Zinc, selenium and vitamin D for men: amounts and claims

Three micronutrients with authorised claims

In the EU, there is a whole series of authorised health claims for zinc, selenium and vitamin D under Regulation (EU) No 432/2012. They may only be used if a daily serving supplies at least 15% of the nutrient reference value (NRV). This condition is met for all three nutrients. The following table shows the amounts per daily serving of 3 capsules according to the manufacturer.

All three are contained in Vita Energy Complex for men, together with vitamin B6, vitamin B12, folic acid and manganese, as well as amino acids and plant extracts.

Zinc: testosterone levels, fertility and more

Zinc is a trace element that the body cannot store and therefore takes in regularly with food. Good sources include meat, cheese, oat flakes and pulses. The following claims, among others, are authorised for zinc:

• Zinc contributes to the maintenance of normal testosterone levels in the blood.
• Zinc contributes to normal fertility and reproduction.
• Zinc contributes to the normal function of the immune system.
• Zinc contributes to the protection of cells from oxidative stress.
• Zinc contributes to the maintenance of normal bones.

These claims describe normal body functions. Vita Energy Complex for men is not a hormone preparation. Questions about your personal hormone levels belong in a doctor's consultation. In connection with hormones, vitamin B6, which is also contained in the product, is of interest too. Vitamin B6 contributes to the regulation of hormonal activity.

A daily serving contains 5 mg of zinc and thus covers 50% of the reference value. You take in further zinc with your normal diet. The amount is intended as a supplement to your diet and not as the sole source. If you also take a zinc preparation or a multivitamin containing zinc, keep an eye on the total amount. According to the manufacturer, the recommended daily dose of 3 capsules must not be exceeded.

In the product, zinc is present as zinc oxide. This is a common compound in which zinc is used in food supplements. Which compound is used is always stated in the ingredients list.

Selenium: spermatogenesis, immune system and thyroid

Selenium is also a trace element. In foods, it is found, for example, in Brazil nuts, fish and eggs. The product contains it as selenium yeast, i.e. yeast that has bound selenium. A daily serving provides 55 µg and thus 100% of the reference value. These claims are authorised for selenium:

• Selenium contributes to normal spermatogenesis.
• Selenium contributes to the normal function of the immune system.
• Selenium contributes to the normal thyroid function.
• Selenium contributes to the protection of cells from oxidative stress.
• Selenium contributes to the maintenance of normal hair.
• Selenium contributes to the maintenance of normal nails.

How much selenium foods contain depends heavily on the selenium content of the soils on which plants grow and animals graze. Here too, include other preparations containing selenium in the total amount.

Vitamin D: muscles, bones and immune system

Vitamin D plays a special role. The body produces a large part of it itself in the skin when sunlight falls on it. Only a little comes from food, for example from oily fish or eggs. The product contains vitamin D3, also known as cholecalciferol. The following claims, among others, apply to vitamin D:

• Vitamin D contributes to the maintenance of normal muscle function.
• Vitamin D contributes to the maintenance of normal bones.
• Vitamin D contributes to the normal function of the immune system.
• Vitamin D contributes to normal blood calcium levels.

How much vitamin D the skin produces depends on the season, latitude, time of day, skin type and time spent outdoors. In Germany, the sun is low in the sky in the winter half of the year, so the skin produces little vitamin D during these months. In addition, people who work in an office a lot often spend little time outside, even in summer.

A daily serving contains 20 µg of vitamin D3, which is 400% of the reference value. If you already take another vitamin D preparation, add up both amounts. If necessary, you can have your vitamin D level checked by a doctor.

Keeping an eye on total intake

Zinc, selenium and vitamin D are not only found in food supplements for men. They are also found in multivitamin preparations, mineral tablets and some fortified foods. If you combine several products, you can quickly end up taking the same nutrients twice. A quick look at the nutrition tables of all the products you use every day provides clarity. If necessary, note down the amounts per day and discuss the list with your doctor or pharmacist.

What the claims mean and what they do not mean

Authorised health claims describe the role a nutrient plays in normal body functions. They are not a promise of a particular result and do not replace medical advice. If symptoms persist, have them checked by a doctor. For personal questions about fertility or hormone levels, a urology practice is a good place to go.

You can read which claims apply to the B vitamins and manganese in the product in the article B vitamins, folate and manganese in energy metabolism. You can find more products for men in the category for men, and products with vitamins and minerals under Energy and immune system.