If you’re a man over 50 looking for help in the nutrition department, multivitamins may be an option to consider. Only 12.5% of adults ages 51 and older eat the recommended amount of vegetables per day, and men are at an especially high risk of not getting enough produce of any kind, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)[1] . The less fruit and vegetables a person eats a day, the less vitamins and minerals they are likely consuming, which can affect their overall health in the long run.
Most basic multivitamins provide almost all (if not all) of the vitamins and minerals a person should be getting on a daily basis[2]. While they’re not a substitute for whole foods, multivitamins can certainly help fill nutient gaps if you find it difficult to eat all of the fruits and vegetables you should—which is at least 2 cups of fruit and 3 cups of vegetables a day, depending on your age and sex, according to the CDC.
There’s a plethora of multivitamins out there—even among the ones formulated specifically for men over 50 (since nutrition needs change with age). To make your search easier, the Forbes Health editorial team consulted a panel of three experts on their top multivitamin recommendations. Star ratings were assigned solely by the editorial team, based on factors such as cost and user satisfaction. If you’re considering trying a multivitamin, read on to see which ones made our list.
Note: Prices and availability are accurate as of publication, and are subject to change.
Nutrition
Functional Medicine, Family Medicine, Certified Integrative Medicine Physician
Food / Nutrition / Food Safety
To source the best multivitamins for men over 50 of 2022, the Forbes Health editorial team asked experts on the Forbes Health Advisory Board to share their top picks and why they recommend them. Rankings were then determined solely by the editorial team and based on factors, such as cost and user satisfaction.
As you age, the amount of nutrients you need shifts slightly due to changes in your bone density, metabolism and digestive system. Physical activity (or lack thereof) and chronic conditions can also play a role in the amount of vitamins and nutrients your body needs.
While there isn’t too much variance in the Recommended Daily Amount (RDA) of certain vitamins for men who are over 50 compared to those who are younger, the National Institute on Aging recommends men 51 and older make adjustments to their diet, including:
National data reports suggest most U.S. adults could use a little help in the area of nutrition. If you’re someone who regularly eats a nutritious diet full of fruits, vegetables and whole grains and limits processed foods, sugary foods and red meat, you may not need a multivitamin. However, it’s best to speak to your health care provider before making a change to your wellness regimen and to see if a multivitamin is right for you.
For most people, multivitamins are safe. However, certain vitamins commonly included in a multi, such as vitamin K, can interact with medications like blood thinners. Because of this interaction, it’s important to talk with your doctor before starting a multivitamin, as they can help advise on any possible interactions.
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