Essential Nutrients for Men

Christina Bates
Written by:
Christina Bates
Niki Patel
Reviewed by:
Niki Patel
RN & Manager of Medical Operations
8 minute read
May 14, 2025
A man drinks a protein shake on the beach after IV Drip Therapy at Restore Hyper Wellness

Optimizing Health at Every Age

Nutritional needs in men evolve significantly over their lifespan and are influenced by shifts in hormone production, metabolic rate and lifestyle. Despite an abundant food supply in the United States, subclinical and clinical nutrient deficiencies remain common. These deficits can have far-reaching consequences—undermining energy levels, cardiovascular health, immune response, cognitive function and hormone balance. Addressing these gaps through evidence-based strategies is foundational to long-term health and vitality.

Widespread Nutrient Deficiencies in U.S. Men

National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) data and peer-reviewed research consistently highlight several micronutrients that American men fail to consume in adequate amounts:

Vitamin D

Over 40% of adults in the United States have insufficient levels of Vitamin D. This nutrient plays a central role in calcium absorption, musculoskeletal integrity, immune modulation and testosterone regulation. Low serum levels are associated with an increased risk of osteoporosis, metabolic syndrome, certain cancers and hypogonadism.¹,²

Calcium

Insufficient Calcium intake, particularly in men who avoid dairy, can compromise bone density and contribute to the development of hypertension and sarcopenia with aging.¹

Magnesium

Magnesium is involved in more than 300 enzyme-driven processes in the body, yet many people, particularly older men and individuals with long-term health issues, don’t get enough of it. Deficiency is linked to elevated blood pressure, impaired glucose metabolism and increased inflammation.¹

Vitamins A, C & E

These antioxidant Vitamins are essential for immune defense, epithelial tissue maintenance and oxidative stress mitigation. Data suggests that nearly half of American adults fall short on Vitamins A and C, and over 80% have inadequate Vitamin E intake.²

Zinc

Although overt deficiency is less common, marginal Zinc status can impair immune function, reduce testosterone synthesis and delay wound healing, particularly in older men and those with restricted dietary patterns.²

Key Nutrients for Men’s Health Through the Decades

Vitamin D

  • Function: Supports calcium metabolism, immune surveillance, muscle strength and endocrine balance.
  • Sources: Sunlight exposure, fatty fish (e.g., salmon, mackerel), fortified foods and supplementation.
  • RDA: 600 IU/day (ages 19–70), 800 IU/day (71+), though many experts recommend higher levels based on serum 25(OH)D status.¹
  • Ask your Restore Nurse about Vitamin D3 IM Shots!

Calcium

  • Function: Integral for bone mineralization, cardiac rhythm regulation and neuromuscular function.
  • Sources: Yogurt, ricotta, mozzarella and cheddar cheese, sardines, tofu and collard greens.
  • RDA: 1,000 mg/day (ages 19–70), 1,200 mg/day (71+).¹

Magnesium

  • Function: Converts food to energy, helps create proteins from amino acids, aids in muscle contractions, neurotransmitter regulation, heart health, bone health and immunity.
  • Sources: Pumpkin seeds, black beans, edamame, chia seeds and almonds.
  • RDA: 400 mg/day (ages 19–30), 420 mg/day (31+).
  • Ask your Restore Nurse about IV Drips with Magnesium!

Zinc

  • Function: Essential for DNA synthesis, immune competence, wound healing and androgen metabolism.
  • Sources: Red meat, shellfish, legumes and pumpkin seeds.
  • RDA: 11 mg/day (adults).
  • Ask your Restore Nurse about IV Drips with Zinc!

Vitamin B12

  • Function: Vital for the process behind producing red blood cells in the bone marrow (AKA erythropoiesis), Vitamin B12 helps neurological integrity and methylation processes.
  • Sources: Animal-derived foods, fortified cereal and nutritional yeast.
  • Note: Absorption declines with age and in those using acid-reducing medications.
  • Ask your Restore Nurse about IV Drips with B12 and B12 IM Shots!

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

  • Function: Modulate inflammation, support endothelial health and enhance cognitive resilience.
  • Sources: Fatty fish (EPA and DHA), flaxseed and walnuts (ALA), and algal oil for plant-based options.

Discover Your Individual Needs

Generic dietary guidelines provide a population-wide framework, but they often fall short in identifying individual micronutrient insufficiencies.

Biomarker Assessments—simple yet powerful blood tests—can detect specific nutrient imbalances, absorption inefficiencies and even genetic polymorphisms that affect metabolism. This level of diagnostic precision enables the development of highly personalized nutrition and supplement strategies, minimizing the risks of both deficiency and over-supplementation.³

Restore Hyper Wellness offers advanced biomarker evaluations, interpreted by trained, third-party professionals who can help translate data into actionable, personalized protocols. These assessments serve as a foundation for optimizing physiological performance, immune resilience and longevity.

IV Drip Therapy: Direct Nutritional Support

In cases of confirmed deficiency, malabsorption or increased physiological demand, Intravenous (IV) Micronutrient Therapy presents an effective intervention. IV Therapy bypasses the gastrointestinal tract, allowing for 100% bioavailability of nutrients, ideal for individuals with absorption issues or those requiring rapid replenishment.

Clinically Supported Benefits of IV Therapy for Men:

  • Immediate correction of vitamin and mineral deficiencies
  • Enhanced hydration and electrolyte homeostasis
  • Accelerated recovery from physical exertion or illness
  • Support for mitochondrial function and cellular energy
  • Custom formulations tailored to the individual’s biomarker profile

Restore Hyper Wellness ensures that each IV Drip protocol is tailored to the client’s health, administered under medical supervision and designed to align with personal wellness goals.

When to Prioritize Testing & IV Nutrient Therapy

Men may benefit from targeted Biomarker Assessments and IV Drip Therapy in the following scenarios:

  • Persistent fatigue, reduced stamina or slow recovery after exertion.
  • Nutrient absorption due to digestive disorders, such as IBD, celiac or post-bariatric surgery.
  • Plant-based or restrictive diets lacking in key vitamins and minerals.
  • Age-related decline in nutrient uptake, particularly post-50.
  • Wanting a proactive approach to boosting physical performance, strengthening immune defenses and promoting longevity.

Understand What Your Body Needs to Thrive

Unrecognized nutrient deficiencies remain a silent threat to the health and performance of many men across the U.S. These gaps, if left unaddressed, can contribute to fatigue, hormonal imbalance, immune dysfunction and accelerated aging. Through science-driven approaches—such as comprehensive Biomarker Assessments and customized IV Drip Therapy—men can take informed, proactive steps to restore nutritional balance, elevate daily performance and support long-term well-being.

Restore Hyper Wellness stands at the forefront of this personalized approach, helping men understand their physiological needs and providing expert-guided solutions to meet them. Optimal health is not a matter of guesswork. It begins with data, and leads to results.

Book your appointment today!

Medical services are provided by an independently-owned physician practice. Some services may require medical clearance and a prescription. We reserve the right to refuse service to anyone. Services, therapies, nutrients and prices may vary per location. The content on our site, blog posts, educational materials, app, promotional newsletters, and any other written content are not intended to replace an evaluation with a qualified healthcare professional and are not intended as medical advice.

Citations

  1. 4 Common Nutrient Deficiencies in Men’s Health [Internet]. Fullscript. 2023. Available from: https://fullscript.com/blog/common-nutrient-deficiencies-in-men 
  2. Reider CA, Chung RY, Devarshi PP, Grant RW, Hazels Mitmesser S. Inadequacy of Immune Health Nutrients: Intakes in US Adults, the 2005–2016 NHANES. Nutrients. 2020 Jun 10;12(6):1735. 
  3. Zheng J, Wu F, Wang F, Cheng J, Zou H, Li Y, et al. Biomarkers of Micronutrients and Phytonutrients and Their Application in Epidemiological Studies. Nutrients [Internet]. 2023 Jan 1;15(4):970. Available from: https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/15/4/970