Multivitamin supplementation in men
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Multivitamin Supplementation and Vitamin Status in Men
Research shows that multivitamin/multimineral supplementation in healthy older men can improve or prevent declines in blood levels of several key vitamins, such as vitamin B6 (pyridoxal phosphate), vitamin D (calcifediol), vitamin E (α-tocopherol), and β-carotene. In contrast, men who did not take supplements experienced declines in these vitamin levels and a higher prevalence of suboptimal vitamin status. However, supplementation did not significantly affect blood mineral concentrations like calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, or zinc. Additionally, multivitamin use helped maintain cellular energy metabolism, which may have implications for metabolism and immune health in older men .
Multivitamin Use and Lifestyle Factors in Men
Multivitamin use is common among middle-aged and older men, with about 36% reporting current use. Men who are older, current smokers, or use aspirin are more likely to use multivitamins. Those with a history of hypercholesterolemia, higher fruit and vegetable intake, whole grain consumption, and tea drinking are also more likely to use multivitamins. Multivitamin use is often associated with other healthy lifestyle behaviors, such as higher physical activity and lower red meat and coffee consumption .
Multivitamin Supplementation and Cognitive Function in Older Men
Long-term studies in older men have found that daily multivitamin supplementation does not provide cognitive benefits. Over a 12-year period, there was no difference in cognitive decline or performance between men taking multivitamins and those taking a placebo .
Multivitamin Supplementation and Mood in Older Men
Some evidence suggests that multivitamin, mineral, and herbal supplements may have a positive effect on mood and stress in healthy older men, although more research is needed to confirm these findings .
Multivitamin Supplementation and Cancer Risk in Men
Large-scale randomized trials have shown that daily multivitamin supplementation modestly but significantly reduces the risk of total cancer in men, but does not significantly affect the risk of prostate, colorectal, or other site-specific cancers, nor cancer mortality. The reduction in total cancer risk was also observed in men with a history of cancer at baseline . Meta-analyses confirm that multivitamin-multimineral supplementation reduces cancer incidence in men, but not in women, suggesting a possible sex-specific benefit . However, other long-term studies found no association between regular or long-duration multivitamin use and the risk of overall or aggressive prostate cancer in generally well-nourished men .
Multivitamin Supplementation and Cardiovascular Disease in Men
Randomized controlled trials have found no consistent evidence that multivitamin supplementation reduces the risk of major cardiovascular disease (CVD) or related endpoints in middle-aged and older men, regardless of baseline dietary factors. Some minor interactions were observed with specific vitamin intakes, but overall, multivitamin use did not significantly impact CVD risk .
Multivitamin Supplementation and Blood Pressure in Men
Randomized trials have not found significant effects of multivitamin supplementation on blood pressure or the risk of developing hypertension in middle-aged and older men .
Multivitamin Supplementation and Male Fertility
A pilot clinical study found that a multivitamin supplement containing resveratrol improved sperm motility and concentration in men with idiopathic infertility, suggesting potential benefits for male reproductive health through effects on mitochondrial function .
Conclusion
Multivitamin supplementation in men, especially older men, can help maintain or improve vitamin status and may modestly reduce the risk of total cancer. However, evidence does not support benefits for cognitive function, cardiovascular disease, or blood pressure. Multivitamin use is often part of a broader pattern of healthy behaviors. There may be specific benefits for male fertility and mood, but more research is needed in these areas. Overall, the impact of multivitamin supplementation appears to be modest and may depend on individual health status and baseline nutrition.
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