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Vitamin A

Vitamin A helps support the immune system, as well as aiding with healthy vision.

How to get more: Some of the top sources of vitamin A are carrots, spinach, sweet potatoes, apricots, cantaloupe, broccoli, eggs, milk, and cod liver oil.

Vitamin B12

Older men, in particular, may have an increased need for this B vitamin, which boosts brain health and helps keep the nervous system healthy.

How to get more: B12 sources include salmon, shrimp, beef, chicken, clams, eggs, milk, and cheese.

Folate

Folate, or folic acid, is one of the important B vitamins. Folate may help protect men 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. Other studies have suggested that folate can also help prevent Alzheimer’s disease, type 2 diabetes and even depression.

Take note: according to research, too much folate may increase your risk for colon cancer, so talk to your doctor about how much folate is right for you. Usually, the recommended amount is 400 micrograms.

How to get more: Folate sources include lima beans, spinach, asparagus, oranges, strawberries, and avocado.

Multivitamin: Yes or No?

For most men, eating a healthy, balanced diet will provide them with most of their daily nutrition requirements. However, since some men don’t necessarily eat as well as they should, doctors sometimes do recommend a daily multivitamin to help fill any dietary gaps.

In addition, some medical conditions may require special dietary supplements.

The best answer? Talk to your doctor about which supplements, if any, you need to be taking based on your individual health needs.

Which Vitamins Do Men Really Need?  was originally published on elev8.com

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