No matter how hard you try to get your diet perfect, it's always a good idea to bridge nutritional gaps with dietary supplements.
And for men over 50, the need for certain vitamins and minerals goes beyond just an immune system boost. So many other things like muscle, brain, and bone health rely on a steady supply of vitamins and minerals.
As a certified fitness trainer with over nine years of experience, I teamed with my dietitian and researched and tested a lot of men's multivitamin supplements.
We devised a list of the ones that stood out best for you.
Our Top 8 Best Multivitamins For Men Over 50 (September 2023)
1 - Ritual Multivitamin Essential for Men 50+ (Editor's Choice)
We picked Ritual’s multivitamin for men over 50 as the top supplement on this list because of its traceable ingredients and noticeable effects on the body.
It has everything you need to improve your heart, bone, muscle, and immune health—and you only need two pills daily to experience its benefits.
Based on our research, many users have attested to its effectiveness, saying that their energy levels have improved since they began using the product.
We also liked the thoughtful design of the delayed-release capsules, which ensures that the formula remains gentle on the stomach and is absorbed properly.
Each batch of Ritual’s multivitamin supplement also undergoes a series of rigorous testing to affirm the product’s identity, purity, strength, and composition.
- Main Nutrients : Vitamin A, D, K2, B12, E
- Contains 10 science-backed ingredients
- Improves heart, bone, muscle, and immune health
- Increases energy levels
- Gluten-free, GMO, major allergens, and artificial colorants
- Some customers get fishy burps after taking the pills
2 - ONNIT Total Human
ONNIT understands that providing total body support is the best way to help the inevitable aging process. They have done just that with their Total Human supplement packs.
ONNIT divides the daily doses into easy-to-use day and night packs that target what you need at the proper time of the day.
For example, the day packs include their Alpha Brain formula for boosting cognitive ability and B vitamins for energy.
Night packs promote relaxation, and ONNIT put its New Mood formula, which contains Valerian root and lemon balm, to support serotonin production.
One thing aging affects is swallowing, making pills and tablets tricky to take. We liked that users that have difficulty taking pills can open the capsules and dissolve the contents in water. ONNIT does not recommend doing this to the one gel capsule in the pack.
- Total body support, along with diet and exercise, supports the aging process
- Convenient, easy-to-use packs
- If taking pills is an issue, you can open capsules and dissolve contents in water
- Contains shellfish (krill), which could be a problem for some
3 - Performance Lab NutriGenesis® Multi for Men
Our top-rated vitamin and mineral supplement comes from Performance Lab.
We put this one at the top of our list as it has the widest range of essential vitamins and minerals to cover everything from an improved immune system to prostate health.
We also liked that the company has added vitamin K to the formula, which has been linked to improved heart functions [1].
And combined with vitamin D3, you should have the most important vitamins to prevent age-related bone loss. It might be worth trying out and then getting the bulk order discounts.
- It contains 17 minerals and vitamins specifically chosen for men's health
- Includes vitamin K1 and K2 for improved bone and heart health
- Lists enough vitamin D3 to get an immune boost in winter months
- May provide a good dose of zinc for testosterone and prostate health
- Main Nutrients : Vitamin E, D, and B complex
- It contains 17 minerals and vitamins specifically chosen for men's health
- Includes vitamin K1 and K2 for improved heart health and bone health
- Lists enough vitamin D3 to get an immune boost in winter months
- May provide a good dose of zinc for testosterone and prostate health
- You need to take four capsules per day
4 - Nature Made Men's Multi 50+
Practically all the vitamins on the label come in a dose that exceeds your daily intake requirements, with the exception of vitamin K. But it's important to see all the vitamins for energy in a significant supply.
There's also more than enough folic acid, which scientists have recommended as one of the essential nutrients for brain health and memory [2].
We liked that this supplement has a large dose of vitamin D3. Most older men could end up deficient in the winter months, leading to bone density issues. It's a critical vitamin for healthy bones.
- Main Nutrients : Vitamin C, D, E, B complex
- High dose of B vitamins to give you more energy
- Added folate may support memory and brain health
- Strong enough vitamin D3 amount for the winter months
- Could be stronger in calcium for improved bones
5 - Garden of Life Multivitamin for Men
This is one of the unique dietary supplements in that the company has focused on selecting fewer essential nutrients but then making sure that the dose is high enough.
The only exception is vitamin D, where our registered dietitian pointed out that a higher dose might be helpful during the winter months.
Everything else, including zinc, is included for at least 100% of the daily need. Having all those essential nutrients supplementing your diet should give you a significant overall health boost, including eye health.
Users have said that they feel more energized from the B vitamins, and they suffer fewer colds due to a healthy immune system.
- Main Nutrients : Vitamin A, B, C, D, E
- Available in bulk-order bottles to last six months
- All vitamins are supplied in at least 100% daily requirements
- A good dose of zinc for hormone balance and to prevent prostate cancer
- The dose of vitamin D could be stronger to support the immune system in the winter
6 - GNC Mega Men 50 Plus
GNC is another supplement that we would recommend because it has key nutrients in a strong enough dose to improve immunity, cardiovascular health and possibly help prevent prostate cancer risk.
The generous amounts of B vitamins should help boost energy levels, and the vitamin C and D come in a large enough dose to make a difference in the winter cold and flu season.
The only thing we found missing a bit for men's health was a stronger supply of vitamin E, but you should be able to get enough from a healthy diet with plenty of vegetables.
- Main Nutrients : Vitamin C, D, K, and B complex
- It contains vitamins and minerals to prevent heart disease
- A very strong dose of vitamin D, one of the key vitamins for winter months
- It has a good antioxidant blend of herbs and vitamins to help with detox
- Could be stronger in vitamin E to prevent inflammation and improve digestive health
7 - Vimerson Health Men's Multivitamin
We like that Vimerson has paid a lot of attention to ingredients that could reduce the cancer risk, especially for the prostate. There's also a good dose of B vitamins to promote red blood cell production and more energy.
The main downside is that it only provides about 50% of your daily need for vitamin D. That's not enough for winter months when you get less sun exposure and an increased risk of colds and flu.
Men's health over 50 is also significantly reliant on zinc for testosterone and prostate health, and 15 mg is a good supply. They're also gluten-free and shouldn’t cause an upset stomach.
- Main Nutrients : Vitamin B2, B6, B1, C
- It contains essential minerals and vitamins to support prostate health
- May reduce B vitamin deficiency to improve physical and mental energy
- A good dose of zinc for improved testosterone production
- It definitely needs more vitamin D for improved immune function
8 - Rainbow Light® Men's Multivitamin
The final gluten-free vitamin supplement we would recommend comes from Rainbow Light, and we liked that it provides sufficient quantities of the most important nutrients.
That includes vitamin K, which is one nutrient intake that many diets lack.
It's also good for men's health when it comes to immunity and bones, thanks to a good dose of vitamin D and calcium. And you even get some probiotics to help absorb nutrients more easily.
The main reason it's not further up on our best multivitamin list is due to the large tablets that can be a pain to swallow.
- Main Nutrients : Vitamin D, A, E, B complex
- Provides some probiotics to improve your gut health
- Includes vitamin K for heart health and improved cognitive function
- A good supply of vitamin D at 50 mcg, which should be enough for wintertime
- The tablet is pretty big and not easy to swallow
Buyer's Guide
The next thing I want to show you is why it's so important for men over 50 to take gluten-free vitamins and minerals regularly.
Disease Prevention With Multivitamins
Men's health will gradually deteriorate with age.
And while some changes start happening when men hit 30, the most significant impacts might not be noticeable until you hit the 50 milestone.
But by boosting certain nutrients and avoiding mineral and vitamin deficiency, you could be in a position to prevent many common problems.
Heart Disease
Three of the most important ingredients to look out for to prevent many types of heart disease are vitamin B6, B12, and folate [3].
Scientists have linked these to a reduction in an amino acid called homocysteine, which can build up around the heart.
“Foods rich in B vitamins such as folate and B-6 may reduce the risk of death from stroke and heart problems, Japanese researchers say.”
- Laura J Martin, MD, WebMD.com
While a varied diet may ensure adequate intake, it's quite common for older adults not to get enough on a daily basis.
With health professionals highlighting high blood pressure as one of the main causes of serious illness, you shouldn't take a chance when you can make such a simple supplement change.
Prostate Issues
Another common health condition for men in their 50s is various types of prostate issues. And while at that age, you should go for a regular checkup with a healthcare professional, certain vitamins and minerals could improve your prostate health.
One of the most important ingredients to look out for is a dose of zinc that is above 25 mg. Studies have shown a higher risk of prostate issues in men with measured zinc deficiency [4].
It may also play a significant role in testosterone production, further influencing weight and energy metabolism.
Mental Health
Many different vitamins and minerals play a key role in neurological functions, especially when it comes to transmitters in the brain. Some of these come down to hormonal imbalances that reduce what triggers the brain receives.
Vitamins B and D, along with a good dose of zinc, are important factors for mental health [5].
And it seems like vitamin D deficiency has become a common issue, especially in the winter months.
Combine dark and cold days with a lack of the right nutrients to support mental health, and you get a picture of why depression tends to spike during the winter.
Bone Loss
This is probably one of the most significant problem areas for all adults over 50. But most people simply think that a healthy dose of calcium can solve the problem.
In fact, there are several vitamins and minerals that your body needs in order to promote stronger bone density.
First of all, according to Harvard Health Publishing, vitamin D plays a key role in calcium absorption [6].
“Vitamin D helps your intestines absorb calcium from the food you eat. Getting enough of both nutrients is an important part of making sure your bones are dense and strong.”
- Jennier Robinson, MD, WebMD.com
And vitamin K may ensure that calcium goes to your bones and not your arteries. That's a potent combination to improve the health of your heart and your bones.
Most Essential Vitamins For Men Over 50
Our dietitian gave us a list of the most critical gluten-free vitamins that men over 50 need to make sure they get enough of.
And all the gluten-free multivitamins for men above have enough of these to make a significant health difference.
Vitamin D3
This is an essential vitamin, especially in the winter months. It's often called the sunshine vitamin because the human body produces it in the skin when exposed to UV rays from the sun.
And on those cold and dark winter days, when you're completely wrapped up with coats, hats, scarfs, and gloves, your skin simply won't produce enough.
This can quickly lead to deficiency, and that can have negative impacts on your immune system at any age.
But over 50, it may also have a negative impact on bone density as vitamin D plays a role in how effective your body is at delivering calcium to produce fresh bone tissue [7].
Vitamin K
This has been a relatively recent addition to multivitamins for men. Healthcare professionals and scientists have linked this to both heart and bone health [8].
And here is how they think it helps.
To improve bone density, the body needs to use calcium to create and repair bone tissue. And vitamin K2 seems to help by ensuring that more of your calcium intake goes to your bones.
But what's surprising is that it may also be ensuring that calcium doesn't build up in arteries around the heart and brain. As a result, it could help avoid strokes and heart attacks.
Vitamin C
While it's quite difficult to become vitamin C deficient, it's something that you need to carefully monitor. A medium-size orange a day should give you more than enough, but you should never run low on this important immune booster.
It also plays a critical role as an antioxidant [9], which helps remove free radicals.
Typical toxins may become more destructive as men grow older, so flushing those out more regularly is an important health benefit.
Vitamins B6 And B12
These are the key vitamins needed for producing red blood cells, and depending on your diet, a lack of these isn't that uncommon.
Vegans have to take them on a daily basis because it's mainly meat and other animal products that provide them [10].
As some men decide to reduce their meat intake for health reasons, they often don't compensate enough with a whole food multivitamin.
If you're over 50 and have been feeling sluggish and tired even after a good night's sleep, then it could be down to a low red blood cell count.
A simple blood test would confirm this, and B vitamins would be an important nutrient to get.
“Multivitamins are an important part of any health regimen regardless of age or gender. They can have a profound impact on your health when used to supplement an already balanced diet.
After the age of 50, multivitamins can help to support and encourage bone health by adding calcium and vitamin D to a diet that may be lacking in this area. Even if your diet is well balanced, these nutrients are important to take in regularly and consistently.
Multivitamins can also provide the individual over 50 with a source of B vitamins to enhance energy and mood. These water-soluble vitamins are essential to many areas of life, but especially as it pertains to curbing fatigue.”
- Trista Best MPH, RD, LD, BalanceOne.com
Most Important Minerals For Men Over 50
All the best multivitamins for men that we recommend above contain both vitamins and minerals.
The reason is that your body is just as reliant on minerals, and they often interact with vitamins to produce their health benefits.
Zinc
This is by far the most important mineral for men. From the age of 30, men produce 1% less testosterone per year, and counteracting that will require a strong supply of zinc [11].
The reason is that many hormones, especially the sex hormone, require zinc as a building block. If you have any level of zinc deficiency, that could further reduce testosterone levels. The end result could be problems with weight management.
And there's also a link between zinc and a healthy prostate, which is critical for all men over 50.
Magnesium
I've worked with many men over 50, and one complaint they often have is that they tend to get muscle cramps more often than they used to.
One of the easiest ways to deal with that is a solid dose of magnesium, which may act as a muscle relaxant.
“Magnesium can be found in foods such as whole grains, beans, nuts, and green leafy vegetables. Side effects from taking too much magnesium are not common, because the body excretes any excess in the urine.”
- Sarah Miller, Writer at livescience.com
But it has also been linked to regulating blood pressure, which is one of the best ways to reduce the risks of heart diseases [12].
Iron
This is another key mineral that is an important ingredient to ensure that your body produces enough red blood cells. A lack of iron is a common reason for anemia, and it can severely impact your energy levels [13].
But too much iron might become a problem for your digestive system, and it could lead to constipation and bowel discomfort.
That's why it's important to check a multivitamin for men for the exact dose and also see if you have other supplements that might be adding to your iron intake.
Calcium
And finally, our dietitian would always recommend a good supply of calcium for men over 50. On its own, it won't be guaranteed to improve bone density. But combined with vitamin K2 and D, it's a great solution.
What may happen with this combination is that your body will absorb more calcium and divert it to your bones rather than arteries [14].
Also Read: One a Day Men’s Multivitamin Review
Other Helpful Tips
Compare The Dosage
I would always recommend to clients and readers that they don't just check the price tag of different supplements. While the price tag is important, it's critical that you compare based on the dosage of the most important minerals and vitamins.
It's more critical that you get the right supply of these micronutrients, which often means paying a slightly higher price.
We have also found that typically a gel capsule dosage is smaller per capsule than a tablet dosage. That sometimes makes it easier to take a smaller dose with the gel ones.
Capsules Vs. Tablets
All of the best multivitamins for men above come either in tablet or capsule form. I don't think health professionals would recommend one over the other, as their effect would be the same.
But you might find one or the other easier to swallow.
Generally, my experience has been that tablets are larger, and sometimes you even need to break them in half to swallow them.
The gel-type capsules tend to have an easier shape, and they don't get stuck on the way down as easily.
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FAQs
What Vitamins Should a 50-Year-Old Male Take?
A 50-year-old male should take vitamins D, K2, and B complex on a regular basis. These all collectively work together to improve bone, heart, and mental health.
Are the Best Multivitamins for Older Men a Waste of Money?
No, the best multivitamins for older men are not a waste of money. With the right combination of vitamins and minerals, it's possible to significantly improve energy levels, muscle mass, bone density and avoid heart disease.
Should Men over 50 Take Vitamin Supplements Every Day?
Yes, men over 50 should take vitamin supplements every day. The older men get, the more nutrient deficiencies could negatively impact general health.
And since most supplements have no side effects, there is no downside to taking them consistently.
Are There Side Effects from Multivitamins for Men over 50?
Generally, there are no side effects from multivitamins for men over 50. You may have a mild stomach reaction to ingredients like iron and magnesium in rare cases, but those generally pass quickly.
Which Multivitamin Should You Buy?
Out of all the top multivitamins we have tested in the last several months, we kept going back to Ritual Multivitamin Essential for Men 50+.
By taking only two pills per day, you’re already doing a lot to improve your overall health because this product has the ideal combination and doses of all the nutrients you need.
It has also received positive feedback from many customers who said that the supplements left them feeling great and energized.
Ritual's products are also guaranteed safe because each batch of their vitamins undergoes strict testing before being sold on the market.
Our #1 Recommendation
Ritual Multivitamin Essential for Men 50+
- Contains 10 science-backed ingredients
- Improves heart, bone, muscle, and immune health
- Increases energy levels
- Gluten-free, GMO, major allergens, and artificial colorants
- Get the BEST PRICE until the end of September
- Some customers get fishy burps after taking the pills
About The Author
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I always make sure my nutrition is on point, but adding the right multivitamin can help fill in any gaps. Just make sure to check with your doctor regarding any interactions with medications.