As men age their need for essential nutrients increases, according to Health Research Data. Men need certain vitamins to maintain metabolic and enzymatic processes. Vitamins also help prevent free radical damage to DNA. There are numerous vitamins to choose from, but these are the best vitamins for men over 40.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C, also called ascorbic acid, is an essential vitamin for men 40 and older, according to HealthResearchData. Vitamin C plays an important role in metabolizing cholesterol. Maintaining healthy cholesterol levels is important to men over 40 as their risk of heart disease increases with age. The Institute notes that men who consumed vitamin C through diet and supplements were 42 percent less likely to die from heart disease. Vitamin C also provides antioxidants to destroy free radicals and prevent them from damaging cells.
Beta-Carotene and Lycopene
Beta-carotene is a member of a class of phytonutrients known as carotenoids. Carotenoids give red, orange and yellow fruits their colors. Beta carotene is converted by the body into vitamin A -- a powerful antioxidant and supporter of the immune system. Lycopene is a carotenoid like beta-carotene. Unlike beta-carotene, lycopene does not metabolize in the body to vitamin A. The Linus Pauling Institute reports that epidemiological studies have noted that men with diets high in lycopene were less likely to acquire prostate cancer. Vitamins containing lycopene and beta-carotene are important to men 40 and over as the incidence of prostate cancer and hardening of the arteries increases as they age.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D is essential for maintaining calcium metabolism and is synthesized when the skin is exposed to sun. People living in areas with seasonal exposure to sun are often vitamin D deficient, according to the Linus Pauling Institute and as men age they have a reduced capacity to produce vitamin D through sun exposure. Vitamin D also plays a role in regulating blood pressure. The institute notes there are studies that show that men with higher levels of vitamin D had a 29 percent lower risk of colon cancer than men with lower levels of the vitamin. Vitamin D intake is associated with a lower incidence of autoimmune diseases such as diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis and multiple sclerosis.
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