8 Things Every Man Should Look for In a Multivitamin

8 Things Every Man Should Look for In a Multivitamin

There's a lot of information about the pros and cons of taking male multivitamins flying around. It can be hard to know what information to disregard.

The truth is multivitamins are beneficial in some instances – but not all are equal.

Keep reading as we unpack what every man needs to consider before purchasing a comprehensive multivitamin supplement.

What are multivitamins, and why should you take them?

A multivitamin is a synergistic combination of vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients typically taken once or twice a day. It protects against deficiencies and supports cellular health. A daily multivitamin is great for men in all stages of life because – let's face it – we men don't always prioritise fruit and vegetables! 

All jokes aside, even the most health-conscious among us struggle to meet all the daily nutrient demands for a whole host of reasons including hectic lifestyles and due to depleted soil and food processing. A multivitamin works a bit like an insurance policy, giving you room to relax and enjoy your life, knowing you're not missing out on any important nutrients.

Research shows multivitamins may have some impressive health-promoting benefits, including:

  • Increased feelings of alertness and well-being1
  • Lower risk of heart disease2
  • Reduced risk of cancer3
  • Improved memory4
  • Lower anxiety5

It may also help you reach a healthy weight!6

What must I look when choosing a new male multivitamin?

Here's what to look for when choosing the right male multivitamin:

How to choose male multivitamins

1. Choose capsules over tablets

Multivitamins come in many forms – from capsules, tablets, and gummies to powders and liquids.

For optimal convenience and bioavailability, capsules are best. Capsules are easy on the digestive tract and fast-acting due to a dissolving shell that allows you to access the nutrients quickly. They're more bioavailable, meaning more nutrients are absorbed by your body into your bloodstream, so you get more bang for your buck!

2. Avoid fillers

Fillers are ingredients that manufacturers use to fill up capsules and make them bigger, improve appearance, and reduce the cost of production. They are also known as excipients, binders, or bulking agents – and they provide absolutely no nutritional value. While some fillers may be necessary for product stability, the large majority are unnecessary.

Look out for these fillers and avoid them:

  • Magnesium stearate: A lubricant that speeds up production times.
  • Silicon dioxide: Silicon dioxide is a flow agent that absorbs moisture, preventing ingredients from clumping together.
  • Titanium dioxide: A white colourant used to make supplements look "cleaner". Unfortunately, it might contribute to oxidative stress and inflammation7. It's found in paint – so why would you need it in your body?
  • Talc: Also known as magnesium silicate, talc is a fine powder that no one should ingest!

At For Chaps, we strive to produce pure supplements that provide only active compounds.

3. Look for allergen-free products

If you're trying to improve your health with a quality multivitamin, you want to avoid products containing potential allergens.

Check labels for common allergens such as gluten, dairy, eggs, soy, artificial sweeteners, and MSG. Steer clear of ingredients listed as FD&C Red #3, FD&C Red #40, FD&C Blue #2, aspartame, acesulfame, and sucralose. These are artificial colours and sweeteners with undesirable health effects.

4. Prioritise sustainability

Vote with your pocket by taking an interest in the production methods of companies. After all, it's not good to improve your health at the expense of the environment.

While you may not be able to tick all the sustainability boxes when choosing a product, you can ask the following questions:

  • Is the company invested in sustainability?
  • Are the products made in the UK?
  • Where are the ingredients sourced?
  • Does the company use green energy?
  • Is the packaging recycled?

Our For Chaps men's multivitamin – and all our supplements – are made locally in the UK. We do our bit by using green energy during the manufacturing process and recycled materials for our packaging

5. Trust formulations developed by experts

Look for products formulated by experts – a nutritionist, a dietitian, a doctor, or a pharmacist. A professional formulation assures you're consuming the correct ratio of nutrients in the ideal forms for good health.

6. Look for nutrients in their most bioavailable forms

Micronutrients come in various forms, not all of which are well absorbed. Some popular multivitamins contain inactive forms of nutrients to save money and undercut their competitors. It's a waste of your money – and could even cause harm.

We know most people don't have time to research the most bioavailable forms of nutrients. Here's a cheat sheet from us to you:

  1. Avoid the oxide form of minerals – like magnesium oxide or zinc oxide. These are cheap and difficult to absorb. Instead, look for chelated minerals like magnesium citrate and zinc citrate, which have a much higher bioavailability.
  2. Look for calcium citrate and stay away from calcium carbonate as it's difficult to absorb and may create calcium deposits in your tissues.
  3. Avoid the synthetic form of vitamin E known as DL-Alpha Tocopherol. Look for the naturally occurring D-Alpha Tocopherol (a small but important difference).
  4. Vitamin B12 should be in the form of methylcobalamin – a biologically active, methylated form of B12 for neurological function.
  5. Only take the active form of Vitamin D, known as cholecalciferol or vitamin D3. Vitamin D2 is not well-absorbed by humans8.

These are the optimal forms to look for when choosing a men's multi.

7. Find a product that suits your needs

Not all multivitamins for men are suitable for every man. You need something that's right for your needs and stage of life.

For example, if you have any specific nutrient deficiencies – like B12, iron, or vitamin D – your supplement must contain the necessary nutrients in the most absorbable forms. If you and your partner are trying to conceive, you should take a supplement that targets male fertility. If you're battling chronic stress, find a product that contains vitamin B-complex and herbs like Rhodiola.  

8. Look for nutrients targeted to men's health

A well-balanced multivitamin for men should contain all the essential nutrients for optimal health not made in the body — vitamins A, C, D3, E, K1, K2, B-complex vitamins, calcium, magnesium, zinc, boron, selenium, copper, manganese, and chromium.

There are also a few male-specific nutrients that your men's multivitamin should have:

  • Saw palmetto is a herbal extract that supports male health by preserving testosterone levels9, preventing hair loss10, and reducing prostate enlargement11. It can shrink the prostate tissue and reduce urinary tract symptoms.
  • Pumpkin seed extract contains active compounds linked to a healthy prostate and urinary tract in men12.
  • Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is an antioxidant nutrient essential for energy production and exercise performance.13 For men on statin medication for high cholesterol, replacing CoQ10 is essential.14
  • Beta-sitosterol is a phytosterol compound that improves hormone levels and reduces prostate enlargement in males15.

Final Thoughts

Your health depends on eating a high-quality and varied diet, exercising regularly, getting quality sleep, creating social connections, and managing your stress levels. However, using a daily multivitamin is a form of insurance that protects you against the toll life can take on your mind and body.

For Chaps Men's Multivitamin is a comprehensive nutritional formula developed and approved by a qualified nutritionist. Our capsules are proudly made in the UK, using the cleanest premium-quality ingredients to ensure you’re getting the best value for your money.

 

This article was created for informational purposes only and does not necessarily represent the views of For Chaps Ltd. It is not, nor is it intended to be, a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and should never be relied upon for specific medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

 

Resources

  1. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22095836/
  2. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12888653/
  3. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23162860/
  4. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22711385/
  5. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6574322/
  6. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17977472/
  7. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26391178/
  8. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3349454/
  9. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25183955/
  10. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12006122/
  11. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22522969/
  12. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25196580/
  13. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3661336/
  14. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17493470/
  15. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7333342/
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