The best multivitamin for men, according to a registered dietitian

Finding a good multivitamin for men can be a game changer when it comes to bridging nutritional gaps, enhancing overall health and addressing specific needs related to age, lifestyle or health conditions. Even with a balanced diet, it's easy to fall short on essential nutrients due to factors like hectic schedules, dietary preferences or the natural effects of aging. That's where multivitamins come in, offering a convenient way to get the vitamins and minerals your body needs to thrive.

"Even the most varied and balanced diet can lead to nutrient insufficiencies or deficiencies," says Marjorie Nolan Cohn, clinical director of Berry Street, a personalized nutrition therapy service. These gaps, known as "nutrients of concern," are often tied to men's physiological needs, lifestyle habits and risk factors for chronic disease. While not everyone requires a supplement, the best multivitamin for men is one that aligns with health goals and dietary requirements.

For example, nutrient inadequacies are higher in older adults. According to dietitian Jillian Kubala, "Older adults are at risk for developing B12 and vitamin D deficiency for several reasons. As we age, our ability to properly absorb B12 declines due to low stomach acid levels. Vitamin D deficiency is also higher in older adults due to decreased sun exposure and reduced capacity to produce vitamin D from sunlight." Cohn adds: "Minerals such as calcium, magnesium, zinc and potassium support men's bones, heart and even blood pressure regulation — all of which are important as men age."

Age, diet, activity level and health status can all affect your nutrient needs, making it harder for some men to hit their nutrient goals through food alone. Fortunately, there's no shortage of multivitamins to choose from. Whether you follow a vegan diet, try to eat mostly organic or simply want to make sure your basic nutrient needs are covered, there's a good option currently on the market. To find the best one for you, we spoke with two registered dietitians, researched over 20 products and tested 11 multivitamins.

A note on supplements:

The products included on this list are dietary supplements. Statements about these products have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Dietary supplements are not appropriate for everyone and may interact with other supplements or medications, so talk to your health care provider before adding a dietary supplement to your routine.

Best overall multivitamin for men

More multivitamins for men we like for 2025

Types of men's multivitamins

When it comes to men's multivitamins, there's no one-size-fits-all solution. Different forms and formulations are designed to meet a variety of preferences, lifestyles and health needs. Here's a breakdown of the most common types of men's multivitamins and what makes each one unique.

• Gummy: Gummy vitamins are a good option for men who dislike swallowing pills. That said, because gummies are often high in added sugar and contain gelatin, they might not be the best option for men trying to manage their blood sugar levels or those following a vegan or vegetarian diet.

• Liquid: Liquid vitamins are also suitable for those who don't like swallowing pills. Liquid vitamins may also be more quickly absorbed since your body doesn't have to break down a capsule. The main downside is the limited number of liquid multivitamins to choose from.

• Capsules/tablets: The majority of men's multivitamins are in the form of capsules or tablets. Soft gels tend to be easier to swallow. Soft gels might also be more readily absorbed than tablets because they contain liquid rather than powder ingredients.

• Age-specific: Nutrient needs change throughout our lifetimes. Additionally, as we age, certain health conditions become a bigger concern. For example, older men are more likely to experience symptoms of prostate enlargement. Age-specific multivitamins are formulated to address these changing concerns, making them a good choice for older adults.

• Athletic performance: Some multivitamins are formulated to meet the demands of highly active individuals. If you're a competitive athlete, look for products that are certified safe for sport by NSF, Labdoor or Informed Sport. These certifications ensure the product is free from substances banned by most sporting organizations.

• Organic/whole food-based: Many companies offer whole food-based supplements, meaning the nutrients are derived from whole foods rather than being made in a lab. While some populations benefit from synthetic vitamins, food-based vitamins may be easier to digest. If you prefer to eat mostly organic, look for multivitamins that are USDA-certified organic.

• High potency: High-potency multivitamins offer higher doses of certain nutrients and might be a good option for men at an increased risk for multiple nutrient deficiencies. Just keep in mind that more isn't always better, and high-dose supplements should only be taken when recommended by a healthcare professional.

• Vegan: While many products are technically vegan-friendly, if you follow a vegan lifestyle, it's also worth looking for multivitamins that are cruelty-free or certified vegan. Some companies, like Future Kind, offer multivitamins specifically formulated to bridge common gaps in vegan diets.

Factors to consider when purchasing a men's multivitamin

With seemingly endless multivitamin options on the market, finding the right one can feel overwhelming. Below, we've outlined the most important considerations to help you pick a multivitamin that supports your health goals while fitting your budget and dietary requirements.

• Age-specific formulation: Because nutrient needs and health concerns change as men age, it's a good idea to look for a multivitamin formulated specifically for your stage of life.

• Nutrient content and dosages: The types and amounts of nutrients to look for largely depend on your diet, age, health status and activity level. That said, it's generally best to look for a multivitamin containing a comprehensive array of nutrients. "A well-rounded multivitamin should cover your bases for B vitamins — including vitamin B12, folate and vitamin B6 — vitamin C, vitamin D and minerals like magnesium and zinc," recommends Kabala. Unless you're at risk for nutrient deficiencies, you likely don't need a multivitamin offering extra high nutrient doses.

• Form: There are pros and cons to tablets, capsules, gummies and liquid vitamins, but ultimately, the best option is the one you feel comfortable taking.

• Artificial additives: When possible, look for products containing minimal (or zero) artificial additives, like colors, preservatives, fillers or sweeteners.

• Third-party testing: The only way to ensure your multivitamin contains the types and amounts of ingredients listed on the label is by choosing a product that's tested for purity and potency by a third-party organization, like NSF or USP.

• Dietary restrictions: If you have dietary restrictions or allergies, carefully read ingredient labels. For severe food allergies, look for products manufactured in allergen-free facilities to minimize the risk of cross-contamination.

• Specific health goals: "There are so many products on the market specifically targeted towards men [and their specific health goals], including multivitamins advertised to improve fertility and sports performance. However, it's best to do your research before purchasing a product advertised to improve a certain aspect of health to ensure it contains clinically verified ingredients in effective doses," says Kubala.

• Value: A multivitamin is a recurring monthly expense, so it's important to consider your budget. Luckily, there are high-quality multivitamins at virtually every price point.

How we chose men's multivitamins

As a registered dietitian with nearly a decade of experience, I've spent years analyzing dietary supplements. Drawing on my expertise, I know what to look for in men's multivitamins to ensure quality and effectiveness. I also have experience working with clients and family members, helping them decide which vitamins to buy to best suit their needs.

To add more insight, I consulted two fellow dietitians to gather their expert perspectives on which factors to prioritize when selecting a the best men's multivitamin.

After researching over 20 products from more than 15 brands, our team — with the help of husbands, dads and friends — put 11 multivitamins to the test. Each product was evaluated over a minimum two week test period, with testers focusing on ease of use, taste, price and overall experience, ensuring we identified the best options for a variety of needs.

Other products we tested

While these vitamins didn't make our final rankings, they still have a lot to offer and may be a great fit depending on your personal preferences and needs. Here's a quick overview of other products we tested:

• Thorne Men's Multi 50+: This multivitamin from Thorne is our runner-up for men over 50. As a dietitian, I appreciate its comprehensive formula, especially its high dose of selenium and inclusion of lutein. That said, many nutrients are present in amounts much higher than many men need. The multivitamin is also expensive and requires a daunting dose of six capsules per day.

• Mary Ruth's Men's Organic Multivitamin Liposomal: If you prefer liquid multivitamins, consider Mary Ruth's men's formulation. This multi is third-party tested and certified organic. While the vanilla peach taste is pleasant, our tester didn't love the liquid's thick consistency.

• Ritual Men's Multivitamin 18+: These mint-essenced capsules are easy to swallow and third-party tested for microbes and heavy metals. Offering just 10 nutrients, the multivitamin isn't as comprehensive as others on our list. That said, it could be worth considering for men who maintain a balanced diet and simply want to cover a few nutritional gaps.

FAQs

Do men really need to take a multivitamin?

While it's possible to meet your nutrient needs through diet alone, many men benefit from a multivitamin or a single nutrient supplement, like vitamin D. The best way to assess whether a multivitamin might be useful is by having a registered dietitian or other health care professional evaluate your diet.

What is the difference between a men's multivitamin and a regular multi?

Men's multivitamins are generally formulated to contain types and amounts of nutrients that are particularly important for men's health. For example, ingredients like saw palmetto may benefit prostate health. They also tend to be free of iron and copper, since men need lower amounts of these nutrients than women. Still, as Cohn warns, "Some men's multivitamins are the exactly the same as a 'regular' multivitamin, just with a different label and a higher price tag." For the reason, it's important to pay attention to ingredient details.

When is the best time to take a multivitamin?

According to Cohn, "The best time to take a multivitamin is when you will remember and keep consistent! There are no rules as to when to take a multivitamin. However, if your multivitamin contains iron, you may want to take it before bed [to avoid stomach upset]." Similarly, if you have a sensitive stomach, it's a good idea to take your multivitamin with food to minimize the potential for stomach upset.

Can multivitamins interfere with medications?

Yes, multivitamins may contain nutrients or other active ingredients that can increase or block the effectiveness of certain medications. If you're taking prescription medications, it's important to talk with a doctor or registered dietitian before trying any new supplements, including a multivitamin.

Are there any side effects of taking men's multivitamins?

According to Kubala, "Multivitamins are generally considered safe. However, many multivitamins targeted towards men contain herbs and other ingredients that may not be safe for everyone, especially men on certain medications and those who have certain health conditions." For this reason, it's important to consult with your doctor before adding supplements to your routine. Additionally, some multivitamins may be harder to digest than others and can cause stomach upset when taken on an empty stomach.

Should men be wary of supplements containing high amounts of vitamin E?

According to Cohn, "Some research indicates that a high dose of vitamin E is linked with an increased risk of developing prostate cancer. However, it's important to emphasize that research varies greatly, and vitamin E is a useful nutrient [with many benefits]. Because it is so beneficial, most males can supplement with vitamin E found in a multivitamin. However, for those at risk of or with existing prostate conditions, high doses of vitamin E may be harmful. Always ask your registered dietitian or doctor for individualized advice regarding vitamin E supplementation."

Meet our experts

• Jillian Kubala, MS, RD, owner of Jillian Kubala Nutrition

Our health content is for informational purposes only and is not intended as professional medical advice. Consult a medical professional on questions about your health.