Many Kiwi men lead full and active lives, balancing work, supporting their families, and carving out time for fitness or hobbies, from early morning runs along the waterfront to weekend rugby matches or tramping in the bush. But even when they prioritise healthy eating, they can still miss out on some essential nutrients.
National health data from New Zealand shows that adults may fall short on key nutrients such as magnesium, selenium, calcium, and several B vitamins. Over time, even mild deficiencies in these nutrients can impact normal bodily functions. In these cases, multivitamins may offer practical nutritional support, especially when taken as part of a balanced lifestyle.
However, not all multivitamins are created equal, and choosing one suited to men's health requires more than just reading taglines or labels. With so many options available, it's important to look beyond marketing claims and focus on what your body actually needs. This article will guide you through what to consider in a multivitamin and what makes Total Balance supplements stand out in today's market.
Key Nutrients to Look For in a Men's Multivitamin
One of the most helpful places to start when choosing a multivitamin is with the ingredients list. Understanding which key nutrients are included and how they align with your personal needs can help guide a more informed decision.
When evaluating a formula, consider factors like your age, dietary habits, activity level, and any specific areas of health you'd like to support. A well-formulated men's multivitamin should do more than just fill nutritional gaps, it should complement your lifestyle and contribute to your overall well-being.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D is one of the most commonly recommended nutrients in New Zealand, especially during the overcast winter months, particularly in the South Island, or for those who spend much of their time indoors, like office workers in Auckland or Wellington. It supports calcium absorption and helps maintain bone strength and immune function.
B Vitamins
B Vitamins, including B1 (thiamine), B2 (riboflavin), B3 (niacin), B6, B12, folate, biotin, and pantothenic acid, play various roles in energy production and support the nervous system and psychological wellbeing. They are helpful for individuals who are frequently active or experience high levels of mental or physical stress.
Magnesium and Zinc
Magnesium is essential for muscle function, nerve health, and a steady heart rhythm. Yet, it's a nutrient that many people fall short on due to common factors like caffeine intake or stress. Similarly, zinc supports reproductive health, wound healing, and cognitive function. Since the body does not store it, consistent intake is important.
Selenium
Selenium deserves special mention for the local context. Due to low selenium levels in the soil, even those who eat a balanced diet may not get sufficient amounts of it. Selenium contributes to antioxidant defence and supports thyroid function, making it an important inclusion in a multivitamin formulated for local needs.
Vitamin K2 and Calcium
Vitamin K2 and calcium are both important nutrients for supporting bone strength and maintaining cardiovascular health, particularly as men get older. Depending on the formulation, a high-quality multivitamin may also include ingredients such as coenzyme Q10, herbal extracts, or plant-based antioxidants, each selected for their natural health-supporting properties.
Factors to Keep in Mind When Selecting a Multivitamin
Choosing a multivitamin goes beyond scanning labels for familiar nutrients. It's equally important to consider how well the nutrients are absorbed and whether the product's ingredients and manufacturing processes align with your values and health goals.
First, take a close look at the nutrient forms used. For example, some products include methylfolate rather than synthetic folic acid. While both support important functions like red blood cell production and metabolism, certain individuals may process one form more efficiently than the other. It's also worth checking that the product avoids unnecessary additives like artificial colours, preservatives, or bulky fillers.
Next, consider ingredient transparency. Reputable brands clearly label the source and quantity of each ingredient, allowing consumers to make informed choices. If a brand uses proprietary blends or doesn't list exact amounts, it's difficult to know if you're getting enough of each nutrient.
It's also important to verify compliance with local health standards. In New Zealand, supplements should meet Medsafe and NZFSA requirements to ensure they are safe, correctly labelled, and manufactured under acceptable quality conditions.
Why Total Balance Stands Out
Total Balance offers a thoughtfully crafted multinutrient formula tailored to men's unique nutritional needs. What sets it apart is not only the comprehensive range of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, amino acids, and herbal extracts included but also the careful sourcing and selection of each ingredient to support the body's natural processes across metabolism, cognition, cardiovascular function, and cellular health. The company also sources ingredients responsibly, and the formula is free from artificial additives and unnecessary excipients.
The right multivitamin for you depends on your lifestyle and nutritional needs. Taking the time to understand whether a product aligns with these can help you make a more informed decision. If you have a medical condition or are taking medication, be sure to speak with a qualified healthcare professional before adding any new supplement to your routine. This article is for general information only. For personalised advice, please consult your GP or a qualified health professional.