In our modern times of high stress, insufficient sleep, and unbalanced diets, it can be very difficult to maintain balance and achieve optimal wellness. Men are no different than women as far as having hectic schedules, which can put quite a burden on our bodies. According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the top four leading causes of death for men are heart disease, cancer, stroke, and diabetes. No matter where we are in our lives: 20s, 30s, 40s, 50s, 60s, and beyond, there are basic supplements all men need for overall general health. These include a men’s multi, omega-3s, additional D3 and K2, and probiotics.
Men’s Multivitamin
Choose a multivitamin made specifically for men, which typically provides specific nutrients targeted to men’s needs. A good quality multivitamin and mineral formula can help ensure we receive the RDA (Recommended Dietary Allowance) of important vitamins and minerals.
It should contain enough B vitamins to help combat stress and promote energy production. Look for a formula that provides vitamin D3 and K2 as MK-7, which are both important for heart and bone health. Nutrients that support prostate health include vitamin E, zinc, and selenium. Nutrients that help maintain normal blood glucose levels include chromium, vanadium, and alpha lipoic acid. It would be excellent if the formula also provided the beneficial omega-3s EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) too.
Omega-3s for Men's Health
Beyond the omega-3s we receive in our multi, additional omega-3s are beneficial for many reasons. A substantial amount of researching shows omega-3s support mood, memory, brain, nerve, vision, joint, and cardiovascular health. The AHA (American Heart Association) and GOED (Global Organization of EPA and DHA) recommend we receive 500 mg of the omega-3s EPA and DHA per day for the general healthy adult population. Some research shows we should receive more like 1,000 to 2,000 mg of EPA and DHA daily.
Vitamin D3 Health Benefits for Men
Multis usually contain about 25 mcg (1,000 IU) of vitamin D3, but recent research is showing we need even more. Vitamin D3 is incredibly important for promoting healthy growth and development; supporting teeth, bone, and muscle health; assisting with healthy immune and cardiovascular systems; and aiding with a healthier mood. It’s difficult to synthesize adequate amounts of vitamin D3 from sunlight due to restricting time out in the sun, sunscreen, latitude, time of year, and color of skin, so a supplement can be a great option.
Vitamin K2 for Men's Bone and Heart Health
Vitamin D3 is important for calcium transport and absorption, and vitamin K2 is critical for the formation of a strong bone matrix and cardiovascular health. Many multivitamin and mineral formulas don’t provide any or enough vitamin K2, so search for one that does, or take an additional vitamin K2 supplement. Most adult recommendations for vitamin K2 are around 45 to 180 mcg per day.
Probiotics for Men's Gut Health
Anywhere from 70 to 80 percent of our immune system is located in our GI (gastrointestinal tract). Probiotics are beneficial bacteria located throughout our body, but mainly housed in our intestines. They help support GI health and immune function. If our body depletes these healthy bacteria, it can’t maintain homeostasis, which is essential for good health. Look for a formula that provides a variety of strains of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium.
Whether we start in our 20s or 60s, we can maintain or work to regain our health with a variety of lifestyle, nutritional, and supplemental changes. Be sure to keep up on the core basic supplements mentioned above in order to keep up with the pace and demands of life.
