While calcium is often stressed as an important nutrient for aging women, it’s equally important for men over age 50 to support bone health and reduce the risk of osteoporosis. While men are less likely to develop osteoporosis, it is possible and has been occurring more often in recent years in men over age 65. “Most men should aim for 1,000-1,200mg of calcium per day, which sometimes can be hard to meet with food alone,” says VanHuizen. Target amounts increase from 1,000 milligrams daily to 1,200 once you reach age 70.
In addition to each tablet providing 26 percent of the DV for calcium, you’ll also get magnesium, zinc, and vitamin D3, minerals and vitamins that are crucial for supporting bone health. Magnesium is essential for bone health, heart rhythm, and energy production, and older adults are especially at risk of low levels—48 percent of all adults aren’t getting enough magnesium from food.
Taking the recommended 3 tablets a day provides 96 percent of your DV for magnesium. Zinc and vitamin D are also essential for bone health and support hormone and vascular health, which both matter for sexual function—a common concern for men in their 50s and 60s, when rates of erectile dysfunction go up affecting 20 to 40 percent of men between age 60 and 69.
With four essential nutrients in one pill, and the option to take one to three per day, depending on how healthful and varied your diet is, we love this Nature Made Calcium as one of the best overall options for men over 50. It covers a lot of deficiencies that affect older men in one supplement—but it’s important to know that not every man over 50 needs to supplement all of these nutrients, so be sure you check with your physician prior to starting.
Read More: Best Supplements for Men