The human body requires a lot of function and asks a lot of you. But this benefit is that you get a healthy body and one that you eventually learn to love and respect. Many believe that a healthy diet and exercise are all that is needed to achieve a healthy body, but it takes a little more.
The vitamin industry is a significant part of healthcare because it is something our bodies need. Our body needs certain nutrients to keep going, and though you can get some of these nutrients from the foods you eat, we don’t always get the total daily amount needed. This is why there are various supplements and vitamins on the shelves.
Both men and women need vitamins and should be taking them daily, but a wide range of men are not getting their daily vitamin intake. Only 35.9% of men ages 20 to 39 take their vitamins, and 67.3% of men above 60 take their vitamins daily. This is a large margin, and it has been proven that women take their vitamins more than men.
So, as a man, understand that getting the vitamins you need from the foods you eat is not enough. How do you know which vitamins to take as a man and what each one does? These are excellent questions; don’t worry, we have you covered.
Why Do I Need To Take Vitamins?
We kind of mentioned the answer to this question earlier, but we’ll go a little more into detail. Every day we eat and try to get the recommended number of calories needed for our body to function. In addition to the required calories, our body needs a certain amount of vitamins; for the most part, we get most of these vitamins from our food. But the same way that we need to eat multiple meals to complete the total number of calories we need, we need to do the same for vitamins.
Everyone’s recommended vitamin dosage is different, but the same types of vitamins are required. Each vitamin plays a specific role in the body; without that recommended amount, your body won’t have enough of that vitamin to do what it needs to do to function correctly.
Recognizing that taking vitamins is not a replacement for a healthy diet and exercise is essential. Just like the name suggests, it is a supplement and is there to support this lifestyle. Now, let’s get into the vitamins you need as a man and the benefits of each one for your body.
Most Important Vitamins For Men & The Benefits For Each One
Here is a list of what vitamins men should take:
Vitamin D comes from the sun, and if you’re working indoors, likely, you’re not getting enough. You can’t get your total recommended daily serving of vitamin D from eating salmon and dairy. Vitamin D is what your muscles use every time they move. So, to keep muscles strong and not weak, vitamin D is needed. Vitamin D also helps your body absorb calcium, which also works with your muscles. The older you get, the more vitamin D is necessary, so it’s crucial to get the recommended amount.
Folate, also known as folic acid, is a vitamin you may have heard about for pregnant mothers but most likely ignored. This vitamin is commonly associated with women, but men also need it. Folate helps to prevent the build-up of a substance called homocysteine. If homocysteine is released excessively, it can lead to heart and blood vessel disease. The job of Folate is to prevent you from suffering from heart disease.
If you’re having a little trouble with your vision, you might consider taking vitamin A. This vitamin is particularly great for eye health. In addition, it also plays a role in the immune system. Many don’t usually have a vitamin A deficiency because it’s effortless to get the recommended daily amount through foods. You can get vitamin A from milk, cheese, salmon, broccoli, carrots, green leafy vegetables, and other foods.
Calcium works with three body parts: muscles, nerves, and bones. Men in their 20s must get enough calcium to develop stronger bones. Also, know that calcium works to make your teeth stronger. Beyond bone health, calcium can protect against cancer, diabetes, and blood pressure.
Vitamin C is a supplement we know where to find it and how it benefits us. Vitamin C is an antioxidant that helps the immune system. If you have a wound, your body uses vitamin C to heal itself. Vitamin C is essential for the growth, development, and repairing of your body’s tissues. In addition, it helps your body absorb iron and maintain the strength of your teeth, bones, and cartilage.
Magnesium is one of the minerals men don’t seem to get enough of, but it is crucial. Every cell in your body uses and needs Magnesium. It helps to support healthy muscles, bones, nerves, and the immune system. One of the most common benefits is that it helps to prevent heart disease.
After iron, zinc is the second most prominent mineral in the body and is also present in all the cells. Zinc plays a vital role in the body. It aids with digestion, nerve function, and metabolism. Furthermore, the body needs it to prevent blood clotting, wound healing assistance, immune function, and thyroid function. Zinc can also significantly reduce the risk of certain age-related diseases.
Potassium happens to be one of the most essential minerals and is underestimated. In the body, it acts as an electrolyte, and the job of electrolytes is to give us energy. Along with providing energy, potassium regulates fluid balance, assists with muscle contractions, and sends nerve signals. It is known to help reduce blood pressure, protect against strokes, and reduce water retention.
Bottom Line
The bottom line is that you should take your vitamins daily as a man. For some, specific vitamins are needed more than others, and the dosage might also be higher. A good multivitamin with all the above vitamins is an excellent start. Or you can buy each vitamin individually, whichever one suits you. Lastly, we’ll always recommend speaking to your doctor about the vitamins you’re taking. They may suggest something more specific to your body or increase the dosage. So, get going and take your vitamins.
Resources
CDC: Dietary Supplement Use Among Adults
Cedar Park Pediatric & Family Medicine: 8 Essential Vitamins & Minerals for Men
Naturemade: What vitamins should men take daily at different ages?
