Multivitamin For Men
Multivitamin products are a combination of vitamins and minerals that we normally get from food and natural sources. In most cases, these nutrients are hard to acquire from a normal diet in required amounts and hence need to be supplemented. Multivitamins are also used to treat vitamin deficiency that can be caused by pregnancy, illness, digestive disorders, poor nutrition, and others.
Men vary from women in their physical makeup and biological functioning; hence have different nutrition needs. This guide will be focused on the multivitamins and supplements that men need.
Essential vitamins and minerals present in a typical multivitamin for men & their benefits to the body
The Vitamins
Vitamin A
Indeed, vitamin A is necessary to both women and men for improved night vision, but this vitamin’s deficiency causes lung cancer in men. Men, therefore, need to take this in higher amounts. Multivitamin supplements can help in this.
Vitamin K
Vitamin K is crucial to the body as it helps in blood clotting, preventing excessive bleeding when one is cut or gets an injury. It also helps in building broken bones, reducing the instances of fractures. Additionally, it aids in maintaining vascular health by preventing the buildup of calcium along blood vessel walls.
Vitamin C
This helps in the growth and development of the body by promoting healthy bone, muscle, skin, gum, cell membranes, and tendons and repair damaged body tissues. It is also an antioxidant that helps the body fight harmful oxidants. It prevents cardiovascular diseases in men and helps treat bone strength in men who work out regularly.
Thiamin (Vitamin B1)
Thiamin helps body cells convert carbohydrates into energy which is used to provide the energy required by the body for metabolism and general body functioning.
Men need more thiamin since they eat more and require to convert the food into energy that they also need in plenty.
Thiamin is also known to prevent several health conditions such as congestive heart failure, cancer, memory loss, cataracts, diabetes, intestine, and stomach complications.
Riboflavin (Vitamin B2)
Riboflavin is used in energy production by breaking down carbohydrates, proteins, and fats and is necessary for the body’s overall growth and functioning. It is used in the development and functioning of vital organs, blood cells, digestive tract, and skin. It also allows oxygen to be used in the body. As it helps in the breakdown of proteins, riboflavin is necessary for men who are consuming a lot of protein to build muscles.
Niacin (Vitamin B3)
Niacin is present in most daily multivitamin supplements for men as it is essential to the body. It keeps the nervous system, skin, and digestive system healthy. This vitamin also aids enzymes in converting energy as it is a component of NAD and NADP, coenzymes involved in cellular metabolism.
Other benefits of Niacin include; treating diabetes, boosting brain functioning, reducing symptoms of arthritis, regulating cholesterol levels, and treating pellagra.
Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 helps keep the nerves and body cells healthy. It is beneficial to the body as it helps prevent megaloblastic anemia, which is characterized by general body weakness and tiredness.
The hydrochloric acid in the stomach must separate vitamin B12 from protein consumed as food for it to do its purpose. Older men don’t have sufficient amounts of the acid and thus, it becomes impossible for vitamin B12 to be available in their bodies. Multivitamin supplements containing vitamin B12 can be a perfect solution to cater for the deficiency.
Other benefits of vitamin B12 include improved athletic performance and energy, preventing and treating dementia, and reducing cardiovascular disease risks such as heart attack or stroke.
The minerals
Minerals are also essential components of multivitamins for men. The most common ones are:
Zinc
Zinc is crucial to the male reproduction system and sexuality as a daily zinc supplement improves sexual competence.
Low zinc levels are known to delay sexual development in males. Zinc is also linked to testosterone levels, sperm motility and count, prostate vigor, and fertility.
Zinc helps boost the immune system and it is used in wound healing, improving metabolism and sense of taste and smell. Other body functions facilitated by zinc include growth and development, DNA synthesis, gene expression, protein synthesis, and enzymatic reactions.
Chromium
This mineral enhances insulin roles of regulating blood sugar and converting carbohydrates, fats, and proteins into metabolic products. Regular and strenuous bodybuilding and strength training exercises deplete chromium in men and hence they need multivitamin supplements.
Manganese
Manganese is used to create enzymes that control how the body converts carbohydrates. It also builds bones, supports healthy brain functions, maintains cholesterol levels, and heals wounds.
People with more iron tend to have low manganese absorption and since men generally have more iron in their body, they are affected by this. Multivitamin supplements containing manganese are therefore crucial for men.
Fluoride
This mineral is used in strengthening bone by increasing bone density and since men have larger bones than women, they need more fluoride amounts. Other health benefits of fluoride to the body include reversing early signs of tooth decay, preventing harmful oral bacteria, and rebuilding weakened tooth enamel.
Magnesium
Studies have indicated that men don’t consume enough magnesium, yet it is very beneficial to their bodies. The good thing is that they can supplement it using multivitamin products. Magnesium is used in the following processes in the body: energy creation, gene maintenance, muscle movement, protein formation, and nervous system regulation.
Men with a deficit of magnesium are at risk of conditions such as anxiety, depression, colon cancer, heart disease, and attention deficit problems.
Factors that affect the absorption of vitamins from supplements
Nutrient delivery systems
The nutrient delivery systems affect the bioavailability of the vitamins and the quantities in the bloodstream. The acid in the stomach attacks vitamin tablets and may destroy essential nutrients. Enteric coatings are necessary to prevent this.
Dietary fat
Fat is needed for the storage and release of fat-soluble vitamins such as vitamin D and it is also essential for the absorption of the Vitamins in the small intestine. Lack of fatty acids in the diet reduces the delivery of fat-soluble vitamins.
Poor health, toxicity, and aging
These factors affect the absorption of vitamins in the body, as metabolism absorption pathways involved are compromised. Excessive intake of alcohol inhibits the production of enzymes in the liver, reducing the absorption of thiamin.
Enzymes
Some enzymes stimulate vitamin absorption while others inhibit it. Some enzymes that inhibit and deactivate thiamin (vitamin B1) are present in fish. Also, proteinase inhibitors in raw fruits and vegetables affect vitamin absorption.
Signs of vitamin deficiency in men
• Bleeding gums
• Hair loss
• Presence of brittle nails
• The occurrence of mouth ulcers
• Poor night vision
• Infertility
Qualities of the best multivitamin supplements for men
• One that contains natural ingredients
• Supplement with no allergic reactions
• One with high purity and that has conforms to tests.
• Those with no color, additives, or fillers
• Supplements with vitamins and minerals that are easily absorbed in the body
Conclusion
The benefits of vitamins to the body are endless and actually, most body functions are not possible without these vitamins. The types and quantities of vitamins required by men differ from those required by women due to physical, psychological and biological processes. Our Ultra Pride Multivitamin for Men supplement has all the necessary vitamins and minerals and is sufficiently tested and verified to benefit men. Visit our products page to check out this product and others meant to improve your health and well-being.
