In addition to the obvious outward differences between men and women, the two sexes have different nutritional needs as well. Just as women’s bodies change during pregnancy and may require additional nutrients during this time, men have certain nutritional requirements, especially as they age.

The Importance of Zinc

The primary nutrient men need throughout their life for a multitude of health concerns is the mineral zinc. Zinc is required for healthy sexual development in males in early life, and in adolescence the mineral becomes important for testosterone production and subsequent growth, as well as healthy skin. Sexually active men will lose zinc as it is required for healthy sperm motility and is a primary constituent of semen. A shortage of zinc may also contribute to a low sperm count and loss of libido. In mid-life zinc levels become even more critical as most of the zinc stores in a man’s body are in the prostate. This gland requires zinc for normal functioning, and adequate zinc stores may prevent the enlargement and abnormal growth which interfere with normal urine flow among other issues. Zinc is relatively difficult to absorb, so supplementation may be of great benefit. Dosages generally range from 15-50 milligrams. Higher potencies usually contain some copper as well since the two minerals compete for absorption.

Nourish Your Heart

The B Complex vitamins are important to a man’s cardiovascular health in midlife and beyond especially. Vitamin B-12, Folic Acid and Vitamin B-6 together help to decrease levels of the toxic amino acid homocysteine, a byproduct of protein metabolism which is implicated in increased risk of heart attack, stroke and even Alzheimer’s disease. The most famous attribute of the B complex, energy, comes partly from helping the body deal with stress, and what man couldn’t benefit from less stress and more energy?

Whole-Food Nutrition is Best

A good way for men of any age to cover their nutritional bases is with a quality multivitamin. Food-grown multivitamin formulas are a particularly good choice for their ease of use and absorption. They may be taken conveniently any time of day, on an empty stomach if desired, and since the energizing B vitamins are in a food coenzymated form the effects are immediately noticeable. Several companies have taken the food-grown process a step beyond, producing formulations in which every nutrient is sourced directly from a particular vegetable, fruit or herb. These are truly 100% whole food nutritional products with absolutely no synthetic nutrients in sight. As they are considered food by the body, their absorption and utilization may far surpass conventional isolated/synthetic vitamins.

MyKind from Garden of Life

One of the forerunners of the whole food vitamin companies is Garden of Life. They have recently teamed with actress and best-selling health advocate Alicia Silverstone to produce a line of whole food multivitamins which are 100% certified organic, non-GMO Verified, gluten-free and vegan. myKind Organics uses power foods like kale, blueberries, broccoli and ginger to obtain the nutrients in their multivitamins. There are several men’s formulas available including a one-a-day packed with nutritional punch for those men who prefer less fuss. The Men’s Multi 40+ is a two tablet serving size and includes extra botanical support for heart and prostate health such as pomegranate and pumpkin seed.

Whole Earth & Sea

Another completely food-derived men’s multiple comes from Whole Earth & Sea by Natural Factors. All nutrients come from organic produce grown at their own farm along with sea vegetables and organic herbs such as milk thistle and green tea. Formulas are non-GMO and gluten free. Their Men’s 50+ multi includes prostate-supportive saw palmetto and lycopene.

Evergreen is featuring all of these men’s formulas during June. All will be on sale with several formulas as much as 40% off. There are formulas for everyone from grads to Dads.

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