Five best vitamins for men over 50

Men over 50 have specific nutritional needs that shift with age—and a thoughtfully chosen daily multivitamin can support those needs alongside diet. Guys, it’s worth taking extra-good care of yourself, especially if you’re over 50. Weaving healthy habits into your day goes a long way to supporting vitality and well-being now and for years to come. This can include consuming targeted nutrients that help your body to function well. In this blog, we’ll answer trending questions about the best vitamins for men in their 50s so you can plan the next step in your wellness journey.

What are the best vitamins for men over 50?

Five essential vitamins for men over 50 are B vitamins, vitamin C, vitamin D3, vitamin E, and vitamin K—each playing a specific role in cellular energy metabolism, immune, bone, and antioxidant health. In addition to macronutrients from food (fat, carbs, and protein), the body also needs daily micronutrients. Only small amounts of these are needed, thus the prefix “micro.” These essential compounds include both minerals (like iron and calcium) as well as vitamins. Here are five of the most important vitamins for men over 50:

• B Vitamins. There are 8 B vitamins, and they include vitamin B2 (riboflavin), vitamin B3 (niacin), vitamin B6 (pyridoxine), vitamin B12 (cobalamin), and folate. In general, the body uses this group of compounds to convert food into fuel.
• Vitamin C. Also known as ascorbic acid, Vitamin C is critical for healthy immune function. It also supports healthy adrenal gland function and collagen integrity.
• Vitamin D3. This compound, also called cholecalciferol, helps the body absorb calcium from food and supplements.
• Vitamin E. This is an antioxidant that helps protect cells from damage.
• Vitamin K. Vitamin K is important for normal blood clotting and for bone health. It’s actually two related vitamins: K1 (phylloquinone) and K2 (menaquinone).

What is the RDA of vitamins for men over 50?

Adult men's Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDAs) for vitamins are generally consistent throughout the adult lifespan, with the exception of Vitamin B6 (which increases from 1.3 to 1.7 mg after age 51) and Vitamin B12, which becomes harder to absorb from food with age even though the RDA does not change. According to the National Institutes of Health, RDA is the average daily intake of a nutrient that would meet requirements for the vast majority of healthy individuals. RDA is part of a larger group of  nutrient recommendations called DRI (Dietary Reference Intakes) that come from the Food and Nutrition Board of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine.

Check out these recommendations for daily intake of the most important vitamins for men.

Source:  National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements

How do nutritional needs change for men over 50?

Nutritional needs shift for men over 50 in three main ways: metabolism slows so total calories decrease, nutrient-density becomes more important because each calorie needs to deliver more nutrition, and a daily multivitamin becomes especially useful for filling nutrient gaps. Every body’s metabolism starts to naturally change and slow down with age. As the body burns fewer calories from food, you need to eat fewer calories overall if you want to stay balanced and not gain weight. Because of this,  total daily calorie recommendations start go down for men around age 50.

However, as noted above, your recommended amount of vitamins are the same or even higher. If you’re eating less food, how can you get adequate nutrients? The simple answer: make sure you’re eating more nutrient-dense foods. The calories in a handful of chips may equal the calories in a bowl of kale, but you get more vitamins from the kale. So, eat more kale! As nutrition experts put it, “Make every bite count.”

There’s another super reliable way to make sure you’re getting the right nutrients, and that’s to supplement your diet with a daily multivitamin. New Chapter® multivitamins for men over 50 help fill your nutrient gaps. Our one-daily multivitamin for men 55+ is packed with 20 vitamins and minerals and expertly formulated for effective absorption. We fine-tune the levels of each high-quality vitamin and mineral, choose types that work best with the body, and ferment key nutrients with probiotics and whole foods. Don’t love swallowing tablets? New Chapter also has 100% delicious men’s gummy vitamins made with 17 essential nutrients and no unnecessary extra sugar.

Why are the vitamin D3 benefits for men over 50?

Vitamin D3 benefits for men over 50 include:

• Supports proper calcium absorption
• Supports strong bones and teeth*
• Supports healthy immune function*
• Supports heart health and overall cardiovascular health*
• Supports muscle function*

The body actually makes its own D3 when sunlight hits your skin. However, this ability naturally declines with age. Fortunately, you can get a clinically studied level of vitamin D3 (2000 IU) in our easy-to-swallow fermented D3 tablets or get bioactive D3 (1000 IU) in our 100% delicious Strength Support Vitamin D3+ gummies, made with 72% less sugar than the leading D gummy vitamins.†

For more on the role of vitamin D in bone health, see How Organic Vitamin D Impacts Bone Strength.

Are prostate supplements a good idea for men over 50?

Yes! For men, getting older does gradually change the male reproductive system. This is sometimes called “andropause.” Research suggests that herbal therapeutics and supplemental nutrients can help prostate health.* You’ll find these ingredients in New Chapter’s Prostate 5LX™ blend. Selenium, in particular, is an antioxidant linked to whole-body health, including health of the prostate.* Our Prostate 5LX formula delivers selenium that is fermented, as well as a synergistic herbal blend featuring pumpkin seed oil, nettle, and saw palmetto.

How do B vitamins benefit men over 50?

B vitamins benefit men over 50 by supporting cellular energy production and nervous system health—and because B12 becomes harder to absorb from food with age, a fermented B Complex supplement can be particularly useful.

There are eight B Vitamins, and they are all water soluble. This means that when you consume B vitamins, they are not stored (except for B12, which is stored in the liver). Instead, the body takes what it needs and the rest passes right through. You can make sure your body is getting adequate levels of B each day by eating foods rich in Bs. You can also add a dedicated  B Complex supplement to your day. (Make sure it’s fermented!) The key benefits of B vitamins are:

• Cellular energy support*
• Healthy brain function*
• Nervous system support*
• Support for NAD+ production (from niacin)*

What are vitamin B12 benefits for men over 50?

Of the B vitamins, vitamin B12 becomes harder for the body to absorb as you age. Vitamin B12, also called cobalamin, supports the body’s energy production at the cellular level.* If you’re over 50, it’s recommended that you make sure to consume foods fortified with B12 or take a high-quality B12 supplement to make sure you’re getting enough of this important compound. New Chapter delivers excellent quality B12 in our 100% delicious B12 gummy vitamins or easy-to-swallow tablets.

How important is zinc for men over 50?

Zinc is an important mineral for men over 50 because it supports healthy immune function and skin health.* Zinc is considered a mineral rather than a vitamin, but while you’re looking into the most important vitamins for men, you can keep zinc in mind. Zinc’s antioxidant action supports healthy immune function and has skin health benefits.* The recommended amount of daily zinc for men is 11 milligrams a day. Zinc is available in oysters, meat, fish, poultry, legumes, nuts, and fortified breakfast cereals.

You can round out your dietary zinc with a supplement like New Chapter’s multivitamins for men over 50 (delivering 5 mg of zinc per one-daily tablet) or our targeted Fermented Zinc Complex that delivers 15 mg of zinc per one-daily serving. Hot tip: our fermented zinc is actually 1.6x better absorbed than unfermented zinc gluconate!

What vitamins help support cellular energy levels for men over 50?

The vitamins that most directly support cellular energy for men over 50 are the eight B vitamins, which help the body convert food into fuel.* A regular source of all eight B vitamins can help keep that cellular energy metabolism going throughout your day! The eight B vitamins are thiamin (B1), riboflavin (B2), niacin (B3), pantothenic acid (B5), pyridoxine (B6), biotin (B7), folic acid (B9), and cobalamin (B12). All New Chapter men’s multivitamin formulas are rich in these B vitamins. You could also try a B supplement such as Fermented Coenzyme B Complex that’s designed to specifically support your nervous system and cellular energy metabolism.*

What are good vitamins for men over 50 who work out?

For men over 50 who work out, the most relevant vitamins and minerals are vitamin D3, zinc, chromium, and selenium—all of which help support healthy muscle function.* If you’re hitting the gym or getting other regular physical activity, great job! Regular physical activity is considered one of the best choices for living a long, healthy life. The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services recommends specific, science-backed Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans to gain health benefits.

• Get at least 2 hours 30 minutes of moderate-intensity activity each week, or 75+ minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic activity throughout the week (or a combination).
• Do muscle-strengthening activities 2 or more days a week for additional benefits.
• Older adults can follow the guidelines above or adjust their physical activity if needed.
• Talk with your healthcare professional about the right physical activities for you.

You can also keep your active body fueled with a daily multivitamin that provides the micronutrients it needs, such as D3 and Zinc, plus Chromium and Selenium to help support healthy muscle function.*

What are good hair vitamins for men over 50?

The most relevant nutrients for hair support in men over 50 are biotin (a B vitamin that supports the body's natural keratin production) and antioxidant action from ingredients like astaxanthin.* 

Seeking nature’s ingredients for healthy hair and nails? New Chapter formulates a bespoke hair-support blend of fermented Biotin plus clinical-strength astaxanthin (a powerful antioxidant from organic algae).* Hair, Skin & Nails is an excellent source of whole-food fermented biotin, a B Vitamin that supports your body’s natural keratin production.* Keratin is the incredibly durable protein required for growing strong, healthy hair and nails.* Our astaxanthin is clinically proven to help maintain youthful appearance, improve skin elasticity, and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.* Clinical testing showed noticeable skin improvements in just 6 weeks.

Frequently asked questions about vitamins for men over 50

What's the difference between a 40+ multivitamin and a 55+ multivitamin for men?

Multivitamins formulated for men in their 40s versus 55+ differ in the specific levels of certain nutrients, with 55+ formulas typically increasing amounts of nutrients that become more relevant with age (like vitamin B6 and D3) and adjusting minerals that become less needed. Every Man's One Daily 55+ is expertly formulated with 20 vitamins and minerals at levels fine-tuned for men in this life stage.

When is the best time of day for men over 50 to take a multivitamin?

A daily multivitamin can be taken at the time of day that best suits your routine. Taking it with breakfast is a common choice because pairing it with food supports absorption of the fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, and K) and can help reduce any stomach discomfort. Consistency matters more than the exact time.

Are fermented multivitamins easier to take for men over 50?

Fermented multivitamins are formulated so the body recognizes them as food, which can support absorption and stomach comfort, a feature many men over 50 appreciate. New Chapter's men's multivitamins ferment key nutrients with probiotics and whole foods. See the Fermented Vitamins blog for a full explanation of how fermentation works.

Can taking multivitamins improve health for men over 50?

A daily multivitamin is one way to help fill nutrient gaps in the diet for men over 50, which supports the body's baseline nutritional needs alongside a balanced diet, regular physical activity, and other healthy lifestyle habits.* A multivitamin is not a replacement for a healthy diet, but it can act as a nutritional safety net.

Which vitamins help maintain muscle and bone strength in men 50+?

The most relevant nutrients for muscle and bone support in men over 50 are vitamin D3 (which helps the body absorb calcium and supports healthy muscle function), vitamin K (which supports bone health), zinc, chromium, and selenium (all of which support healthy muscle function).*

Feel the difference with New Chapter.

The truth is, when it comes to maintaining overall wellness, healthy lifestyle can make a huge difference. For men over 50, you can set yourself up well with a strong vitamin and supplement routine. Whether you’re seeking men’s gummy vitamins, men’s energy vitamins, men’s prostate support, or hair vitamins for men, New Chapter has got you covered with expertly formulated supplements that support your specific life stage and needs. 

Ready to start? Explore Every Man's One Daily 55+ Multivitamin or browse the full multivitamins collection.

^†72% less sugar than leading vitamin D gummy, based on Nielsen Total US XAOC$ sales latest 52 w/e 05/21/22