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Getting the daily recommended vitamins, minerals and other nutrients from food alone can be a challenge for anyone. Supplements are a popular way to fill the nutritional gaps in your diet, but how do you know which men's supplements you should take, much less which ones actually work?
To help you choose what’s best for your health goals, we've compiled a list of the best supplements for men. Our selections cover everything from daily vitamins for men that address nutrient deficiencies to protein powders for muscle building to mixes for better gut health.
We've incorporated my viewpoint as a registered nurse, as well as insights from experts in nutrition and fitness. We'll also explain how our featured vitamin supplements for men might benefit you and how to fit them into your daily routine.
This content is meant to be informative but should not be taken as medical advice. It is not intended to diagnose, prevent or treat health problems. Always speak with your doctor before starting a new supplement to ensure it is right for you and find the proper dose for your individual needs.
Our Picks for the Best Supplements for Men:
- Best Multivitamin Supplement for Men: Ritual Essential for Men Multivitamin 18+
- Best Protein Powder for Men: Transparent Labs 100% Grass Fed Whey
- Best Weight Loss Supplement for Men: PhenQ
- Best Muscle Building Supplement for Men: Jacked Factory Build XT
- Best Nighttime Fat Burner for Men: PhenQ PM
- Best Hydration Supplement for Men: Transparent Labs CoreSeries Hydrate
- Best Creatine Supplement for Men: Jacked Factory Creatine
- Best Amino Acid Supplement for Men: Transparent Labs BCAA Glutamine
- Best Gut Health Supplement for Men: Ritual Synbiotic+
- Best Fiber Supplement for Men: Gainful Fiber Boost
- Best Ashwagandha Supplement for Men: XWerks Ashwa
- Best Probiotics for Men: Biotics 8
Best Multivitamin Supplement for Men: Ritual Essential for Men Multivitamin 18+
Get 25% off your first month of Ritual! Code: SI25
Why it's important for men
The foundation of any good supplement regimen is a multivitamin. Consider it a buffer for your diet—it covers key nutrients when your diet is lacking in any major area. As a result of today's food manufacturing processes, many of the ultra-processed foods we eat are nutrient deficient.
Ritual Essential Multivitamin for Men is our top choice for multivitamin for men because it contains micronutrients to support men's health in a time-release capsule free from major allergens. We like this supplement because it includes many essential vitamins for men like vitamin A, vitamin D, vitamin E, folate and B12. We also like the inclusion of magnesium in its formula which health experts say men need as they get older.
How much you should take
With Ritual Essential for Men Multivitamin, you'll take two capsules daily to get the following:
- Vitamin A: 180 micrograms (20 percent RDA)
- Vitamin D3: 50 micrograms/2000 international units (250 percent RDA)
- Vitamin E: 6.7 milligrams (45 percent RDA)
- Folate: 200 micrograms (50 percent RDA)
- Vitamin B12: Eight micrograms (333 percent RDA)
- Magnesium: 30 milligrams (7 percent RDA)
- Zinc: 2.4 milligrams (22 percent)
- Boron: 0.7 milligrams
- Omega-3 DHA: 330 milligrams
- Vitamin K2: 90 micrograms
Best Protein Powder for Men: Transparent Labs 100% Grass-Fed Whey Protein Isolate
Why it's important for men
Protein is important for men because it supports muscle performance, muscle growth and tissue repair. Men looking to lose fat or maintain and build muscle mass may need help consuming enough protein. Protein powders are a simple way to increase protein intake while limiting the fat and carbohydrates you would otherwise get from consuming large amounts of protein in your diet.
Our best protein powder for men is Transparent Labs 100% Whey Protein Isolate. This high-quality product line is made with whey from grass-fed American cows. Each one-scoop serving contains 28 grams of protein, 120 calories, 1 gram of carbs and 0 grams of fat and sugar. Plus, this protein is free of artificial sweeteners, coloring and preservatives.
"What I really liked about the Transparent Labs protein was the mixability," says certified sports nutrition coach Pete Nastasi. "So whether it was in the shaker bottle or the blender, it mixed tremendously. I also felt like it was a very smooth protein powder."
How much you should take
Transparent Labs recommends one scoop daily in eight ounces of water or juice. The amount of protein you need daily depends on various factors, including your body composition and physical activity level. The minimum RDA is 0.8 grams per kilogram of body weight. You can calculate your daily protein needs using an online protein calculator.
Each serving also includes:
- Calcium: 134 milligrams (10 percent RDA)
- Potassium: 130 milligrams (2 percent)
- Iron: 0.5 milligrams (2 percent)
Best Weight Loss Supplement for Men: PhenQ
Why it's important for men
Men who want to increase lean muscle mass may benefit from weight loss supplements. Supplements called "fat burners" are designed to increase energy and support weight loss. Many contain Capsimax (concentrated capsaicinoids from red chilli pepper extract) and caffeine. These two ingredients can increase fat burning and weight loss.
PhenQ is a fat burner and appetite suppressant containing caffeine, Capsimax and α-Lacys Reset (alpha lipoic acid, cysteine base and magnesium) to help burn fat and reduce cravings. It’s our top recommended weight loss supplement because it can boost the intensity of your workouts and cut down on cravings for better weight loss and muscle gain.
How much you should take
One serving is two pills taken with eight to 10 ounces of water in the morning. With each dose, you'll get the following:
- α-Lacys Reset: 25 milligrams
- Capsimax: 50 milligrams
- Nopal Cactus extract: 20 milligrams
- Caffeine: 100 milligrams
- Carnitine: 150 milligrams
- Chromium picolinate: 80 micrograms
- Calcium carbonate: 230 milligrams
Best Muscle Building Supplement for Men: Jacked Factory Build XT
Why it's important for men
If you have some experience in the gym and are looking to take your performance to the next level, it may be worth considering a supplement like Jacked Factory Build XT.
Build XT is a supplement for people who are already training, but want to go to the next level. This supplement is about muscular performance, and the ingredients can help you produce more power and strength during your workout. The ingredients in Build XT All of the ingredients in Build XT are patented blends that Jacked Factory includes to boost your muscle’s performance, increase your body’s production of ATP and increase your body’s ability to absorb nutrients.
How much you should take
Jacked Factory recommends you take two capsules 45 minutes before your workout, and on rest days, take two capsules in the morning with a glass of water. In each dose of Jacked Factory Build XT, you’ll get the following three ingredients:
- Peak 02: 1 gram. Peak 02 is a blend of six mushroom extracts, but the primary one is Cordyceps militaris (CM) which can improve your muscle’s tolerance and output during high intensity exercise.
- ElevATP: 150 milligrams. In one study, ElevATP showed significant increases in lower body and total strength compared to placebo.
- AstraGin: 25 milligrams. According to Jacked Factory, AstraGin can help your body absorb more nutrients from food and supplements, particularly amino acids you need to build muscle.
Best Nighttime Fat Burner for Men: PhenQ PM
Why it's important for men
PhenQ PM is a unique fat burner because it is meant to boost your metabolism—and thus help you lose weight—while you sleep. Where other fat burners rely on stimulants like caffeine and thermogenic ingredients to support weight loss, PhenQ PM includes important vitamins for men, plus minerals and amino acids that your body already uses to rev your metabolism, fight cravings and promote good sleep.
How much you should take
PhenQ recommends that you take four capsules 30 minutes to one hour before bed. In each dose, you’ll get the following 12 ingredients:
- L-Arginine: can increase growth hormone levels up 100 percent after exercise when you consume between five and nine grams (PhenQ PM has 1.8 grams).
- L-Lysine HCL: an amino acid that initial studies suggest can help reduce stress hormone production.
- L-Theanine: reduces stress hormones and boosts cognitive function.
- 5-HTP: a naturally occurring amino acid that is a key player in serotonin production.
- Chromium: a trace mineral that helps regulate blood sugar and increase insulin resistance.
- Biotin: studies suggest biotin, in the presence of chromium, can increase your metabolism of carbs, fats and protein.
- Molybdenum: a trace mineral that helps your body break down proteins and toxins.
- Vitamin C: a key vitamin for immune system function, but also helps your body oxidize fat cells for energy.
- Vitamin B1: a necessary vitamin of metabolizing food into energy.
- Vitamin B6: the key nutrient for energy production in cells.
- Vitamin B5: helps break down stored fat cells.
- Choline: can help regulate cognitive function including mood balance.
Best Hydration Supplement for Men: Transparent Labs CoreSeries Hydrate
Why it’s important for men
Hydration, hydration, hydration. You probably remember that hydration is important because you’ve been told to make sure you’re drinking enough water since school. But do you know why? Without adequate hydration, your body cannot perform essential functions like lubricating your joints, delivering nutrients and blood cells or fighting diseases.
Transparent Labs CoreSeries Hydrate is a hydration powder that you mix in water. It delivers electrolytes, vitamins, minerals and other key nutrients your body needs to produce energy and function at its best.
How much you should take
Transparent Labs recommends you mix one scoop of Hydrate into 8 to 10 ounces of water one to three times per day. You can drink Hydrate before, during or after exercise to keep your body’s energy levels high for peak performance. In each scoop of Hydrate you’ll get:
- Calcium: 84 milligrams
- Magnesium: 50 milligrams
- Sodium: 500 milligrams
- Potassium: 200 milligrams
- Taurine: 1,000 milligrams
- Organic coconut water powder: 500 milligrams
- Senactiv: 50 milligrams
Best Creatine Supplement for Men: Jacked Factory Creatine
Why it's important for men
Creatine is a popular supplement for men who want to get stronger and build muscle faster. Each scoop of Jacked Factory creatine has 5,000 milligrams of pure creatine monohydrate. There are no other ingredients in this supplement so it is easy to stack with other supplements like protein powder or Build XT.
"I like that the Jacked Factory creatine product consists of only creatine monohydrate," says certified strength and conditioning specialist Matt Petrillo. "There are several different forms of creatine on the commercial market, but creatine monohydrate is by far the most studied and reliable in terms of effectiveness—no other form of creatine has been shown to be better."
Creatine is not a supplement you should take if you’re not working out because it is specifically designed to boost your muscular performance, strength output and recovery speed during intense workouts.
How much you should take
Jacked Factory creatine is unflavored, so you can mix it with your liquid of choice. Jacked Factory recommends mixing with 8 to 10 ounces of water one to three times per day (depending on your workout schedule) for best results.
Each scoop has 5,000 milligrams of creatine monohydrate.
Best Amino Acid Supplement for Men: Transparent Labs BCAA Glutamine
Why it's important for men
Branched-chain amino acids, also known as BCAAs, are molecules joined together to form the proteins needed to build cells and tissues all over the body—from hair and skin to muscles and bones. Research shows that amino acids also enhance metabolism and improve exercise performance and recovery.
Our pick for the best BCAA supplement for men is Transparent Labs BCAA Glutamine. It's made with premium fermented vegan BCAAs that contains a 2:1:1 ratio of BCAAs (leucine, isoleucine and valine), plus glutamine and coconut water extract.
How much you should take
One serving is one scoop. Each dose contains:
- L-Leucine: 4,000 milligrams
- L-Isoleucine: 2,000 milligrams
- L-Valine: 2,000 milligrams
- L-Glutamine: 5,000 milligrams
Best Gut Health Supplement for Men: Ritual Synbiotic+
Get 25% off your first month of Ritual! Code: SI25
Why it's important for men
Gut health affects overall well-being. According to Dr. David Heber, MD, Ph.D. at UCLA Health, "Nutrition is a key modulator of immune function, and 70 percent of the immune system is located in the gut, where diverse bacteria is best." Gut health is especially important for men. They are generally more susceptible to diseases and may need to support their immune systems more than women, who have more immune cells and a better immune response.
Men looking for a gut health supplement should try Ritual Synbiotic+. It provides prebiotics, probiotics and postbiotics to improve digestion and nutrient absorption for a healthy gut. Ritual Synbiotic+ is also vegan, non-GMO and free of gluten and major allergens.
How much you should take
Ritual recommends one capsule per day. Each serving contains:
- Probiotic Blend (Lactobacillus rhamnosus and bifidobacterium animalis): 120 milligrams (11 billion colony forming units [CFUs])
- PreforPro (LH01 Myoviridae, LL5 Siphoviridae, T4D Myoviridae, LL12 Myoviridae): 15 milligrams
- Tributyrin (as CoreBiome): 300 milligrams
Best Fiber Supplement for Men: Gainful Fiber Boost
New customers get 40% off their first order
Why it's important for men
Fiber is important for men's health because it affects cholesterol levels, blood sugar, body weight, bowel regularity and digestive health. Men who aren't getting the recommended servings from foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains and beans may benefit from a fiber supplement. Gainful's fiber boost is our pick for the best fiber supplement for men.
It's made from beta glucan, a soluble fiber derived from oats chosen for its positive impact on heart health. Each serving contains five grams of dietary fiber, which is 18 percent of the RDA.
"One thing I like about Gainful products is that they keep it simple," says Nastasi. "They utilize only a handful of high-quality ingredients in their supplements and the ingredient choices are based on the consumers' answers to their Get Started quiz on the website."
How much you should take
The recommended dose of Gainful's fiber boost is one scoop mixed with eight ounces of water or juice once a day. The recommended fiber intake for men aged 19-50 is 30-38 grams daily.
Each scoop also includes:
- Soluble fiber: 3 grams
- Iron: 1.2 milligrams (7 percent RDA)
- Protein: 2 grams (4 percent)
Best Ashwagandha Supplement for Men: XWerks Ashwa
Why it's important for men
Life can be incredibly stressful especially as you try to balance your job, family and health. Taking an ashwagandha supplement can be a good option to help men who are looking to reduce their stress. Ashwagandha is a shrub that has been used for years as a herbal medicine thanks to its ability to potentially ease anxiety. Health experts say ashwagandha may lower cortisol levels in our body, which spike when we’re in stressful situations.
Another benefit of ashwagandha specific to men is its potential benefits for sexual health. Research shows ashwagandha may act as an aphrodisiac therefore improving mens’ libido and sexual function.
How much you should take
XWerks recommends taking one to two Ashwa gummies per day. Each gummy contains 750 milligrams of ashwagandha. Opinions vary on how much ashwagandha is beneficial. Health experts say it’s safe to take 1,000 milligrams per day for up to three months. It’s important to talk to your healthcare provider about whether taking an ashwagandha supplement, and how much of it, is right for you.
Best Probiotics for Men: Biotics 8
Why it's important for men
While vitamins for men are important to include in a daily routine, adding a probiotic supplement is also a great way to help improve overall health and wellness. Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that live in the body and help fight off bad bacteria. Supplementation is a great way to get more probiotics, especially if you don’t eat probiotic-rich food sources, like yogurt and cottage cheese. Health experts say probiotics may be helpful if you struggle with IBS and may help improve your body’s immune response.
How much you should take
There are multiple strains of probiotics, and health experts say the recommended dosage varies by strain. Biotics 8 contains 10 active strains to provide 20 billion CFUs (colony-forming units) of probiotics. Before you add a daily probiotic to your diet, It’s important to talk to your doctor about which is the best type of your health goals.
Related Post: The 11 Best Probiotics for Men
What to Look for When Choosing a Supplement
When choosing a supplement, consider your nutrition and dietary needs, third-party testing, ingredients, dosage and athletic goals. You can also research products and ingredients by looking online for articles about nutrients that are scientific and evidence-based—like the ones in this post.
Dietary needs
If you need more macro- and micronutrients from your diet, supplements can help. Consider your usual intake of fruits, veggies, whole grains and lean proteins. If you're lacking in daily servings of whole foods, then a men's multivitamin will help you cover areas where your nutrition could be better.
Dietary restrictions can also give you clues about what to take. For instance, vegans or vegetarians may need additional vitamin B12.
Lifestyle habits are another factor. People who spend much of the day indoors may need a Vitamin D supplement. Those who spend a lot of time at the gym may need a protein or hydration supplement.
Medical conditions are also a consideration for dietary needs. For instance, if you have anemia, your doctor may recommend a supplement with iron for overall wellness.
Dosage
It's best to discuss new supplements with a healthcare professional to determine the right dose to take. Follow the RDAs and Tolerable Upper Intake Level (UL) from the National Institutes of Health to avoid overdosing. Only take what you need, and avoid exceeding the manufacturer's recommended dosing unless directed by your doctor.
Ingredients
For safety, one of the first things you should look at when buying a supplement is the ingredients list. Carefully read the nutrition facts panel on your supplement bottles. Some brands add ingredients like caffeine, herbal blends or added sugars. Other supplements contain soy, which should be avoided by those with soy allergies.
Over-the-counter supplements may also contain ingredients that can interact with other medications or should not be used by people with certain medical conditions. Again, check with your healthcare provider before starting any new supplement, especially if you have underlying health problems.
Certifications
Look for products certified by third-party organizations. These designations prove that your supplements have been tested for purity and potency. The three main third-party certifying organizations in the US are:
- US Pharmacopeial Convention (USP)
- NSF International Certified for Sport or Informed Choice
- ConsumerLab.com
Testing may also ensure that the product is free from banned substances, which is especially important to professional athletes.
The FDA does not approve dietary supplements, so it’s unlikely you’ll see "FDA-approved" on any supplement labels; however, the FDA guides manufacturers on good manufacturing practices (GMP). Look for products made in facilities that follow GMPs. They are usually marked "c-GMP," meaning they certify their facilities follow GMPs. Other designations to look for are organic, vegan and non-GMO.
Form
Men's supplements come in many forms. The most common product forms you'll see are powders, capsules, liquids, pills, gummies and chewables. Choose a form that appeals to you and will be easy to take daily.
Price
Price can be a major determining factor when shopping for supplements. Cost varies widely from one brand to another, and higher-quality supplements usually cost more because they are more expensive to produce. Try to find the highest quality supplement that fits in your budget.
How We Chose Our Best Supplements for Men
In evaluating our picks for best men's supplements, we focused on several criteria including:
- Formulas. Products that include ingredients beneficial for men's health and physiology, such as Vitamins B and D, zinc, magnesium and potassium
- Types. Supplements covering a range of needs, such as nutrition, digestion, conditioning and heart health
- Certifications. Products independently tested by third-party labs to ensure quality
- Ways to save. Supplements from brands offering subscription discounts or bundle deals
Also, the selections include products personally tested by our nutrition and health experts. Learn more about our product review process.
Supplements for Men FAQs
What three supplements should men take?
Individual needs vary, so supplement recommendations aren't one-size-fits-all. Talk to your healthcare provider to find out the top three supplements that would be best for your lifestyle and health goals. As a rule of thumb, men should take three supplements for overall health and wellness: a good multivitamin, fish oil and fiber.
What supplements should men not take?
Men should avoid supplements that they don't need. In other words, taking large doses of vitamins they're not deficient in can lead to overdosing, negative side effects or toxicity. Other supplements men should avoid are proprietary blends or products that do not list the ingredients on the label. They can be dangerous because you don't know what you are taking.
Also, supplements advertised as "performance-enhancing" and those sold for "weight loss" may be questionable. These claims are not verified since supplements are not approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Always talk to your healthcare provider before supplementing.
What does zinc do for men?
Zinc is essential for male reproduction. It’s also good for healing wounds and protecting your skin from damage. Additionally, it boosts your immune system, which helps you fight off infection and disease.
What does fish oil do for men?
Fish oil can help reduce depression and anxiety, improve mood and reduce the risk of heart disease in men.
Final Thoughts
Supplements can be a helpful tool for men with vitamin, mineral or other nutritional deficiencies. There’s no one-size-fits-all recommendation for supplementation; the needs of one man will differ from the needs of another. Talk with your doctor about possible deficiencies or before you begin taking a supplement. The products on this best supplements for men list are all high-quality products that are a good place to start when searching for the right supplement for your needs.
Prices are accurate and items in stock as of publish time.