Men's Multivitamins?

**ornryactor** · 07-25-2010, 11:19 PM

I'm considering taking a multivitamin, but I don't know how to select the most appropriate one for my lifestyle, or if it even makes a difference. I'm a fairly average early-20s male. I don't work out regularly, but I am otherwise in good shape and capable of intense exercise (BMI sits right at 24.9 to 25.2). I'm conscious about proper nutrition than most of my peers, but can't always afford fresh fruits and vegetables if they get too expensive (like this summer: fruit in the South is ridiculously expensive).

Does anybody here take a daily men's-formula multivitamin? If so, which one and why? Anybody know where to get objective feedback comparing different brands (or even comparing taking one vs. not taking one)? I don't know what things to take into consideration here.

**norseclone** · 07-26-2010, 12:11 AM

It's really not necessary. Your body can only absorb so much at any given time, the rest you void (at least the water soluble vitamins). But bottom line, if you're eating a western diet (and you're not eating McDonald's 10-15 meals a week), taking a multivitamin isn't going to do much for your except give you really expensive pee.

**jumbopackage** · 07-26-2010, 10:18 AM

I take the generic Costco/Kirkland Centrum knock-off, along with their fish oil. I've also heard good things about GNC's Mega Men, but it's a fair bit more expensive.

I agree that if you have a good diet, it's probably not necessary. That being said, I use them like an insurance plan in case my diet wasn't that great on any given day, to make sure I've got what I need vitamins and minerals-wise. And since it's really not very expensive (I think a year and a half's worth is like 10 or 20 bucks), it's not that big of a deal if it's really not necessary. It's cheap insurance.

I'm sure if you poke around on the internet long enough you'll find rabid discussion about different brands and what sort of B vitamins it should contain and whatnot. You should read some of the "muscleheads" go on about different types of protein supplements. It's rather irritating.

**CycloneErik** · 07-26-2010, 10:22 AM

I take the generic Hy-Vee Men's Health. I've been satisfied with that.

**ketelmeister** · 07-26-2010, 10:27 AM

I thought Viagra was a multi vitamin. That's what my wife has been giving me.

**ISUonthemove** · 07-26-2010, 10:27 AM

Waste of time and money.

**ThatllDoCy** · 07-26-2010, 10:36 AM

I take the Target brand Men's formula. I like it. may just be Placebo, but that and Fish Oil everyday seems to keep me healthy. GNC makes some vitamin packs for Men that will increase your energy etc. A bit more expensive though.

**isucyc** · 07-26-2010, 10:55 AM

In 1988 I took a job that I had to drive between 150 to 200 miles per day. When I got out of my auto I felt very stiff and sore. My landlord at the office was a retired Dentist. He told me to buy either Therigram m or centrum vitamins and take two per day for 30 days and then take one per day from there on. I followed his instructions and got great results. I can drive as high as 500 miles per day and I don't feel stiff or sluggish even to this day and I am 76. Best thing I have ever done for my health.

**twistedredbird** · 07-26-2010, 11:27 AM

I take Puritan's Pride MV and Triple Potency Fish Oil. Good quality and competitive prices. Usually can find a 10 percent online coupon too. Usually order the 2 get 3 free. If you workout a lot, a quality MV is a good idea. Yeah, your pee will be yellower, but your body can absorb what it wants too.

As far as eating a good diet goes, my nutritionist said to take a MV even if eating well because most of the veggies/fruits we eat lack the nutrients they are supposed to have because of how our food is grown/shipped now. Veggies grown in Fresno in the desert(ya, a lot of vitamins in that soil), and being picked way before ripening.

**StClone** · 07-26-2010, 11:27 AM

Originally Posted by ISUonthemove

Waste of time and money.

If it is a waste of time and money why do they put Vitmanin D in Milk, conclude that fortified cereals was one reason for the height of U.S citizens (pre-Mac Donald's) and why do they give vitamins and minerals to livestock?

But I would say too that if eating more fresh fruits and veggies is very important.

**djcubby** · 07-26-2010, 12:03 PM

Originally Posted by norseclone

It's really not necessary. Your body can only absorb so much at any given time, the rest you void (at least the water soluble vitamins). But bottom line, if you're eating a western diet (and you're not eating McDonald's 10-15 meals a week), taking a multivitamin isn't going to do much for your except give you really expensive pee.

Disagree. The average "western diet" is horrible and lacking in so many areas. The 'Recommended Daily Allowance' for vitamins and minerals that are listed on the box of any food that you purchase were developed during World War 1 and are just enough to keep you out of the hospital.

However you are correct in stating that most most store bought vitamins are a waste of money due to the fact that they are synthetic (made in a lab) and don't break down in time to get absorbed in the small intestine.

Do yourself a favor and find a natural vitamin supplement. Take it for a month and see if you feel a difference.