How Important Are Nutritional Supplements to Men's Health?

While a balanced diet is the foundation of good health, many men find that certain supplements can help them take their overall wellness to the next level. Vitamin D supports strong bones, and is found in milk, fish like salmon or sardines, and some fortified foods. Folate (also called folic acid or folacin) may prevent unhealthy changes in DNA that can lead to chromosomal abnormalities in children.

Vitamin D

Getting enough vitamin D is critical for optimal health, and it's particularly important for men. More than 40% of American adults have less than acceptable levels of this essential nutrient, while 29% are straight-up deficient1.

This sunshine vitamin helps promote healthy bone growth by boosting calcium absorption. It also supports a strong immune system and decreases inflammation.

Additionally, vitamin D can support testosterone and increase muscle strength. It can be found in foods like fatty fish, eggs, fortified milk, and mushrooms such as shiitake and reishi. It's best to take vitamin D with a form of magnesium (such as magnesium citrate or taurate), which increases its absorption. Look at here to find out additional info about CarnoSyn.

Folate

Folic acid is part of the Vitamin B complex, a group of water-soluble vitamins that plays an essential role in several bodily functions. It is well-known for its fertility benefits, but it also helps create healthy red blood cells and promotes the health of nerves and muscles.

Dietary folate is naturally occurring and can be found in whole foods like spinach, broccoli, kale, beans, lentils, avocado, egg yolks, and meat. Most multivitamins also contain this important nutrient, which is also available as synthetic folic acid or 5-methyltetrahydrofolate (5-MTHF). Vitamin D is another important nutrient that’s linked to improved sperm count and healthy prostate.

Calcium

Men can easily get most of the micronutrients they need through a well-balanced diet that includes a rainbow of vegetables, a variety of lean proteins, and whole grains. In some cases, however, the men's health supplements recommended above may be needed to fill in the gaps.

Calcium is important for bone health and is found in dairy products, dark leafy greens, and certain processed foods (like orange juice and some yogurts). Most healthy adults should aim to meet the daily recommended intake of calcium.

Vitamin D is also key for bone health and can be obtained from foods like salmon or other fatty fish or from supplements that are fortified with vitamin D (like cereals, margarine, and some brands of orange juice). Like calcium, most healthy adults should aim to meet the daily recommended amount of vitamin D.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Men have a unique nutritional requirement. A multivitamin designed specifically for men can help bridge gaps in their diet.

Omega-3 fatty acids are critical for heart health and brain function. A good source of omega-3 is cold-water fish (salmon, trout, tuna) or algae-based omega-3 supplements.

Zinc is an essential mineral for men, playing a role in testosterone production and prostate health. It also supports wound healing and healthy immune function. A high intake of vitamin C helps support a strong immune system. Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is an antioxidant that supports heart health and energy production and reduces oxidative stress, but levels decline with age.

CoQ10

A powerful antioxidant, CoQ10 improves energy production in cells and acts as an antioxidant to protect against oxidative damage. Research suggests it may help with a range of conditions, including heart disease.

A recent study found that CoQ10 supplements reduced the effects of daunorubicin (Cerubidin) and doxorubicin (Adriamycin) - two chemotherapy medications used to treat certain cancers – on the heart. CoQ10 might also reduce the heart-related side effects of betaxolol drops (Betoptic) in people with glaucoma.

Look for men's multivitamins that provide the vitamins and minerals you need in a dose appropriate to men's needs. They are available in capsules, pills, gummies, chews, mixable powders and more.

Magnesium

Men have special nutritional needs throughout their lives. These include maintaining healthy testosterone and other hormone levels, keeping blood pressure in check and supporting a strong immune system.

Magnesium is involved in 80% of the body's biochemical reactions. It is essential for bone health and supports muscle and nerve function. It also helps to regulate blood sugar, and promotes a healthy heart and normal cellular activity.

Good sources of magnesium include leafy green vegetables, nuts (especially almonds and cashews), bananas, fish, and some whole grains. Magnesium supplements are available in a variety of forms, including magnesium citrate, magnesium sulfate heptahydrate (Epsom salts) and magnesium oxide.