While the following vitamins and minerals are important for anyone to have enough of, they are particularly essential supplements as a man. These unique vitamins and minerals help with everything from your physical energy to sharpening your mind and helping with your reproductive health.
Fish Oil
This should come as no surprise since fish oil is often at the top of various lists about nutrients you need to make sure you are getting.
Fish oil contains omega-3 fatty acids that you really need to become healthy and strong. These nutrients can help reduce inflammation in the body, improve your brain function, and help improve heart health.
If you are at a high risk of heart disease, fish oil is often one of the first supplements your doctor will recommend. You can get fish oil from fatty fish like salmon or tuna, but you can also get it from plant-based sources like flaxseeds and walnuts.
Vitamin D
Men (and women) also need to get enough vitamin D. If you are a man that is doing a lot of strength training and muscle building, make sure you are getting plenty of vitamin D. This is really important for helping your muscles to get the nutrients they need while also boosting your immune system. It is also great for your mental health.
Vitamin D comes naturally from being outside and getting those UV rays, but you can also get it from foods like fatty fish, yogurt, milk, orange juice, and some types of fortified cereals.
Vitamin B12
Another vitamin that should be high on your list is vitamin B12. This is one of the B complex vitamins that is essential for both men and women, but as a man, it is really going to help with your blood pressure and high risk of type 2 diabetes.
If you don’t eat a lot of beef or poultry, and don’t eat eggs because of a vegetarian or vegan diet, you might not be getting enough B12. Signs of a B12 deficiency include fatigue and having issues with your blood pressure.
Zinc
Zinc is an important mineral for men especially as it helps to improve your reproductive help. With enough zinc in your body, you can produce testosterone naturally, which is going to help with your reproductive health and fertility, and can actually help to reverse erectile dysfunction. It is also good for proper immune function and to provide your cells with all the nutrients they need.
Magnesium
This is a nutrient you will see recommended frequently for both women and men. As a man, it helps a lot with muscle aches, your high risk of type 2 diabetes, and if you have a risk for cardiovascular disease. Check with your doctor to find out if you have a magnesium deficiency so you know if you should take a supplement.