Calcium
This mineral is a master multitasker that builds bones, aids in weight loss and possibly decreases the risk of colon cancer and cholesterol. Studies have found that 1,000 mg of calcium can increase your high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (a good cholesterol) by 7%. It has also been shown that in terms of bone health, calcium is particularly important for men who have already broken a bone. Calcium actually helps prevent you from suffering a break again.

Be sure to combine your calcium intake with vitamin D as directed. It’s just as critical in maintaining bone health and keeping your body healthy. Though sunlight is one of the best ways to get your vitamin D, Harvard researchers claim that north of 40-degrees latitude the sunlight isn’t strong enough to promote vitamin D formation. Recent (and wise) surges in the use of sunscreen also curb this type of vitamin sourcing. So reach for the supplements bottle on this one.

Dosage: 500 mg of calcium citrate with 125 IU of vitamin D twice daily.

Become a healthy pill popper
Though the latest supplement news can be hard to stay on top of, it’s important to be informed and up to date about the vitamins and pills you are ingesting. To learn more about supplements with solid research results, check out The Harvard Medical School Guide to Men’s Health: Lessons from the Harvard Men’s Health Studies by Harvey B. Simon, or Harvard’s associated Men’s Health Newsletter. The Mayo Clinic website, which offers weekly e-newsletters and is another terrific source, as is the U.S. National Institutes of Health MedlinePlus. And if you prefer the word of a doctor, speak to your family doctor and make sure you’re comfortable with the information and well-informed.

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