Best vitamins for men

Vitamin C. Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant that serves a protective role in the body by neutralizing free radicals that want to attack healthy cells. It is an essential building block for good nutrition. The recommended daily amount of vitamin C for men is 90 milligrams (mg) a day. Too much vitamin C will not hurt you, because your body can't store it, but it can give you an upset stomach. Taking a multivitamin and eating your fruits and vegetables is all you need to do to be sure you get enough of this nutrient. Good food sources of vitamin C include oranges, bell pepper, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, potatoes, strawberries, tomatoes, kiwi, lemons, limes, cantaloupe, watermelon, pineapple, and asparagus.

Vitamin A. Vitamin A is important for maintaining good vision. It is also known as the anti-infective vitamin because of its role in supporting activities of the immune system. The recommended daily intake of vitamin A is 3,000 IU. Too much vitamin A can cause nausea and vomiting and result in weak bones. Vitamin A deficiency is rare in the United States, and you should get plenty as long as you eat your fruits and vegetables. It may be in your multivitamin, but you should not need any additional supplements. Good food sources for vitamin A are carrots, spinach, sweet potatoes, apricots, cantaloupe, broccoli, eggs, milk, and cod liver oil.

Vitamin B12. Older men may have an increased need for vitamin B12, which boosts brain health. Vitamin B12 supports the normal functioning of the nervous system, including memory. Depression and dementia are symptoms of a low serum B12. The recommended amount for B12 is 2.4 mcg daily, which you can easily get from your diet. One serving of fortified breakfast cereal will provide all that you need. B12 may be included in your daily multivitamin. Although high doses have not been shown to be harmful, you should not need to supplement this vitamin unless your doctor recommends it. Good food sources for B12 include salmon, shrimp, beef, chicken, clams, eggs, milk, and cheese.

Folate. Folate, or folic acid, is one of the important B vitamins. The recommended amount for folate is 400 micrograms a day, which you can get from eating a few servings of leafy green vegetables or beans daily. Folate may help protect men and women from heart disease because it prevents the build-up of homocysteine, a substance that your body needs to build protein but that can lead to heart and blood vessel disease if produced in excess. Folate can be included in your multivitamin, but you should not have to take extra dietary supplements unless your doctor says your homocysteine is low. Too much folate may increase your risk for colon cancer. Great sources of food for folate include lima beans, spinach, asparagus, oranges, strawberries, and avocado.

Vitamin D. Most men can benefit from taking 1,000 IU of vitamin D daily. Many men do not get enough exposure to the sun, which is needed for the body to produce vitamin D. It can be hard to get enough vitamin D from food. Vitamin D becomes even more important with age, because it's needed to absorb calcium and helps prevent weak muscles and bones. Too much vitamin D can cause fatigue and muscle weakness, so you should stay below 2,000 IU unless your doctor advises otherwise. Good food sources for vitamin D include salmon, sardines, cod liver oil, milk, cheese, egg yolk, orange juice, yogurt, and fortified breakfast cereal.