By: Cheryl Reifer, PhD, RD, LD (Director of Scientific Affairs, Coral Club North America)
Men’s interest in targeted health supplements is increasing, with growing attention to energy, skin health, stress balance, and age-related wellness needs. Popular areas of focus include overall nutrition, fitness and energy support, healthy libido, hair, skin, and scalp health, and support for prostate and cardiovascular function.* We spoke with Dr. Michael Lelah, PhD, MBA—a formulator and member of the Coral Club Scientific Advisory Board—about the evolving men’s health supplement market and how men can take a more informed approach to supplementation.
“Consumer interest in men’s products is growing rapidly,” says Dr. Michael Lelah. “There’s been a shift from simply taking a general supplement to choosing formulas designed specifically for today’s man. For example, many men today prefer the shaved or closely cut look, which leaves the scalp exposed to the elements. The right supplement can help maintain the scalp’s health.”*
From General to Specific
“It used to be just women, but today’s man doesn’t want to be left behind,” Dr. Lelah continues. “As a man and as a scientist with years of product formulation experience, I understand the importance of tailoring supplements to men’s unique needs. I’ve formulated many supplements specifically for men, focusing on areas like fitness, circulation, skin, and stress balance. There’s an opportunity to create products that align with what men are looking for today.”
Reviews, such as one published in Nutrients in 2024, have examined botanicals like lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) for their potential to support psychological well-being, though more research is needed to better understand these effects in broader populations. Rather than focusing on one supplement year-round, Dr. Lelah suggests men think in terms of wellness categories.
Key Wellness Categories for Men
Dr. Lelah highlights several supplement categories that he sees as most relevant for men in 2025:
Immune and metabolic support – Nutrients like vitamin D, zinc, and plant-based phytonutrients can help support immune resilience and skin health.* According to the National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements, vitamin D plays important roles in immune function and overall health, and ensuring adequate intake is recommended as part of supporting well-being.* A spray format can offer a portable, easy-to-use alternative for those who prefer not to take capsules or tablets.
Circulation and Male Wellness: What the Research Says – Pumpkin seed oil has long been used in traditional wellness practices. A 2022 review in the journal Plants notes that it contains phytosterols, polyunsaturated fatty acids, and antioxidants, which have been studied for their potential roles in cardiovascular and male wellness support in preclinical models and small human studies. While these findings are promising, they are not conclusive, and more research is needed to better understand the effects in humans. In addition, a 2024 review in Heliyon highlights the broader health interest of cholesterol and phytosterols, noting their potential contributions to cardiovascular support and a “One Health” approach to well-being. According to the National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements, zinc plays a role in numerous biological processes, including supporting healthy hormone production, reproductive health, and immune function.*
A Rotating Approach
Dr. Lelah encourages men to think strategically when planning their supplement routines: “Start by choosing a health goal you’d like to support and select the supplements that align with that focus,” he says. “Every 90 days, shift your attention to a different area of wellness and adjust your supplement routine. Cycling through different health priorities in this way helps your body adapt and thrive, while allowing periods of rest and renewal. This approach allows today’s man to take charge of his health — and it can make a real impact.”
Final Word
As interest in men’s health continues to grow, targeted supplements—when combined with a healthy diet and lifestyle—can offer an additional layer of support. However, it’s important to remember that the studies referenced here were not conducted on specific branded products. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting any new supplement regimen.
Dr. Michael Lelah, PhD, MBA is a compensated consultant to Coral Club. Dr. Lelah has extensive experience in dietary supplement research, formulation, and product development.
Dr. Cheryl Reifer, PhD, RD is Director of Scientific Affairs for Coral Club North America (us.coral.club) and is a compensated employee of the company.
References
Mathews, I. M., Eastwood, J., Lamport, D. J., Cozannet, R. L., Fanca-Berthon, P., & Williams, C. M. (2024). Clinical efficacy and tolerability of lemon balm (Melissa officinalis L.) in psychological well-being: A review. Nutrients, 16(20), 3545. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16203545
National Institutes of Health, Office of Dietary Supplements. (2025, June 27). Vitamin D – Health professional fact sheet. https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminD-HealthProfessional/
Batool M, Ranjha MMAN, Roobab U, Manzoor MF, Farooq U, Nadeem HR, Nadeem M, Kanwal R, AbdElgawad H, Al Jaouni SK, Selim S, Ibrahim SA. Nutritional value, phytochemical potential, and therapeutic benefits of pumpkin (Cucurbita sp.). Plants (Basel). 2022 May 24;11(11):1394. doi:10.3390/plants11111394. PMID: 35684166; PMCID: PMC9182978. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35684166/
Zio, S., Tarnagda, B., Tapsoba, F., Zongo, C., & Savadogo, A. (2024). Health interest of cholesterol and phytosterols and their contribution to one health approach: Review. Heliyon, 10(21), e40132. doi: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e40132
National Institutes of Health. Office of Dietary Supplements. (2022, September 28). Zinc – Health professional fact sheet. https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/zinc-healthprofessional/
Disclaimers & Disclosures: This article is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult your healthcare professional before starting any new supplement, diet, or exercise program, especially if you have existing health conditions. Individual results may vary.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
