Best Men's Health and Lifestyle

If you are like me, you have heard most of your life that you need to take a multivitamin. It started when I was a kid and my mother gave me Flintsone vitamins every morning.

If you are also like me, you have some conceptual idea of why you need to take a multivitamin; but the truth is you don’t know what multivitamins do or which multivitamin to take. And if you are really like me, you are now probably wishing that you had paid closer attention in your high school science class (sorry Mr. Yager for blowing off your Science class in 11^th grade).

Well, forget about the past, this article will tell you why you should take a multivitamin and which are best for men over the age of 50.

In this article you will learn,

• What are vitamins and minerals?
• What is the difference between vitamins and minerals?
• Multivitamins
• What does a multivitamin do for your body?
• Is it necessary for men over 50 to take a multivitamin?
• Is it good to take a multivitamin every day?
• When should multivitamins be taken?
• Can I take multivitamins with prescription medication?
• Are multivitamins regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)?
• Top 5 Essential Multivitamin for Men over 50

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As you are getting older you have learned the importance of a more active and healthier lifestyle. You want to include a multivitamin but you have questions such as,

1. What are vitamins?
2. Do I really need to take a multivitamin?
3. I don’t know the difference between vitamins and minerals or if they are the same.
4. Which multivitamin should I take?
5. And most importantly, do multivitamins work?

Well, let’s get started and get you on your way to living your best life after 50.

What are vitamins and minerals?

Before we get into vitamin supplements, let’s learn what are vitamins and minerals. Vitamins and minerals are nutrients that our bodies need to survive and maintain optimal health. Although our bodies are wonderfully made, we require nutrients to help keep them wonderful and fully functional.

Vitamins and minerals perform different functions for the health and well-being of our bodies such as helping to fight off infections, strengthen your nerves, they provide your body energy by helping the enzymes that generate energy from nutrients. Vitamins and minerals serve and have many other required functions and benefits.

What is the difference between vitamins and minerals?

So, a question that I had, and perhaps you have it as well; is there a difference between vitamins and minerals, and if so, what?

Vitamins

• Vitamins are organic substances that are made by plants or animals.
• There are 13 vitamins that are broken out into two types – fat-soluble and water-soluble. Fat-soluble vitamins are stored in our fat cells which requires fat in order to be absorbed. Water-soluble vitamins are not stored in our bodies so consequently they must be replenished on a daily basis. Our bodies take what it needs and excrete what it does not need as waste.

Minerals

• Minerals are inorganic elements that come from the earth, soil, and water and are absorbed by plants.
• Our bodies need many different minerals known as Essential Minerals. Essential minerals like vitamins are broken out into two categories – major minerals (macrominerals) and trace minerals (microminerals). 

You may be surprised to learn that when you eat foods that are non-processed and plant-based you are able to get the proper vitamins and minerals your body requires.

Of course, there are those with certain rare diseases whose body cannot absorb certain vitamins and minerals and may need to take a supplement, but for the vast majority of folks, we can get the required vitamins and minerals through a healthy eating routine. Read my article on Superfoods.

Multivitamins

Now that you have a better understanding of vitamins and minerals, let’s jump right into multivitamins.

Multivitamins are a supplement that packages these vitamins, minerals, and other ingredients—herbs, amino acids, and fatty acids—into one neat little pill, tablet, capsule, powders, or in liquid form.

What does a multivitamin do for your body?

Taking a multivitamin can help ensure that your body is getting the essential nutrients it needs to support overall health and well-being. However, it’s important to remember that a multivitamin should not replace a healthy diet, as whole foods contain a wide range of other beneficial compounds that are not found in vitamin supplements.

Is it necessary for men over 50 to take a multivitamin?

As I researched this topic, what I discovered is that because we can get the required nutrients (vitamins and minerals) from a proper diet (eating healthy foods), taking a multivitamin may not be necessary.

However, as you and I get older, we find that we need more of a particular vitamin and/or mineral than we did when we were younger. Working with your doctor he or she will be able to identify what vitamin and/or mineral you may be lacking. I know personally, I am deficient in vitamin D and you may be as well.

Taking a high-quality multivitamin can help ensure that men over 50 are getting the essential vitamins and minerals they need to support overall health and well-being.

Note: What I found very interesting is that it is possible to have too much specific vitamin and/or mineral in your body which can be harmful. Not to mention if you are taking a multivitamin and you don’t require the additional supplement or added ingredients, then you are paying for something you may not need. In researching multivitamins, I learned that it is wise to stay away from products with the label “mega-dose.”

As we get older there are vitamins that we are not getting enough of such as vitamin E, vitamin B6, Magnesium, vitamin B12, Folate, and vitamin D.

Work with your doctor and if he or she informs you that you are lacking a certain vitamin or mineral, your doctor may tell you to supplement it with the specifically required vitamin.

So, what’s the answer to the question, is it necessary for men over 50 to take a multivitamin? Well, that depends. If you learn that you are actually missing or not getting enough of a certain vitamin or mineral and you are 50 and older and/or you are not getting the proper nutrients from your diet, then chances are a multivitamin is perfect for you.  

Is it good to take a multivitamin every day?

Taking a multivitamin every day can be a good way to ensure that you are getting the essential vitamins and minerals your body needs to function properly as a man over 50. But as I have mentioned, a multivitamin should not be viewed as a substitute for a healthy diet and lifestyle.

While a balanced diet that includes a variety of nutrient-dense foods is the best way to get the vitamins and minerals your body needs, taking a daily multivitamin can help fill in any nutritional gaps in your diet.

Note: It is important to follow the recommended dosage instructions on the multivitamin packaging, as taking too many vitamins and minerals can be harmful to your health. Additionally, some vitamins and minerals can interact with certain medications, so it’s a good idea to talk to your doctor or a registered dietitian before starting any new supplement regimen.

When should multivitamins be taken?

Multivitamins can be taken at any time of the day, but it’s generally recommended to take them with a meal to help with absorption and reduce the risk of gastrointestinal side effects. The specific timing of when you take your multivitamin may depend on your individual needs and preferences.

If you’re taking a multivitamin that contains iron, it’s important to take it with food because iron can cause stomach upset on an empty stomach. On the other hand, if your multivitamin contains B vitamins, taking it in the morning may be beneficial because these vitamins can help boost energy levels and improve mood.

Can I take multivitamins with prescription medication?

Whether or not you can take multivitamins with prescription medication depends on the specific medications you are taking and the specific multivitamin supplement you are considering. Some vitamins and minerals can interact with certain prescription medications, which can affect the effectiveness of the medication or cause side effects.

Therefore, it’s important to consult with a healthcare professional, such as a doctor or pharmacist, before taking any supplements, including multivitamins, especially if you’re taking prescription medication. They can advise you on potential interactions and suggest ways to minimize any risks.

In some cases, taking certain vitamins or minerals along with prescription medications can actually be beneficial. For example, some medications may deplete levels of certain nutrients in the body, and taking a multivitamin can help replenish those nutrients. However, this should always be done under the guidance of a healthcare professional.

Ultimately, it’s important to be open and honest with your healthcare provider about all the supplements and medications you are taking to ensure your health and safety.

Are multivitamins regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)?

Yes, but perhaps not how you think. The FDA requires supplement manufacturers to ensure the safety and proper labeling of their products, as well as comply with good manufacturing practices.

However, the regulation of dietary supplements is different from that of prescription and over-the-counter medications. While medications must undergo rigorous testing to prove their safety and effectiveness before they can be sold to the public, dietary supplements do not have to undergo the same level of testing. Instead, the FDA regulates supplements under the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA), which requires that manufacturers ensure their products are safe and accurately labeled, but does not require pre-market approval.

This means that it’s important for consumers to be cautious when purchasing and using dietary supplements, including multivitamins. It’s a good idea to do research on the supplement and the manufacturer before making a purchase, as well as consult with a healthcare professional before taking any new supplements. Additionally, it’s important to always follow the dosage instructions on the label and not exceed the recommended daily dose. The supplement may have more or fewer levels of nutrients that are listed on the label or none at all.

Top 5 Essential Multivitamins for Men over 50

Because you are a man over 50 you require a multivitamin that is specifically designed for you. Here is a list of the top 5 multivitamins with their pros and cons for men aged 50 and over.

 

Nature Made Pros

• Low price.
• Popular brand.
• It contains no iron.
• 22 key nutrients for daily nutritional support.

Nature Made Cons

• May interact with certain medications.

Centrum Silver Pros

• Popular brand.
• Easy-to-swallow tablet.
• Product claim: Heart, Brain, Eye & Whole-Body Health Support.

Centrum Silver Cons

• Do not take this product if taking vitamin A supplements.

Alive! Pros

• Gluten and gelatin-free. 
• Product claim: Provides nourishment for heart, digestion, energy, immunity, eyes, & bone support.

Alive! Cons

• May need to get accustomed to the taste.

Naturelo Pros

• GMO-Free, Soy Free, Gluten Free, No Gelatin, No Preservatives, Coloring, or Flavoring.
• It’s in capsule form for better digestion support and faster absorption.

Naturelo Cons

• A bit pricey.

Alive! Pros

• Contains food-based Orchard Fruits & Garden Veggies powder blend (60 mg per serving), plus Cardio, Digestive Enzyme, Daily Greens, and more blends.
• Gluten-free. No artificial colors.

Alive! Cons

• May upset stomach.

Take Aways

1. Vitamins and minerals are important nutrients that your body needs to survive and maintain optimal health.
2. Many of the natural foods and plant-based diets provide the required vitamins and minerals you need. But as you get older, your body will need help acquiring those much-needed vitamins and minerals. In comes the multivitamin.
3. No matter the form you take your multivitamin, as a man over the age of 50 you may want to make taking a multivitamin a part of your daily routine.

Go to the comment section and let us know your thoughts.

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