Navigating the Multivitamin Aisle: A Registered Dietitians Guide to Choosing the Best Multivitamins for Men

When it comes to maintaining optimal health, a good multivitamin can be a game-changer. Even with a balanced diet, it's easy to fall short on essential nutrients due to factors like hectic schedules, dietary preferences, or the natural effects of aging. Multivitamins offer a convenient way to get the vitamins and minerals your body needs to thrive. But with so many options on the market, how do you choose the right one? Here's a comprehensive guide to help you find the best men's multivitamin for your unique needs.

Quick Overview:

• Best overall: Thorne Basic Nutrients 2/Day
• Best value: Nature Made Multivitamin For Him
• Best high dose: Nordic Naturals Men’s Multivitamin Extra Strength
• Best organic: Garden of Life Organics Men's Once Daily Tablets
• Best vegan: Future Kind Vegan Multivitamins
• Best gummy: SmartyPants Multivitamin for Men
• Best for men over 50: MegaFood Men's 55+ Advanced

Types of Men's Multivitamins:

1. Gummy: Good for men who dislike swallowing pills. However, gummies are often high in added sugar and contain gelatin, so they might not be the best option for men trying to manage their blood sugar levels or those following a vegan or vegetarian diet.
2. Liquid: Suitable for those who don't like swallowing pills. Liquid vitamins may also be more quickly absorbed since your body doesn't have to break down a capsule. The main downside is the limited number of liquid multivitamins to choose from.
3. Capsules/tablets: The majority of men's multivitamins are in the form of capsules or tablets. Soft gels tend to be easier to swallow and might also be more readily absorbed than tablets because they contain liquid rather than powder ingredients.
4. Age-specific: Formulated to address changing nutrient needs and concerns as men age. Good for older adults who are more likely to experience symptoms of prostate enlargement.
5. Athletic performance: Formulated to meet the demands of highly active individuals. Look for products that are certified safe for sport by NSF, Labdoor, or Informed Sport.
6. Organic/whole food-based: Nutrients are derived from whole foods rather than being made in a lab. If you prefer to eat mostly organic, look for multivitamins that are USDA-certified organic.
7. High potency: Offer higher doses of certain nutrients and might be a good option for men at an increased risk for multiple nutrient deficiencies. Just keep in mind that more isn't always better, and high-dose supplements should only be taken when recommended by a healthcare professional.
8. Vegan: Look for multivitamins that are cruelty-free or certified vegan if you follow a vegan lifestyle. Some companies offer multivitamins specifically formulated to bridge common gaps in vegan diets.

Factors to Consider When Purchasing a Men's Multivitamin:

1. Age-specific formulation: Look for a multivitamin formulated specifically for your stage of life since nutrient needs and health concerns change as men age.
2. Nutrient content and dosages: The types and amounts of nutrients to look for largely depend on your diet, age, health status, and activity level. A well-rounded multivitamin should cover your bases for B vitamins (including vitamin B12, folate, and vitamin B6), vitamin C, vitamin D, and minerals like magnesium and zinc. Unless you're at risk for nutrient deficiencies, you likely don't need a multivitamin offering extra high nutrient doses.