Supplements and vitamins are not targeted solely for the female market. In fact, a number of companies also specialize in manufacturing dietary aids that are intended to optimize the health and fitness of the male populace.

Below are some of the health conditions that some men suffer from, and the corresponding dietary supplements that can be ingested to curb the problem.

• PROSTATE CANCER. Detected by screening tests, this severe health condition usually targets men who belong to the age 45 and older bracket. In its advanced stage, prostate cancer can severely interfere with a man's performance in bed as well as with fluid excretion. To prevent the onset of this disease via dieting, men should include the following elements in their meals:

o ZINC. Reports reveal that every time a man ejaculates, he ejects up to 15 milligrams of zinc from his body. Zinc is vital for keeping the prostate in shape. In addition, zinc is important for sperm formation and motility.

o SAW PALMETTO. A man's prostate can sometimes be plagued with spasms and inflammation. Saw palmetto reduces these incidences. When cancer has already set its course, saw palmetto helps slow down the cell-replicating action of dihydrotestosterone, preventing the disease from spreading rapidly.

• ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION. Not in the least bit age-specific, erectile dysfunction continues to be one of men's greatest reasons for embarrassment. Stress, inadequate rest, lack of practice and insufficient drive all have their share of the blame; however, the reasons behind erectile dysfunction can also be nutritional in nature. The following acids should help alleviate the problem:

o DEHYDROPIANDROSTERONE. More commonly known as DHEA, this ingredient reduces depression and estrogen levels in a man, making him more alert, enthusiastic and responsive to sexual activity. Since he becomes more receptive to tactile stimulus, he also becomes more capable and efficient in achieving erections.

o L-ARGININE. A fundamental requirement of a male's sexual function is to achieve penile erection. An amino acid, L-Arginine helps in this area by allowing the body to synthesize nitric oxide efficiently, thereby relaxing the muscles, allowing the blood to flow more freely and leading to longer, harder and more desirable erections.

• BALDNESS. Baldness in men is a natural phenomenon. In fact, studies reveal that the condition is linked to man's high testosterone level, from which DHT or dihydrotestosterone is produced. When DHT binds itself to androgen receptors in the hair, chemical changes result that eventually lead to hair fall. No natural herbs and supplements can directly solve this problem, but there are medications to take.

o MINOXIDIL. This drug is available over the counter and can counter baldness as long as medication is continuous. The deal with this drug is that once a man starts taking it, he must take it for life if he wants to preserve his crowning glory.

o PROPECIA. This drug induces hair follicle regeneration by making the DHT insensitive to androgen receptors in hair. Like Minoxidil, this drug also only works as long as medication is continuous. Once a man stops taking the medication, he dramatically loses the hair he had regrown during medication.