Vitamins and minerals to support men’s health

Choosing the right vitamins and minerals is crucial to promoting men’s health and a general sense of well-being. They act as ‘building blocks’ for our health, performing key functions in maintaining the immune system, regulating hormones and ensuring cellular health. For men, these macro and micronutrients have a significant impact on energy levels, the reproductive system and cardiovascular health. In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the most important vitamins and minerals that not only support, but actively maintain male health.

Vitamins for men’s health

The male body has specific health needs that are key to health and overall well-being. These needs include:

• Maintaining testosterone hormone levels
• Support the health of the reproductive system
• Supporting cardiovascular health

Testosterone is an extremely important hormone for men’s health as it affects muscle mass, sex drive and energy. Prostate health, on the other hand, is critical for men’s reproductive ability. 

Statistics show that men suffer more from cardiovascular diseases compared to women. The reasons for this fact are manifold. One of the main ones has to do with the differences in hormone levels and physiology between men and women. The trend of lower incidence of cardiovascular problems in women is usually associated with sex hormones playing a role of prevention, especially before the menopausal period. Also, in men, the consumption of alcohol and tobacco products are some of the determinants increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease. They also usually have lower physical activity compared to women.

Which vitamins are important for men’s health:

• Vitamin D: Vitamin D plays a key role in regulating testosterone levels and leads to maintaining optimal bone health. This vitamin is also important for maintaining balance in the immune system and can be accompanied by a number of beneficial effects on general health.
• Vitamin C: Vitamin C is distinguished by its strong antioxidant activity, which supports the immune system, participates in the fight against free radicals and facilitates collagen production. Collagen, in turn, is essential for maintaining the health of the skin and blood vessels, giving them elasticity and resilience.
• Vitamin E: Vitamin E, as a strong antioxidant, plays a critical role in preserving cellular health by protecting cells from damage. In addition, this vitamin is involved in sperm reproduction, which is important for maintaining the health of the reproductive system.
• B-complex vitamins: B-complex vitamins, such as B6, B12 and folic acid, are particularly important for energy metabolism, nervous system function and blood cell production. They work synergistically, supporting various aspects of general health and providing needed energy and support to the body.

These vitamins provide valuable support for men’s health needs. They contribute to maintaining optimal testosterone levels, protecting cellular health and cardiovascular function. Obtaining these vitamins is done through foods rich in these nutrients or through dietary supplements, providing an opportunity to integrate them into men’s daily diets.

Important minerals and their role in men’s health

Zinc and selenium

Zinc has an extremely important role in men’s health. This mineral is essential for maintaining the immune system, the ability to reproduce blood cells and protecting prostate health. Additionally, zinc regulates testosterone levels and aids reproductive ability.

The immune system also needs selenium, which contributes to its effectiveness in fighting infections. Its importance to male health is related to protecting cellular health, maintaining sperm motility and helping normal thyroid function. Although thyroid problems are not as common in men as they are in women, they still have an important impact on men’s overall health. 

Magnesium

The mineral magnesium is involved in approximately 300 different functions in the body. It is essential for normal muscle function, including heart function. It also helps regulate muscle contractions, which is essential for cardiovascular health. Magnesium maintains blood pressure and heart rhythm, which is important for the prevention of cardiovascular disease.

Food sources and supplements

The easiest and most affordable way to get the vitamins and minerals we need is through the food we eat. In our hectic daily lives, we often resort to refined foods that add no nutritional value to our diets… Therefore, we cannot rely solely on food to get the necessary amount of these vital micronutrients. Here are the foods we can find them in: 

• Vitamin D: Fatty fish are excellent sources of vitamin D. Also, foods rich in vitamin D are milk and cereals.
• Vitamin C: Citrus fruits such as oranges, lemons, grapefruit, blueberries and vegetables such as broccoli are excellent sources of vitamin C.
• Vitamin E: Foods rich in vitamin E are eggs, nuts (especially almonds and peanuts), seeds and vegetables such as spinach and avocados.
• B-complex vitamins: A whole wealth of B vitamins can be found in chicken, fish, eggs, legumes, vegetables and citrus fruits.

Food supplements and their role in men’s health

Supplements are useful in cases where a man is deficient and cannot get the required amounts of macronutrients through the food he consumes. When choosing vitamin and mineral supplements, it is important to choose the right product and keep in mind the individual needs of the body. It is important to note that vitamins and minerals in the form of supplements should be taken in reasonable amounts and should not exceed the daily doses specified by the manufacturer. By following these simple rules, unwanted side effects can be avoided.

Recommended daily intake 

• Vitamin D: About 600-800 IU (International Units) per day are generally recommended for adult men. 
• Vitamin C: For men, the recommended daily dose is about 90 milligrams. This vitamin is water-soluble and the body excretes it quickly through the urine, so larger doses than indicated are also appropriate.
• Vitamin E: The recommended daily dose for adult men is about 15 milligrams (or 22.4 IU). 
• B-complex vitamins: Include various vitamins such as B6, B12, and folic acid. The recommended doses for these are about 1.3-2.4 milligrams for B6, 2.4 micrograms for B12, and 400 micrograms for folic acid.
• Zinc: About 11 milligrams per day are recommended for adult men.
• Selenium: The recommended daily dose for men is about 55 micrograms per day.
• Magnesium: The recommended daily dose is about 400-420 milligrams per day, although this can also vary according to individual factors such as age and health status.

Conclusion

Vitamin and mineral intake is the key to optimal male health. In order to provide the best health care, it is important to take a variety of foods rich in vitamins and minerals and include supplements containing the necessary macronutrients. Before you begin taking supplements, it is important to consult with a health professional or nutritionist to determine your specific needs and the appropriate dosages for you. Changing your eating habits and including vitamins and minerals in the right amounts can make a big difference in your long-term health.