By clicking on the product links in this article, we may receive a commission fee at no cost to you, the reader. Sponsorships and affiliate commissions help support our research so we can help you find the best products. Read the full affiliate disclosure here.
Looking for the best supplements for men can be a daunting task. There are so many different options available, and each nutrient has its own set of unique ingredients and dosage recommendations. How can you know which supplement is right for you and how much of that supplement you need?
In this guide, we will discuss what to look for when shopping for a men's supplement. We look at factors such as dosage, supplement type, and active ingredients. We also categorized the best supplements for men based on ten different categories including the best multivitamin supplements and protein supplements, to name a couple.
The Best Supplements for Men - Our Top Picks
- Best Creatine for Men: Jacked Factory Creatine Monohydrate
- Best Magnesium for Men: Transparent Labs Magnesium Bisglycinate
- Best Multivitamin for Men: Kaged Multivitamin
- Best Protein Powder for Men: Jacked Factory Authentic Whey
- Best Fiber Supplement for Men: Tomorrow's Nutrition™ SunFiber®
- Best Vitamin D for Men: Bulk Supplements Vitamin D3
- Best Fish Oil for Men: Jym® Omega Fish Oil
- Best Plant Based Protein Powder for Men: Kaged Muscle Plantein
- Best Multivitamin for Men 50+: GNC Mega Men® 50 Plus MultiVitamin
- Best Zinc for Men: GNC Zinc 50mg Vegetarian Tablets
Why Trust Us?
The health and safety of ACTIVE's readers is of the utmost importance to us. To ensure your well-being when consuming supplements, the ACTIVE.com editorial team prioritizes products that are independently tested by a third-party. We've also consulted with a team of nutritionists and dieticians to ensure the products we feature are of the highest standard. This helps us create the most accurate, authentic review content for our readers.
Best Creatine for Men - Jacked Factory Creatine Monohydrate
SPECS
- Dosage: 5g (1 serving)
- Type: Sports Nutrition
- Ingredients: Creatine monohydrate
You don't need to lift to enjoy the benefits of creatine. But if you do lift, we think you will really enjoy these benefits. A popular supplement among bodybuilders and athletes, creatine is a performance-boosting compound that can help promote muscle growth and repair. And when it comes to a creatine supplement you can trust, we like Jacked Factory’s Creatine Monohydrate.
This powder-based supplement delivers 5 grams (5,000 mg) of pure creatine monohydrate in every serving. As we mentioned above, this is the gold standard as far as the dosage per serving. As Jacked Factory points out, you can do the old school bodybuilding route and take 20 grams (four servings throughout the day) or simply take one serving per day. The only benefit to the former is that you'll build up the creatine stores in your body faster.
What We Like
- Low price point but contains quality ingredients
- Manufactured in the USA in a cGMP Certified Facility
- Comes with a 100% Hassle-Free Money-Back Guarantee
What We Don't Like
- Unflavored; might not be for everyone, but can mix it with other supplements if you don't like the taste
BUY: Jacked Factory Creatine Monohydrate
Best Magnesium for Men - Transparent Labs Magnesium Bisglycinate
SPECS
- Dosage: 300mg (1 serving)
- Type: General Health
- Ingredients: Magnesium Bisglycinate
If there's been one supplement that saw a huge jump in popularity during the last couple of years, it's magnesium. This essential mineral plays an important role in cellular function, protein synthesis, and nervous system health. And for men specifically, magnesium can help support muscle growth, improve testosterone levels and fertility, alleviate stress and anxiety, and promote heart health. This is where Transparent Labs Magnesium Bisglycinate can help. Not only does it provide the recommended dosage per serving, but it's using a superior form of magnesium. Many supplements use magnesium oxide, which has terrible bioavailability.
Magnesium Bisglycinate, on the other hand, is considered the gold standard when it comes to absorption, which means your body is getting more of the supplement that you're taking.
What We Like
- Completely transparent label—no proprietary blends, which means you know exactly what you're taking
- Uses a highly bioavailable form of magnesium for superior absorption
- Well-established brand
What We Don't Like
- Serving size is 3 capsules
- Price point is high for a 1-month supply
BUY: Transparent Labs Magnesium Bisglycinate
Best Multivitamin for Men - Kaged Multivitamin
SPECS
- Dosage: 2 capsules (1 serving)
- Type: General Health / Longevity
- Ingredients: Vitamin A, C, D, E, K, B6, B12, Thiamin, Riboflavin, Niacin, Folate, Biotin, Pantothenic Acid, Calcium, Iron, Iodine, Magnesium, Zinc, Selenium, Copper, Manganese, Chromium, Molybdenum, Sodium, ACTIValoe
Let's face the facts: You can have one of the best diets out there, but there are more than likely still going to be nutritional gaps. That's where a multivitamin can help. A good multivitamin should include a wide range of vitamins and minerals, but it should also be formulated specifically for men's needs. That means it needs to contain adequate amounts of the nutrients that are most important to male health such as zinc and vitamin D. When it comes to the best multivitamin for men, we like the Kaged Multivitamin.
Not only do you get 100% of the daily recommended servings of 21 essential vitamins and minerals, but you also get the whole food versions of these nutrients. What does the whole food version mean? The vitamins and minerals are sourced from organic fruits and vegetables, and this makes all the difference as far as bioavailability and absorbing what you take into your body.
What We Like
- Whole food-sourced, making it highly absorbable vitamins and minerals
- Vegan, keto, gluten-free, and non-GMO
- Informed-Sport certified
- Includes an aloe vera extract, which is a prebiotic fiber that delivers polysaccharides
What We Don't Like
- Doesn’t contain much magnesium
BUY: Kaged Multivitamin
Best Protein Powder for Men - Jacked Factory Authentic Whey
SPECS
- Dosage: 31.1g (1 scoop)
- Type: Sports Nutrition
- Ingredients: Whey Protein Concentrate, Whey Protein Isolate, Chocolate Bean Powder Processed with Alkali, Natural and Artificial Flavors, Sodium Chloride, Xanthan Gum Powder, Guar Gum Powder, Acesulfame Potassium, Sucralose, Silicon Dioxide, Stevia Extract
We think it's safe to say that whey protein was the OG of the supplement boom. Sure, creatine and some caffeine products were there, but what did you see on top of everyone's refrigerator starting in the late 90s? A big tub of whey protein. One of our favorite whey protein supplements is Jacked Factory Authentic Whey.
We like that this supplement combines two forms of whey protein: concentrate and isolate. What's the difference? Isolate is rapidly digested and absorbed, while concentrate takes a bit more time. This means that you'll get a steady stream of amino acids over the course of an hour or two, depending on your digestion. The reason that isolate quickly digests is because it's filtered through a state-of-the-art filtration process resulting in native whey proteins that are pure, and low in natural sugar and fat.
What We Like
- Uses a combination of slow and fast-digesting whey proteins to ensure an immediate and sustained release of amino acids
- Manufactured in the USA in a State-of-the-Art cGMP and FDA-registered facility
- Comes with a 100% hassle-free money-back guarantee
What We Don't Like
- Increases the amount of amino acids that are released into the body, but it would have been nice to see one more form of protein such as egg or casein
- Uses artificial sweeteners
BUY: Jacked Factory Authentic Whey
Best Fiber Supplement for Men - Tomorrow's Nutrition™ SunFiber®
SPECS
- Dosage: 7g (1 scoop)
- Type: General Health / Longevity
- Ingredients: SunFiber® Guar Fiber (PHGG)
Fiber isn't the sexiest of the men's health supplements, but it's just as important (if not more so). If you're not getting enough fiber in your diet, there's a good chance that you don't even realize it. Many men suffer from digestive issues and an overall lack of energy due to poor gut health, but they often overlook the role that fiber can play in solving these problems.
Fiber is essential for promoting regular bowel movements and supporting healthy gut bacteria. It also helps to promote satiety and suppress appetite, making it a great tool for weight loss.
If you're like most guys, you don't have the time or interest to keep track of how much fiber is in certain foods or how much you have left to eat in a day. That's where a fiber supplement comes in handy. And when it comes to a men's fiber supplement, no one does it better than Tomorrow's Nutrition SunFiber. This is a no-frills fiber supplement that is a tasteless addition to your daily drinks or meals. One serving offers seven grams, which won't take care of the entirety of your daily recommended allowance, but it's a pretty good chunk of it.
What We Like
- Provides 7g of guar fiber, which has been proven to promote healthy digestion
- Gluten free, non-GMO, and vegan supplement
- Low FODMAP-certified
What We Don't Like
- Doesn't mention that it needs to be used in conjunction with a healthy diet
BUY: Tomorrow's Nutrition™ SunFiber®
Best Vitamin D for Men - Bulk Supplements Vitamin D3
SPECS
- Dosage: 1 softgel (capsule) or 50 milligrams (powder)
- Type: General Health / Longevity
- Ingredients: Vitamin D3 (Cholecalciferol) – capsule: soy oil, bovine gelatin, glycerin, purified water | powder: modified starch, maltodextrin, sucrose, corn oil, tocopherol, sodium ascorbate, silicon dioxide
Did you know that at no other time in recorded history have the average testosterone levels of men been so low? Lifestyle choices and environmental factors are to blame. In particular, a diet lacking vitamin D has a direct impact on a man's hormone levels. Vitamin D is responsible for regulating the production and release of testosterone in the body, making it an essential component for male health. And when it comes to a Vitamin D supplement you can trust, we recommend Bulk Supplements Vitamin D3.
Aside from the high-quality of their supplements, we also love that you have a choice between powder or capsule. Pick the one that fits your lifestyle.
What We Like
- Barebones supplement that gives you exactly what you need at a very reasonable price point
- Comes in a capsule and powder form
- Trusted brand name
What We Don't Like
- Use of soybean oil as the fat carrier in the capsule version; we would have preferred to see something like coconut oil
- Bulk Supplements should mention that vitamin D3 is best paired with vitamin K2
BUY: Bulk Supplements Vitamin D3
Best Fish Oil for Men - Jym® Omega Fish Oil
SPECS
- Dosage: 2 softgels (1 serving)
- Type: General Health / Longevity
- Ingredients: Purified water, Gelatin, Glycerin Contains: FISH (Menhaden, Anchovy, Mackerel, Herring, Sardine, Smelt, Salmon, Tuna, Cod or a combination thereof).
When it comes to supporting male health, fish oil is another supplement that can't be overlooked. Fish oil contains omega-3 fatty acids, which are powerful anti-inflammatories and have been shown to support heart, brain, and joint health in men. For those who don't eat enough oily fish or food fortified with omega-3s, a fish oil supplement can be a great way to get the benefits of these essential fatty acids. Omega JYM gets our top spot for best fish oil for men because it provides high-quality omega-3 fatty acids as a dosage that's greater than the daily minimum.
With 750 mg of both EPA and DHA—not to mention 150 mg of DPA for good measure—per serving, Omega JYM gives you both quality and the scientifically suggested amount. And if you treat this as a monthly supplement, you'll actually get double the dosage, which has been shown to be beneficial for those people with cardiovascular issues.
What We Like
- Appropriate dosages of EPA and DHA
- JYM is a trusted brand that's been around for years. He was one of the first big names in fitness with a medical degree
- Transparent label
What We Don't Like
- For optimal benefits, you have to double the dose daily, turning this into a 30-day supplement
- Made in a place that also handles tree nuts, which is an allergen concern
BUY: Jym® Omega Fish Oil
Best Plant Based Protein Powder for Men - Kaged Muscle Plantein
SPECS
- Dosage: 37.5g (1 scoop)
- Type: Sports Nutrition
- Ingredients: Pea Protein, Peanut Flour, Natural Flavor, Organic Quinoa, Medium Chain Triglycerides (Coconut Oil, Acacia), Sea Salt, Steviol Glycosdes, Sucralose
If you were a hopeful vegetarian when plant-based protein hit the shelves, you probably heard the one thing everyone said about them: "these taste awful!" Thankfully for you vegetarian and vegan men out there, the supplement industry has really upped its game in the flavor department for plant-based protein. Kaged Muscle Plantein is living proof of that.
The problem with a lot of the old plant protein powders was that they were gritty and had a nasty chalky aftertaste. Kaged Muscle's Plantein is the complete opposite of that. It's smooth and the flavor on the bottle is exactly what it tastes like. One thing that we really like about Kaged Muscle Plantein is that they point out how this protein is comparable to that of whey protein concentrate. That means you can use this in place of a whey protein powder.
What We Like
- Taste is awesome, and easy to drink. No grit or chalky aftertaste
- Designed for optimal digestion
- Vegan-friendly
What We Don't Like
- Only one source of plant-based protein; we would like to see at least one more (preferably hemp or brown rice protein)
- Price to serving size could be better
Best Multivitamin for Men 50+ - GNC Mega Men® 50 Plus MultiVitamin
SPECS
- Dosage: 2 caplets (1 serving)
- Type: General Health / Longevity
- Ingredients: Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin D, Vitamin E, Vitamin, Thiamin, Riboflavin, Vitamin B-6, Folic Acid, Vitamin B-12, Biotin, Iodine, Magnesium, Zinc, Selenium, Copper, Manganese, Chromium, Molybdenum, Niacin, Pantothenic Acid, Calcium, Choline, Inositol, Grape Seed Extract, Saw Palmetto, L-arginine, alpha-Lipoic Acid, Silica, Boron, Resveratrol
As we mentioned above, a multivitamin isn't as much of an option as it is a requirement for certain guys. While a standard men's multivitamin might cut it for people between the ages of 20 through 50, older men have a different set of nutrient needs.Older guys need to start taking prostate health more seriously, and pumpkin seed extract can help with just that.
Case in point, men over 50 need more than just a few vitamins and minerals; they need a multivitamin designed specifically with them in mind. That's exactly what GNC's Mega Men 50 Plus® is. You're looking at a multivitamin complex that is designed to support heart, prostate, and brain health while delivering much-needed antioxidants.
What We Like
- Clinically-proven ingredients
- Has a study to back up claimsDesigned for older guys and includes several key nutrients that are important for that age demographic
- Provides the appropriate dosage for each vitamin and mineral
What We Don't Like
- It's not a deal breaker but there are certain forms of vitamins and minerals that could be improved by using different forms. For example, instead of using magnesium bisglycinate, they use magnesium oxide
- While the vitamins and minerals are dosed appropriately, some of the herbal remedies and amino acids are not
BUY: GNC Mega Men® 50 Plus MultiVitamin
Best Zinc for Men - GNC Zinc 50mg Vegetarian Tablets
SPECS
- Dosage: 1 tablet (1 serving)
- Type: General Health / Longevity
- Ingredients: Zinc (as Zinc Gluconate), Microcrystalline cellulose, Dicalcium Phosphate, Croscarmellose Sodium, Silicon Dioxide, Stearic Acid Vegetable Source, Stearic Acid Vegetable Source
Finally, we get to zinc, the last member of the fitness nutrient trifecta for men's health. Along with vitamin D and magnesium, zinc is another key ingredient that men should be taking regularly. Zinc plays an important role in the production of testosterone, which as we discussed is already at all-time lows for most guys. But just like magnesium, not all forms of zinc are equal in terms of bioavailability. Zinc gluconate is one of the best forms of zinc available, and it is commonly found in high-quality men's supplements. GNC’s Zinc contains exactly that version of zinc.
At 50 mg per serving, GNC Zinc provides you with a one-and-done dosage for your daily zinc needs. Best of all, since it's zinc gluconate, you know that your body will be able to efficiently absorb and utilize the nutrient.
What We Like
- Most bioavailable form of Zinc
- Dosed at 50mg per serving
- GNC is a well-established brand
What We Don't Like
- While it provides 50mg of zinc gluconate, it doesn't discuss the actual amount of elemental zinc you will be absorbing from this supplement
BUY: GNC Zinc 50mg Vegetarian Tablets
How to Choose the Best Supplement for Men
When it comes to choosing the best supplement for men, there are a few key things you need to look for.
Dosage
This is one of the most important factors to consider when choosing a men's supplement. You want to find a product that contains enough of the active ingredients to be effective, but not so much that it could cause side effects or interactions with other medications you may be taking.
Many supplements are notoriously under-dosed, so it's important to do two things:
First, research what the effective dosage is for the ingredient you are looking for. For example, if you are taking creatine monohydrate, you'll find the effective dosage is five grams. If you see a product that has just 100 mg, you know it won't be effective.
Second, look for products that are certified by a reputable organization, such as the USP or NSF. This helps to ensure supplements contain what the label says they contain.
Type
Another thing to think about when choosing a men's supplement is the type of product you are looking for. Consider what your top fitness goals are, and base your purchases on this. For example, do you want to build muscle and burn fat? Then you would look for sports nutrition supplements.
Don't take a supplement just because it's the "thing to do" right now. Make sure you actually need that type of supplement to complement your diet.
Ingredients
When looking for the best supplement for men, you also need to pay attention to the ingredients. You want to look for products made with high-quality ingredients that can help support your fitness goals.
Look for ingredients backed by scientific research, and that includes the most bioavailable form of the ingredient. For example, zinc oxide is not as bioavailable as gluconate. If you can help it, try to avoid any additives or artificial sweeteners. The less artificial stuff in your supplement, the better.
Certifications
In addition to carefully researching the dosage, type, and ingredients of a men's supplement, it's also important to look for certifications from reputable organizations. Some examples of popular fitness supplement certifications include NSF, GMP, and USDA Organic. These certifications ensure that the supplement has been properly produced and tested for impurities and safety.
FAQs About Men's Health Supplements
What supplements should a man take every day?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. The best supplements for men depend on their individual fitness goals and any underlying health conditions they may have.
Some popular options include sports nutrition supplements such as protein powders, creatine, or pre-workout boosters; vitamins and minerals such as multivitamins, zinc, and magnesium; and natural herbal supplements such as Tribulus terrestris and L-citrulline.
What does zinc do for men?
Zinc is an essential mineral that plays a key role in many vital functions, including protein synthesis and immune system health. For men, zinc can promote muscle growth and repair, increase fertility, and improve testosterone levels. The recommended daily dosage for zinc is typically between 15-25 mg per day depending on age and other factors.
Do men need fish oil?
It depends on the individual's diet. In general, many men who follow a traditional Western diet may benefit from including fish oil in their diet. Fish oil contains omega-3 fatty acids that can help support heart health and reduce inflammation throughout the body. Additionally, some research has shown that fish oil can help promote healthy brain function and improve mood.
What supplements should men not take?
Supplements that men should be cautious of or avoid altogether usually involve a negative interaction with a current medication or medical condition.
For example, weight loss pills and stimulants can cause increased blood pressure and heart rate, which could be problematic for someone on blood pressure medication.
It's best to discuss any supplements that you're considering taking with your doctor, especially if you're currently on medication or have an underlying medical condition.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
About the Author
David has over a decade of experience as a NASM-certified personal trainer, fitness and nutrition specialist, and sports conditioning specialist. David has written blog posts, e-books, training guides, and online courses that cover a range of health and fitness topics.
Discuss This Article