With literally hundreds of supplements on the market, do you know what they do or which ones are the best for you to take as a male? See our quick run down guide for an idea of where to get started!
Vitamins for men are very important – by taking vitamins and supplements you could help to boost your energy levels while also protecting yourself against a wide range of potential illnesses and diseases. Although diet is also essential for maintaining health, you can give your diet a helpful hand by taking vitamins for men.
Following are the most common types of vitamins for men – please note: this guide is for informational purposes only, if you are unsure as to the kind of vitamins for men that would be of benefit to you, it is important to consult your doctor or other medical practitioner for further advice.
The first common vitamin for men is boron. Surveys have suggested that men with higher Boron intake levels are around 65% less likely to develop prostate cancer than those men who have lower intake levels.
You may be able to find boron supplements in your local chemists or health shop, however, you can also find boron in food sources such as in raisins and almonds, so if possible try to up your intake of boron by taking supplements or making small adjustments to your diet.
The next popular vitamin for men is calcium. Calcium is great for anyone who wants to lose weight and strengthen their bones, although studies have suggested that many men are not getting their recommended 1,000 mg of calcium a day (for guidance, a single cup of milk has around 300 mg of calcium). It has also been suggested that men with higher calcium intake levels generally weigh less on average than those men who tend to intake less calcium in their diets.
Again, calcium supplements can usually be bought in your local chemists or health shop; however, foods such as milk and cheese contain naturally high levels of calcium. It is important not to note that the maximum daily intake of calcium is 2,500 mg.
Glucosamine is another recommended vitamin for men, especially for those who are middle aged or older. In effect, glucosamine works by greasing your joints, reducing joint pain and stiffness and potentially preventing the occurrence/progression of osteoarthritis in the knees.
Glucosamine supplements can be bought quite easily and you can also get glucosamine cream that can be rubbed directly onto sore joints to relieve pain.
Omega-3 fatty acids have also been proven to protect the heart, keeping it beating regularly and helping to keep blood pressure and triglyceride levels low. By making the blood ‘slicker’, omega-3 fatty acids can help to reduce the risk of blocked arteries and blood clots; both of which are contributing factors to varying forms of heart disease.
It is recommended that average men obtain 1,000 mg a day, whereas those with heart problems may need 2,000 to 4,000 mg a day. Omega-3 fatty acid supplements can be obtained from chemists or health shops and various foods also contain added Omega-3. However, you should ask for your doctor’s advice if you are unsure as to the correct levels that you should be taking.
Finally, another recommended vitamin for men is Vitamin E. Studies would suggest that Vitamin E, one of the most potent antioxidants, can help to slow the effects of aging while also helping to reduce muscle damage after exercise.
Further studies by medical professionals would also imply that regular Vitamin E intake can also help to reduce the risk of developing a range of medical conditions including heart disease, cancers, eye diseases and even Alzheimer's disease. Again, if you are unsure as to whether or not you require Vitamin E supplements, it is wise to consult advice from a medical professional.