Men & Nutrition: The Most Important Vitamins and Minerals for Health, Testosterone and Performance

If we were to closely analyse the male and female body, we would discover notable differences. Men stand apart from women not only in terms of muscle mass, but in various other aspects as well. Testosterone, in particular, plays a vital role in men, which is also closely connected to prostate health and fertility. It is precisely these factors that determine the specific nutrients that men should prioritize in their diet.

Why do the nutritional needs of the male body differ from those of the female body?

There are no significant differences in the nutritional needs between boys and girls. However, as they gradually grow and enter puberty, which is accompanied by hormonal changes, some distinctions begin to emerge. This period is characterized in boys by rapid growth and the development of muscle mass. This, in turn, is associated with higher protein requirements and overall increased energy intake needs. As a result, the nutritional requirements of the male body start to differ from those of the female body.

Apart from growth and muscle mass, the male body also exhibits other distinctive physiological processes that determine the importance of certain vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients.

• Spermatogenesis, or the production of sperm, benefits from the intake of nutrients such as selenium and omega-3 fatty acids. [18,40]
• For example, zinc is important for the production and function of the male sex hormone testosterone. [12]
• The prostate, an organ exclusive to the male body, requires nutrients with antioxidant properties such as selenium, vitamin C, and other for its health.

• If you want to learn more about the differences between men and women and how this affects their nutritional needs, be sure to check out the following article: Women & Nutrition: The Most Important Vitamins and Minerals for Health and Beauty
• Detailed information about women’s nutritional needs can also be found in this article: Do Men and Women Share the Same Nutritional Needs?

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What should men focus on in their diet?

1. Energy Requirements

It may not come as a surprise that men typically need to consume more calories compared to women. This is primarily because men tend to have a higher basal metabolic rate (BMR), which is the energy required by the body for basic physiological functions during rest and sleep. The BMR increases with a higher proportion of muscle mass. Considering that men are generally larger and have more muscle mass and lower body fat percentages, they naturally have a higher energy requirement. Additionally, the male sex hormone testosterone plays a role in promoting muscle growth, further contributing to their higher caloric needs. [3,17]

The total energy requirements also depend on the type, amount, and intensity of physical activity. If a man has a physically demanding job or engages in regular sports or exercise, it will have an impact on his body’s calorie needs.

What is the recommended daily intake of calories for men?

According to EFSA (European Food Safety Authority), men should consume an average of 2340-3340 kcal per day. The lower values apply to men with sedentary lifestyles, and the requirement increases with increasing physical activity. This means that active athletes may ultimately have an even higher calorie need than the recommended range. [38]

The individual daily energy requirement can be calculated based on several parameters. If you’re interested in knowing how many calories your body needs in relation to your goals, our online energy intake calculator can assist you in this.

2. Protein

Protein intake is directly related to the amount of muscle mass. Since men naturally have a higher proportion of muscle mass, they typically require a higher protein intake. Proteins are crucial for maintaining and repairing muscles. Additionally, if a man is actively trying to build muscle, his protein requirements further increase.

Testosterone also has a significant impact on protein requirements. It increases muscle protein synthesis (MPS), which is the process of building new proteins in the body. During puberty, when the effects of testosterone become more pronounced, protein needs in men are substantially increased. [32]

Similar to calorie intake, protein requirements also depend on the level of physical activity. A man who engages in manual labour and further incorporates activities like running or working out at the gym has significantly higher protein needs compared to someone who sits all day in an office.

What is the recommended daily intake of protein for men?

An individual with a sedentary lifestyle should ideally consume around 0.8 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight (BW) per day. However, according to some recommendations, a slightly higher intake of 1 gram per kilogram of body weight may be advantageous.

Protein requirements increase with sports and physical activity. According to the International Society of Sports Nutrition (ISSN), individuals primarily engaged in strength training should aim for a daily protein intake ranging from 1.4 to 2 grams per kilogram of body weight to ensure sufficient protein intake. [19,45]

If you are interested in learning more about optimal protein intake, its effects, and food sources, be sure to check out the following article: Protein: Its Functions in the Body, Recommended Intake, Food Sources and Deficiency Symptoms

3. Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Omega-3 fatty acids (FAs) rank among polyunsaturated fatty acids and are one of the essential building blocks of healthy fats. They are known for their numerous positive effects on health, including their impact on the cardiovascular system, brain, and immune function. [6]

The essential alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) helps maintain optimal blood cholesterol levels, while eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) are important for eye and brain health. [40]

These fatty acids have generally shown a positive impact on cardiovascular health. Therefore, men should not overlook their importance, as they have a higher risk of developing cardiovascular diseases compared to women.

Omega-3 fatty acids, including EPA and DHA, are also present in sperm membranes. They are believed to play a role in sperm flexibility, motility, and overall quality. A meta-analysis has shown that omega-3 supplementation in infertile men can improve sperm motility. Moreover, a deficiency of DHA in sperm has been linked to low sperm concentration. Thus, it seems that omega-3 fatty acids may have a positive impact on male fertility. [13,18]

What is the recommended daily intake of omega-3 for men?

EFSA Recommendation:

• 250 mg EPA + DHA
• the intake of ALA should ideally represent around 0.5% of the total energy intake (TEI) [10]

DACH Recommendation:

• the intake of ALA should ideally represent around 0.5% of TEI
• there is no specific recommendation for the intake of EPA and DHA [46]

Where to find omega-3 fatty acids? 

• The essential alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), which needs to be obtained through diet, can be found in foods such as walnuts, rapeseed oil, flaxseeds, flaxseed oil, chia seeds, and soy. [21,44]
• EPA and DHA are primarily found in fatty sea fish and fish oil. Their plant-based source is seaweed or marine algae. [21,44]

If you’d like to learn more about omega-3 fatty acids, read our article: Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Do You Consume Enough and in the Right Proportion to Omega-6?

4. Vitamin D

Vitamin D boasts a wide range of effects and is needed for proper muscle and immune system function. Additionally, it plays a role in the proper absorption of calcium and phosphorus, making it crucial for healthy bones and teeth. [40]

One of the organs where this vitamin is synthesized are the testes. They are therefore believed to be important for sperm production and function. Additionally, this organ supposedly plays a role in testosterone production. However, further research and clarification are needed to fully understand these potential effects on male reproductive health. [5]

What is the recommended daily intake of vitamin D for men?

• EFSA recommendation: 15 μg [38]
• DACH recommendation: 20 μg [46]

Where to find vitamin D?

The majority of vitamin D is obtained from exposure to sunlight. The highest food sources of vitamin D include fatty sea fish, organ meats, fish oil, and egg yolks. There are also some mushrooms and lichens that produce vitamin D when exposed to UVB radiation. [7]

Foods rich in vitamin D

Food	Vitamin D content (100 g)
salmon	11 μg
mackerel	16 μg
herring	4.2 μg
egg yolk	5.4 μg

Learn more about vitamin D, its functions, sources, and deficiency symptoms right here: Vitamin D: Why Is It So Important, What Causes Deficiency, and How to Supplement It?

5. Selenium

Selenium is an important antioxidant that helps the body combat oxidative stress. It also plays a crucial role in the immune system and thyroid function. Additionally, selenium is involved in maintaining the health of hair and nails. [40]

This mineral is essential for the proper formation of sperm and overall fertility. This is likely due to its antioxidant properties, which help protect sperm from the damaging effects of free radicals generated by oxidative stress. However, it appears that supplementation may only be beneficial for individuals with low selenium levels in their bodies. When selenium levels are already optimal and dietary supplements increase them to excessive levels, it may potentially have undesirable effects. [1,28,35]

What is the recommended daily intake of selenium for men?

• EFSA recommendation: 70 μg [38]
• DACH recommendation: 70 μg [46]

Where to find selenium?

The best sources of selenium include Brazil nuts, fish, seafood, and organ meats. Considerable amounts of selenium can also be found in whole grains, meat, and dairy products. The selenium content in foods can vary significantly because its presence in plant-based foods depends on the amount of selenium in the soil where the plants were grown. For animal-based foods, the selenium content depends on the selenium levels in the animal feed. [43,47]

Foods rich in selenium

Food	Selenium content (100 g)
Brazil nuts	1920 μg
chicken liver	55 μg
sardines	53 μg
shrimp	38 μg
tuna	37 μg
beef	17 μg
barley	38 μg
oats	29 μg
plain yoghurt	10 μg

6. Zinc

Zinc is an important mineral that the body needs for optimal functioning of the immune system, eyesight, and maintenance of healthy bones. It also plays a role in carbohydrate, protein, fatty acid and vitamin A metabolism. [40]

Furthermore, zinc contributes to maintaining normal blood testosterone levels. It also plays a vital role in the conversion process of testosterone into its biologically active form. Additionally, zinc helps prevent the conversion of testosterone into estrogen, which can result in conditions such as gynaecomastia, the enlargement of breast glands in men, when excessive amounts of the female sex hormone are present.

Zinc is also involved in proper sperm function. It is believed to contribute to the strength of sperm membranes and protect sperm from oxidative stress. Insufficient zinc intake may therefore be a potential risk factor for low sperm quality and reduced fertility. [11,12,40]

Last but not least, zinc is also important for prostate health. The prostate naturally contains a high concentration of zinc, and its levels serve as an indicator of proper prostate function. [12,40]

What is the recommended daily intake of zinc for men?

• EFSA recommendation: 14 mg [38]
• DACH recommendation: 11-16 mg [46]

Where to find zinc?

The best food sources of zinc from among animal-based sources include red meat, fish, and eggs. Among plant-based foods, legumes and whole grains are among the leading sources of zinc. [9]

Read more about zinc in the following article: Zinc: What Is It Good For, What Causes a Deficiency and What Are the Best Sources?

Foods rich in zinc

Food	Zinc content (100 g)
beef	4.3 mg
pork	1.8 mg
eggs	1.3 mg
Edam cheese	3.8 mg
lentils	3.3 mg
peas	3.5 mg
oats	3.6 mg
buckwheat	2.4 mg

7. Magnesium

Magnesium is a mineral that the body requires for maintaining optimal electrolyte balance and protein synthesis. It is essential for the function of muscles, bones, and teeth. Additionally, magnesium plays a crucial role in the proper functioning of the nervous system and mental well-being. [40]

This nutrient likely has a positive impact on testosterone production. Studies have shown that if a man has low levels of both magnesium and testosterone, magnesium supplementation may lead to an increase in the levels of this male sex hormone. [42]

Magnesium is also associated with a lower occurrence of muscle cramps. These are common, particularly among athletes, and magnesium supplementation in the form of a dietary supplement can contribute to alleviating this issue. [2]

What is the recommended daily intake of magnesium for men?

• EFSA recommendation: 350 mg / day [38]
• DACH recommendation: 350 mg [46]

For more information on magnesium intake, deficiency symptoms, and health benefits, you can refer to the following article: Cramps, Fatigue, Irritability or Sleep. What Else Does Magnesium Affect?

Foods rich in magnesium

Food	Magnesium content (100 g)
pumpkin seeds	550 mg
sunflower seeds	325 mg
almonds	270 mg
dark chocolate 70-85 %	228 mg
buckwheat	231 mg
walnuts	158 mg
oats	138
barley	79 mg
lentils	47 mg

8. Vitamins with antioxidant effects

Antioxidants are substances that help protect the body against free radicals, which are formed as a result of oxidative stress. They are thus associated with reducing the risk of various conditions, such as cardiovascular diseases and cancer. In men, antioxidants also play an important role in protecting sperm and the prostate. Antioxidants include various vitamins, as well as the aforementioned selenium and zinc. [16,18]

Which vitamins rank among antioxidants?

What dietary supplements can be beneficial for men’s health?

1. Tribulus Terrestris

Tribulus Terrestris is an extract from the Tribulus terrestris plant. Traditional medicine utilized it to deal with fertility issues and low libido. Today, it is primarily recognized as a natural alternative to steroids. Studies have shown a correlation between this plant and increased testosterone levels, muscle growth, and performance. [14,36]

2. Ashwagandha

Ashwagandha, also known as Indian ginseng, is renowned for its numerous health effects. It ranks among adaptogens, which are substances that help the body better cope with stress. It is also used in cases of infertility and sexual dysfunction. Research suggests that Ashwagandha may have an impact on sperm production and quality, as well as testosterone production. [4,26]

3. Fenugreek

Fenugreek is a plant used in traditional medicine to improve libido. This usage has persisted to this day because it contains steroid saponins, which may potentially increase testosterone levels. In addition, it has promising effects in other areas of health. It may help lower blood sugar levels (glycaemia), making it useful for individuals who need to maintain optimal glycaemic control. [24,27]

4. Saw Palmetto

Serenoa repens (Saw Palmetto) is a palm plant whose fruits are used to produce an extract. It is rich in fatty acids such as myristic acid, oleic acid, and others. Studies have shown that it has an effect on prostate health. [20]

5. DAA

DAA (Aspartic Acid) is naturally found in the human body and involved in the function of endocrine glands and the nervous system. However, studies have shown that it may also play a role in increasing testosterone levels and male fertility. There is also a potential impact on growth hormone production and muscle growth. [30]

6. Antioxidants

Apart from the aforementioned vitamins and minerals, there are other bioactive substances that can have antioxidant effects and contribute to reducing the risk of cancer and protecting sperm from oxidative stress. [34]

Substances that have shown promising results in research include, for example:

• lycopene
• green tea and coffee polyphenols
• coenzyme Q10 [16]

7. Ginseng

Ginseng is used in traditional Chinese medicine due to its potential effects on immunity, cognitive abilities, and mood. As an adaptogen, it may be useful in managing stress. It has also been shown to potentially impact sexual health and support the production and function of sperm. [15,22]

8. Complex dietary supplements

Many dietary supplements combine multiple nutrients and active ingredients targeting specific areas of men’s health. You can find supplements focusing on prostate health, testosterone support, antioxidant intake, or a combination of various nutrients in the form of a multivitamin that is generally formulated for men’s health.

What are the main takeaways?

The male body has its unique functions and characteristics that come with specific nutritional requirements. These include a naturally higher proportion of muscle mass, testosterone production and function, sperm quality, and prostate health. Due to these specifics, men should pay attention not only to their calorie and protein intake, but also to specific vitamins and minerals such as zinc, selenium, and vitamin D. In conclusion, a healthy and diverse diet emphasizing these specific nutrients can significantly contribute to better overall male health.

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