating a balanced diet that incorporates a variety of foods, such as:
- vegetables
- legumes and beans
- fruit
- whole grains
- dairy products
- lean meats, poultry, fish, or other healthy sources of protein
Taking multivitamins and mineral supplements may benefit young adults who lack nutrition in their diet.
In young males ages 9 to 18 years, getting at least
Furthermore, the body needs vitamin D to absorb calcium. Doctors recommend that young males get at least 600 international units (IU) of vitamin D daily.
Young males ages 14 to 18 years also need at least
Most young males will get enough iron from their diet, as iron is present in many foods, such as fish, chicken, beans, and spinach.
Various multivitamins are available for adults over the age of 18 who feel they need to supplement their diet, and a doctor or healthcare professional can offer guidance around this.
Older adults
Osteoporosis is more common in females, but as males reach age 50, their risk of developing the condition may also increase. Getting additional calcium and vitamin D can help protect bones from osteoporosis.
After age 70, males should aim to get
Most multivitamins and mineral supplements contain low amounts of calcium. Consuming more dairy or alternative milk products can help a person increase their calcium intake. Another option is to take calcium supplements.
Athletes
Typically, people who engage in sports and physical activity burn more calories than those who do not. Therefore, they need to eat more to maintain their weight. It is unclear whether athletes also need more than the RDA of vitamins or minerals.
Vitamin D plays an essential role in bone health, and studies have looked at its importance as a supplement for athletes. This research puts forward several other health claims for the use of vitamin D supplements, including that they:
- aid recovery from muscle injury
- improve heart and lung function
- support the immune system
- promote muscle growth
More high quality research is necessary to confirm whether athletes gain additional benefits from supplementing vitamin D.
Brain health
Many studies have investigated whether getting extra vitamins or minerals can improve brain health.
However, a 2020 review did not show significant evidence that vitamin B6 supplements can improve brain function.
Vegetarian or vegan diets
Males following a vegetarian or vegan diet may lack vitamin B12, which is mostly present in animal products.
Anyone over 14 years old and following a vegetarian or vegan diet should consider taking at least
Another option is to consume more foods containing vitamin B12, such as fortified cereals or nutritional yeast.
Taking supplements is another way to increase one’s vitamin B12 intake. Multivitamins and mineral supplements typically supply enough vitamin B12.
Learn more about the differences between vegetarian and vegan diets.
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.
No research is available to indicate the best time to take a multivitamin.
Manufacturers often do not recommend when a person should take multivitamins. However, manufacturers 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.
Many companies market their multivitamins as dietary supplements containing vitamins, minerals, herbs, and amino acids, among other ingredients.
According to the FDA, these products can help provide the body with vital substances or reduce the risk of certain conditions.
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. This is because vitamin K products can decrease the effectiveness of some drugs, such as warfarin.
People will have different nutritional needs based on their health, diet, and lifestyle.
However, the NIH set guidelines for daily intakes of each vitamin and mineral.
Additionally, 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 on the market will depend on a person’s 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 Centrum, 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+, Centrum Multivitamin for Men, and Thorne Men’s Multi 50+ are just three of our top picks of the best 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.
The Centrum for Men multivitamin contains 100% of a person’s daily intake of several important nutrients, suggesting that it will help males keep on top of their daily intake of vitamins and minerals.
The multivitamin prioritizes B12, which is known for benefitting red blood cell production and brain health.
People can discuss this supplement with a doctor to understand whether it is appropriate for them to take.
There are many multivitamin 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 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.
