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Making sure your body has what it needs to function properly becomes even more important as we age. In fact, finding the best multivitamins for men over 50 can be crucial in reducing signs of aging and preventing the onset of illness and disease.(1) According to studies conducted by the Centers for Disease Control, over 80 percent of men don't get the recommended intake of fruits and vegetables.(2)
The Best Multivitamin for Men Over 50 - Our Top Picks
- Best Overall Multivitamin: Ritual Essential for Men Multivitamin 50+
- Best Natural Multivitamin: Transparent Labs Multivitamin
- Best Gluten-Free Multivitamin: Clinical Effects Daily Essentials
- Best Organic Multivitamin: Transparent Labs Multivitamin
- Best Softgel Multivitamin: Ritual Essential for Men Multivitamin 50+
- Best Gummy Multivitamin: OLLY Men's Multivitamin Gummy
- Best Chewable Multivitamin: SmartyPants Men's Formula
- Best Subscription Multivitamin: Ritual Essential for Men Multivitamin 50+
- Best Budget Multivitamin: 21st Century Sentry Men's 50+ Tablet
The fact is that modern diets and busy schedules make it difficult for successful men to sit down and eat fully balanced nutritional meals. It's why men of all ages are leveraging the power of the best multivitamins for men to fill those gaps. While there are brands that offer some of the best vitamins for anyone, men advancing in age require a unique approach that addresses what's going on in their bodies.
For this roundup, our team at ACTIVE has leveraged its decades of experience in health, fitness, and longevity to identify the best multivitamins for men over 50 to fit our readers' various situations and requirements. We've also included resources at the end of this roundup if you need help determining the best vitamin for you.
Why Trust Us?
The health and safety of ACTIVE’s readers is of the utmost importance to us. To ensure your well-being when consuming dietary supplements, the ACTIVE.com editorial team prioritizes products that are independently tested by a third party. We’ve consulted with a team of nutritionists and dieticians to ensure the products we feature are of the highest standard. This helps us create the most accurate, authentic review content for our readers.
Best Overall Multivitamin for Men Over 50 - Ritual Essential for Men Multivitamin 50+
SPECS
- Dosage: 1 serving per day
- Serving size: 2 capsules
- Certifications: Certified B Corporation, USP Verified, Informed Sport, Non-GMO Verified
- Ingredients: Vitamins A, D3, E, B12, K, folate, magnesium, zinc, boron, omega-3
- Type: Beadlet-in-oil capsule
After examining dozens of vitamins, Ritual's offering rose to the top of our list as the best vitamin for men over 50. Scientifically developed, this formulation contains ingredients that are often deficient in men over 50. Each serving provides nutrients such as magnesium, zinc, and boron at concentrations that provide optimal benefits.
Ritual's commitment to high-quality, traceable ingredients is impressive. Many companies will try to hide behind proprietary blends. Instead, Ritual makes all of its research, data, and sourcing available for anyone to see.
User reviews have been extremely positive. Many point out that they saw improvements after several days of taking them. Vitamins can be hard on the digestive system, and many reviewers mentioned these did not irritate their stomachs. Another reason for Ritual's effectiveness for men over 50 is its proprietary capsule delivery system. Using beadlets-in-oil technology combines oily and dry ingredients in one capsule to deliver nutrients in their ideal forms. The delayed-release capsule helps prevent discomfort on its path through the digestive system.
From its host of clean ingredients, best-in-class manufacturing practices, and formulation tailored to men over 50, Ritual was our clear winner for the "best overall" category.
What We Like
- Traceable high-quality ingredients
- Science-backed formulations
- Optimized to meet nutrient needs of men over 50
- Delayed-release capsule
- Gluten- and allergen-free
- Non-GMO
What We Don't Like
- Expensive
- Shipping can be slow
BUY: Ritual Essential for Men Multivitamin 50+
Best Natural Multivitamin for Men Over 50 - Transparent Labs Multivitamin
SPECS
- Dosage: 1 serving with first meal
- Serving size: 4 capsules
- Certifications: Third-party tested; no artificial sweeteners, colors, and preservatives; manufactured in UDAF GMP certified facility
- Ingredients: Vitamins A, C, D, B12, K, CoQ10, magnesium, zinc, boron, copper, ashwagandha, iodine
- Type: Capsules
Transparent Labs' mission statement is to provide 100% natural, clinically-dosed supplements with the most transparent labels and ingredients available for the active individual. Transparent Labs Multivitamin lives up to these statements with its natural blend of essential vitamins and minerals needed for a well-rounded multivitamin. This formula provides the standard nutrients but also goes above and beyond with the addition of CoQ10 for heart health and organic ashwagandha to aid in stress and anxiety relief.(3)
Transparent Labs Multivitamin is also iron-free, which makes it easier on the digestive system. Additionally, iron supplementation may not be as necessary for older males, where excess amounts can lead to or exacerbate preexisting health conditions. Taking four capsules daily can seem like a large task—especially if you have issues with swallowing pills—but the dosage ensures that you're getting the most absorption from your daily multivitamin.
What We Like
- Natural and clinically-dosed formula
- 22 active ingredients
- No artificial sweeteners, coloring, or preservatives
- Subscribe-and-Save available
What We Don't Like
- 4 daily capsules can be a lot for some
- Not vegan-friendly
BUY: Transparent Labs Multivitamin
Best Gluten-Free Multivitamin for Men Over 50 - Clinical Effects Daily Essentials
SPECS
- Dosage: Take 2 capsules with morning meal
- Serving size: 2 capsules
- Certifications: Made in FDA-regulated facility, cruelty-free, third-party tested
- Ingredients: Vitamins A, C, D, E, B6, B12, magnesium, zinc, selenium, copper, calcium, lutein, echinacea extract, green tea extract
- Type: Capsules
Clinical Effects Daily Essentials is filled-to-the-brim with all vitamins and minerals you'd want in a multivitamin—vitamins A-K, calcium, copper, zinc, and magnesium—and a few unexpected ones like lutein and echinacea. Lutein is a powerful antioxidant that can contribute to overall eye and vision health, while echinacea can help boost the immune system and reduce inflammation. The veggie capsules are also made from a gluten-free combination of cellulose, rice flour, and silicon dioxide.
Clinical Effects Daily Essentials formulation is third-party tested, promotes collagen production, and contains high enough concentrations to fill in the nutrient gaps many men over 50 experience.
What We Like
- Capsule made from gluten-free ingredients
- 180-day money-back guarantee with subscription
- Contains essential vitamins and minerals, including nutrients for eye and immune system health
- Cruelty-free, plant-based, and made with natural ingredients
What We Don't Like
- Lacking in customer reviews
- 2 daily morning capsules can be a lot for some
BUY: Clinical Effects Daily Essentials
Best Organic Multivitamin for Men Over 50 - Transparent Labs Multivitamin
SPECS
- Dosage: 1 serving with first meal
- Serving size: 4 capsules
- Certifications: Third-party tested; no artificial sweeteners, colors, and preservatives; manufactured in UDAF GMP certified facility
- Ingredients: Vitamins A, C, D, B12, K, CoQ10, magnesium, zinc, boron, copper, ashwagandha, iodine
- Type: Capsules
Transparent Labs has already appeared on our list for its 100% natural, clinically-dosed ingredients and essential vitamins and minerals. So, why have we also chosen it as the best organic multivitamin? With the inclusion of organic KSM-66® ashwagandha—a higher concentration full-spectrum form extracted from ashwagandha root—this formula stands out from the rest. Ashwagandha is not only excellent for stress relief and anxiety, but it can also help aid in healthy cognitive function.(4)
As previously stated, Transparent Labs Multivitamin is also iron-free and easier on the gut for digestion. Taking four daily capsules may seem ambitious, but the dosage ensures the most absorption from your daily multivitamin.
What We Like
- Inclusion of organic KSM-66® ashwagandha
- Natural, clinically-dosed formula
- Iron-free formula
- Subscribe-and-Save option
What We Don't Like
- 4 daily capsules can be a lot for some
- Not vegan-friendly
BUY: Transparent Labs Multivitamin
Best Softgel Multivitamin for Men Over 50 - Ritual Essential for Men Multivitamin 50+
SPECS
- Dosage: 1 serving per day
- Serving size: 2 capsules
- Certifications: Certified B Corporation, USP Verified, Informed Sport, Non-GMO Verified
- Ingredients: Vitamins A, D3, E, B12, K, folate, magnesium, zinc, boron, omega-3
- Type: Beadlet-in-oil capsule
Softgel tablets are a great alternative to other pills that may be hard to swallow. Ritual's beadlet-in-oil softgel capsule is smaller and a lot easier to ingest, and the mint-essence is a welcome addition that makes taking this daily supplement more manageable. That's why we've chosen Ritual's Essentials for Men Multivitamin 50+ as our top pick for the best softgel multivitamin.
Ritual continues to impress our team with their commitment to high-quality, traceable ingredients and overwhelmingly positive user reviews. As mentioned before, Ritual's effectiveness for men over 50 is its proprietary capsule delivery system. Using beadlets-in-oil technology combines oily and dry ingredients in one capsule to deliver nutrients in their ideal forms. The delayed-release capsule helps prevent discomfort on its path through the digestive system.
Overall, it's a brilliant combination of potency and micronutrient value in an easy-to-swallow gelcap.
What We Like
- Smaller and easy-to-swallow
- Pleasant minty taste
- Optimized to meet nutrient needs of men over 50
- Gluten- and allergen-free
- Non-GMO
What We Don't Like
- Expensive
- Shipping can be slow
BUY: Ritual Essential for Men Multivitamin 50+
Best Gummy Multivitamin for Men Over 50 - OLLY The Perfect Men's Multi
SPECS
- Dosage: Once daily
- Serving size: 2 gummies
- Certifications: NSF-certified
- Ingredients: Vitamins A, C, D, E, B, Lycopene, Zinc
- Type: Gummy
In the form of a chewable gummy multivitamin, pill-averse users can take their daily dose without needing water. The ingredients list includes items ideal for men over 50, such as zinc, vitamin A, and lycopene which have been shown to reduce the risk of cancer and heart disease.(5) Users have given it high ratings for flavor. Despite being chewable, OLLY managed to reduce the serving size to just two gummies, saving time and hassle. This vitamin also shines in the area of ingredient quality. It's void of fillers and plastics, which justify the more expensive price tag.
These vitamins can melt easily, though, so be sure to avoid leaving them in hot spaces for extended periods of time because they will fuse and make taking them out of the container extremely difficult.
What We Like
- Only 2 gummies per serving
- Formulation optimized for men over 50
- Contains lycopene to promote heart health
- Great flavor profile
- Easy to chew
What We Don't Like
- Melts easily
- Can be more expensive than other chewable vitamins
BUY: OLLY The Perfect Men's Multi
Best Chewable Multivitamin for Men Over 50 - SmartyPants Men's Formula
SPECS
- Dosage: Once daily
- Serving size: 6 gummies
- Certifications: Clean Label Project certified
- Ingredients: Men's multivitamin formula with Beta Carotene; Vitamin B6; Vitamin K2 & Choline
- Type: Gummy
Chewable gummies are one of the most convenient ways to take vitamins. They can help men stay consistent with their intake without reaching for water. SmartyPants Men's Formula is our pick for the best gummy vitamin because it delivers a potent combination of vitamins in every dose. Other brands we looked at diluted their nutrients and packed them full of sugar.
Besides nutrients to help with energy and immunity, this over-50 formulation also promotes heart and prostate health. One thing to keep in mind is that you will need to take six gummies per serving. It's not a problem because their flavors are great, but it drives the cost per serving higher than other brands.
What We Like
- Great flavor ratings
- Soft to chew
- Easy on the digestive system
- Promotes heart and prostate health
- Potent, science-backed formulation
What We Don't Like
- 6 gummies per serving
- More expensive than competitors
BUY: SmartyPants Men's Formula
Best Subscription Multivitamin for Men Over 50 - Ritual Essential for Men Multivitamin 50+
SPECS
- Dosage: 1 serving per day
- Serving size: 2 capsules
- Certifications: Certified B Corporation, USP Verified, Informed Sport, Non-GMO Verified
- Ingredients: Vitamins A, D3, E, B12, K, folate, magnesium, zinc, boron, Omega 3
- Type: Capsules
Ritual appears once again in this roundup because of its commitment to a seamless customer experience and the intuitive design of its online customer dashboard. Of all the subscription services on the market, no other brand offered the intuitive ease of use that Ritual did.
Transparent pricing meant that there were no hidden costs or fees associated. The initial checkout process is quick, and your products arrive within a few days. Vitamins are extremely sensitive to heat. In fact, their potency can be affected if left out for too long. Ritual carefully packs their vitamins to preserve them throughout the entire journey.
Managing your subscription is very easy with Ritual. Canceling or changing our shipment is simple and involves zero hassle. Compared to other brands, Ritual is great about giving you plenty of time to cancel your next shipment.
The customer support that answered product questions and resolved issues quickly impressed our team. As an added benefit, Ritual's subscription made its vitamins more budget-friendly. Overall, we think Ritual is the best subscription multivitamin on the market.
What We Like
- Responsive customer support
- Easily modify or cancel shipments
- Well-packaged for shipping
- Arrives on time
What We Don't Like
- Expensive
- Initial shipment can take time
BUY: Ritual Essential for Men Multivitamin 50+
Best Budget Multivitamin for Men Over 50 - 21st Century Sentry Senior Men's 50+ Tablet
SPECS
- Dosage: Once daily
- Serving size: 1 tablet
- Certifications: GMP, UL certified
- Ingredients: Vitamins A, C, D, E, K, thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, folate, biotin, unique blend of antioxidants and minerals.
- Type: Tablet
One of the most established supplement brands on the market, 21st Century has spent decades refining its sourcing and manufacturing pipeline to provide budget-friendly options to its users. It's rare to find a men's vitamin at this price point with the same number of ingredients as this one—and they aren't under-dosing, either. Each ingredient has adequate concentrations in each dose to provide tremendous benefits over long-term use.
While other brands contain three or even four tablets per serving, 21st Century packs all your nutrients into one easy-to-take tablet. It's recommended that these be taken with a meal and not on an empty stomach, although many users reported no problems doing so. In terms of value, the 21st Century Sentry Senior Men's 50+ tablet tops our list as the best budget vitamin.
What We Like
- Budget-friendly
- Single tablet serving
- Wide range of nutrients
- Includes biotin for skin and nails
What We Don't Like
- Can be hard on an empty stomach
- Customer support is hard to reach
BUY: 21st Century Sentry Senior Men's 50+ Tablet
How to Choose the Best Multivitamin for Men Over 50
As you can see from our roundup, there is no shortage of multivitamin options for men over 50. However, choosing the right one for you can be a challenge. Let's consider some factors when picking the best multivitamin for you.
Certifications
Reputable supplement companies are open to accountability. Keep in mind some certifications will only apply to certain products and not the brand as a whole. Because of this, pay attention to certifications on the label and on their website.
Some certifications to look out for include Certified B Corporation, USP Verified, Informed-Sport, and Non-GMO Verified. Avoid products that create their own certifications.
Ingredients
Make sure the brand you choose uses top-quality ingredients from reputable sources. Vitamins that are certified organic provide an added layer of safety when it comes to ingredients. Those with allergies should avoid vitamins made in the same facility as products that use their allergens, if possible.
Besides the quality, you'll want to make sure that they include the right concentration of each ingredient to be beneficial. This will help you avoid under-dosing hidden behind a lot of marketing hype.
What Vitamins and Minerals Do Men Over 50 Need?
Men over 50 need formulations that are specifically geared to address their needs. With that said, don't let slick marketing charge you more money for ingredients you don't need. In addition to traditional vitamins like vitamins C, A, D, and E, look for products that include things like lycopene that help with heart health.
Some beneficial nutrients for men over 50 include:(6)
- Vitamin A
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin D
- B Complex Vitamins
- Iron
- Zinc
- Calcium
- Magnesium
FAQs About Multivitamins for Men Over 50
Do men over 50 need a multivitamin?
Literature suggests that men over 50 are more likely to develop nutrient deficiencies. Remaining in this condition for prolonged periods of time can result in negative symptoms and increase the risk of illness and disease. Regular use of a multivitamin can help fill the gaps left by age.
Do men's multivitamins really work?
There are many factors that affect the success of a multivitamin. You will want to make sure the product is made using high-quality ingredients with science-backed formulations. Besides quality, making sure to take the recommended amount consistently will increase the effectiveness of your multivitamin.
What supplements should a man take every day?
Men should take a solid multivitamin that provides a strong nutritional foundation.
These nutrients would include things such as:
- Vitamin A
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin D
- B Complex Vitamins
- Zinc
- Iron
Men over 50 should consider adding supplements that help with aging, joint support, and cardiovascular and prostate health.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
References
- Thomas, D. R. (2006). Vitamins in aging, health, and longevity. Clinical interventions in aging, 1(1), 81-91.
- Lee SH, Moore LV, Park S, Harris DM, Blanck HM. Adults Meeting Fruit and Vegetable Intake Recommendations — United States, 2019. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2022;71:1–9. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.15585/mmwr.mm7101a1.
- National Institutes of Health. (2019). Coenzyme Q10. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. Retrieved February 23, 2023, from https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/coenzyme-q10
- Chandrasekhar, K., Kapoor, J., & Anishetty, S. (2012). A prospective, randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled study of safety and efficacy of a high-concentration full-spectrum extract of ashwagandha root in reducing stress and anxiety in adults. Indian journal of psychological medicine, 34(3), 255-262.
- Mozos, I., Stoian, D., Caraba, A., Malainer, C., Horbańczuk, J. O., & Atanasov, A. G. (2018). Lycopene and vascular health. Frontiers in pharmacology, 521.
- National Institute on Aging. (2021). Vitamins and Minerals for Older Adults. Retrieved February 23, 2023, from https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/vitamins-and-minerals-older-adults
About the Author
David Fang started his career by studying medicine at the State University of New York. Today, he works as a competitive CrossFit athlete, Olympic lifter, and fitness consultant who knows that the key to peak performance starts with rock-solid mental resilience and psychology. David has worked with coaches and athletes from the University of Louisville and Duke University to aid in building a powerful mind-body connection.
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