Attention men in your 20-30’s, it’s time to start thinking about your health. I know, I know, until just recently you were young and invincible, right? Now, suddenly, you can’t eat whatever you want, recovery from workouts is taking just a wee bit longer than it used to, and you have to start caring for your health differently. Here are the top men's supplements that can help your health throughout the ages.

What Are The Top 12 Men's Health Supplements?

1. Panax Ginseng

Panax ginseng belongs to a group of herbs called adaptogens. Adaptogens may help the body respond to stress. Some research suggests Panax ginseng may support energy, focus, and well-being. Researchers have studied Panax ginseng for exercise performance and recovery. Some studies suggest it may support stamina and endurance. Many libido supplements also include Panax ginseng.

2. Amino Acids

Protein provides amino acids that support growth, repair, and normal body function. Amino acids also support muscles, brain function, mood, and energy production. Acetyl-L-Carnitine comes from the amino acid carnitine. Research suggests Acetyl-L-Carnitine may help reduce fatigue in some people. Some studies suggest it may support exercise performance and memory. Researchers have also studied it for cognitive decline and Alzheimer's disease. Animal foods provide high amounts of amino acids and protein. Examples include meat, dairy, eggs, and fish. Whey protein offers a convenient way to increase protein intake. Many vegan protein blends also provide complete amino acid profiles.

3. Fish Oil

I can’t say enough about fish oil. There are so many (MANY!) health benefits associated with taking fish oil, high in omega fatty acids EPA and DHA, it difficult to know where to start. Fish oil has been shown to lower triglyceride levels and increase the “good” HDL cholesterol. It’s an anti-inflammatory extraordinaire, supporting joint health, intestinal health and immune function. Even strong men get the blues, and EPA from fish oil has also been shown to help treat mild to moderate depression. Consider it your new liquid multi - for the multitude of benefits 1-3 tsp./day possesses.

4. Probiotics

You are now officially old enough to talk about bowel health without cracking jokes. Chronic gas and/or reflux, bloating, diarrhea and/or constipation these may all be signs that your bowel is not functioning optimally. Start by improving your healthy gut flora with a good quality probiotic. Look for a multi-strain combination (anywhere from 5-10). Probiotics support healthy digestion, as well as being an integral part of the immune system.

Men's Supplements For 40+

Lucky you, you seem to be getting more handsome and confident the older you get, but what about your body? How do you feel? Is your weight catching up to you? Are your joints starting to ache a little more now? We should never feel older than we look! Now is the time to start thinking about disease prevention and improving quality of life in the decades to come!

5. Soluble Fibre

In addition to promoting regularity and healthy detoxification, soluble fibre also helps to ensure balanced blood sugar levels, reduce cholesterol levels, and support healthy weight loss (or prevent weight gain!). A diet low in fibre and high in fats is one of the leading risk factors in the development of colorectal cancers. Foods high in soluble fibre include oats and oatmeal, legumes, such as beans and peas, along with many fruits and vegetables, such as apples, avocados, and carrots. Again, if your diet needs a little boost, try adding a scoop of ground flax or other soluble fibre supplement to your morning cereal.

6. Lycopene

It’s never too early to start thinking about prostate health. Lycopene is a carotene with mighty antioxidant powers. It is found in bright red fruits and vegetables, highest in cooked tomatoes products, such as stewed tomatoes, tomato sauce or salsa. Research suggests that lycopene may be a powerful cancer prevention tool, proving most effective in the prevention of prostate, lung and stomach cancers. Lycopene can be found in many supplements aimed at increasing antioxidants, or to enhance prostate health. When eating cooked tomato products, make sure to eat with a small amount of fat (think high-quality olive oil) to enhance lycopene absorption.

7. Magnesium

Magnesium supplementation is pretty much a no-brainer! This mineral can do wonders to reduce muscular tension, cramping and pain due to strain or over use, as well as reducing the incidence and severity of tension related headaches. It is also incredibly important to the nervous system, cardiovascular system, and helps support balanced blood sugar levels, as well as helping to prevent diabetic related neuropathies. We are generally deficient in magnesium, and it is difficult to get enough through diet alone, making supplementation a great option!

8. Green tea or EGCG

So, you’ve put on a few pounds. It’s nothing to worry about, right? Well… weight gain has the potential to be extremely harmful if it gets out of control. Obesity is one of the leading risk factors for the development of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, many cancers, as well as both osteo and rheumatoid arthritis, to name only a few. Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) is an extract of green tea that has been associated with increased thermogenesis and weight loss. It is also high in antioxidants, and green tea consumption in general, including EGCG consumption, has been linked to decreased cancer incidence, healthier cholesterol levels, and less cardiovascular and liver disease.

Men's Supplements For 50 & Above

50 is the new 40 (whatever that means!). Hopefully this is a time when financial concerns are a little less concerning, family life starts to get a little easier, and you can stop and smell the roses just a bit. Slowing down doesn’t have to mean stopping; it may simply mean more time to spend with family and friends and a chance to focus on hobbies that you’ve been putting off due to a hectic schedule, like gardening, golf or fishing. It’s a time to FEEL GOOD and ENJOY what you’ve worked so hard to accomplish!

9. Saw Palmetto

Urinary frequency, urgency and hesitancy are arguably the most common complaints of men in the 50 + age group. Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) may be a common condition at the root of these symptoms, but it certainly doesn’t have to be your new normal! Saw Palmetto is rich in phytosterols, independently known to balance our inflammatory response and support healthy cholesterol levels. Saw Palmetto has been shown to produce similar results as finasteride, a commonly used pharmaceutical medication treating symptoms associated with BPH, along with being better tolerated than the medication.

10. CoQ10

CoQ10 provides energy, in the form of oxygen delivery, to all the cells of the body, particularly important for muscle cells. The heart is a muscle, and in turn, COQ10 is vital to optimal cardiovascular function. As we age, our natural production of Coenzyme Q10 declines. Statin medications, often prescribed to decrease high cholesterol levels, also greatly interfere with our body’s ability to make its own CoQ10. Look for ubiquinol COQ10 varieties, as they are believed to be better absorbed and utilized in the body.

11. Vitamin D

It comes as no surprise to most North Americans that we are generally deficient in vitamin D. Vitamin D is another big player in the fight against and prevention of a variety of common mutated cells, including colorectal, breast, prostate, pancreas and more. Most people also know about the importance of vitamin D in bone health, helping with the absorption and utilization of calcium. Vitamin D deficiency has also been linked with increased incidence of depression. It’s also essential for a strong immune system, with adequate vitamin D levels now known to be one of our best defences against cold and flu.

12. Curcumin

When those mild joint aches start to turn into stiffness and pain, it’s time to turn to curcumin. Another plant-based anti-inflammatory, and so much more, curcumin is an extract of turmeric, a spice used in many fragrant and colourful Indian dishes. Curcumin goes far beyond joint health. Having an affinity for the liver, curcumin supports both phase I and II detoxification of the liver, enhancing overall function. There is also a lot of buzz around this powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant for use in cancer prevention and treatment of autoimmune disease.