Herbalife Formula 2 Vitamin & Mineral Complex Men: Full Label Breakdown
Herbalife Formula 2 Vitamin & Mineral Complex Men is a 60-tablet food supplement delivering 24 nutrients — 13 vitamins, 10 minerals and choline — manufactured by Fine Foods N.T.M. S.p.A. in Zingonia-Verdellino, Italy. Two tablets provide 250 mg vitamin C (313% RI), 20 µg vitamin D (400% RI), 5.0 mg riboflavin (357% RI), 79 µg selenium (144% RI), 8.7 mg zinc (87% RI) and 113 mg magnesium (30% RI). Eleven of its 23 declared nutrients sit at or above 100% of the reference intake. The pack carries four authorised claim areas: immune system, muscle function, energy metabolism and mental performance. The formula is identical to the women’s version on 19 of 24 nutrients; the deliberate difference is iron, at 6.0 mg against 13 mg, reflecting the different NHS daily iron figures for men and for women of childbearing age. Net weight 85.3 g, one month’s supply at two tablets daily.
What this guide covers
- What Formula 2 Men is, and who makes it
- The four claims on the front of the pack
- Full nutritional information, all 24 nutrients
- Men vs Women: what actually differs
- The iron question, and why it is lower
- Zinc and selenium: the men-specific claims
- Ingredients and what is not in it
- How to use it
- Shop this product
- Frequently asked questions
Most multivitamins marketed to men differ from the women’s version in the marketing rather than the formula. That is worth checking rather than assuming, and in this case the label answers it precisely: five of the 24 nutrients are dosed differently, and one of those five differences is substantial.
Everything below is taken from the official UK product label, cross-checked against Herbalife’s own published label document. Where a nutrient carries an authorised health claim, the exact permitted wording is used and the nutrient responsible is named.
What Formula 2 Men is, and who makes it
Herbalife Formula 2 Vitamin & Mineral Complex Men is a daily multivitamin and mineral tablet, sold in a 60-tablet container with a net weight of 85.3 g. The label describes it as a comprehensive food supplement developed for men to deliver 24 key nutrients.
| Detail | As printed on the pack |
|---|---|
| Format | 60 tablets, net weight 85.3 g |
| Nutrients declared | 13 vitamins, 10 minerals, plus choline — 24 in total |
| Serving | 1 to 2 tablets daily with meals |
| Supply | 30 days at two tablets daily, 60 days at one |
| Manufactured by | Fine Foods N.T.M. S.p.A., Via Berlino 39, Zingonia-Verdellino, Bergamo, Italy |
| Imported and distributed by | Herbalife International Luxembourg S.àR.L., 16 Avenue de la Gare, L-1610 Luxembourg |
| Traded in the UK by | Herbalife Europe Limited, The Atrium, 1 Harefield Road, Uxbridge, Middlesex UB8 1HB |
| Guarantee | 30-day money-back guarantee, stated on the pack |
The Italian manufacturing site is worth noting for a second reason. Fine Foods N.T.M. in Zingonia-Verdellino is the plant named on the IFANCA and HFCE halal certificates covering this product, where it appears under codes F3421 and FF004983. Readers checking certification will find the details in the Herbalife halal certification guide.
The four claims on the front of the pack
Formula 2 Men lists four benefit areas on its front panel, and the label itself names which nutrient carries each one. Under assimilated Regulation (EU) 432/2012, a health claim can only be made for a nutrient present in a significant amount, and the claim wording is fixed.
| Front-of-pack area | Nutrient responsible | Authorised claim |
|---|---|---|
| Immune system | Vitamin A, Vitamin C | Contributes to the normal function of the immune system |
| Muscle function | Magnesium | Contributes to normal muscle function |
| Energy metabolism | Riboflavin | Contributes to normal energy-yielding metabolism |
| Mental performance | Pantothenic acid | Contributes to normal mental performance |
What "normal" means in these claims
Every authorised nutrient claim in this category uses the word normal, and it is doing real work. The permitted claim is that the nutrient contributes to a function working as it normally should — not that it improves, enhances or boosts that function beyond normal. A supplement providing 313% of the reference intake for vitamin C does not therefore make the immune system work 313% harder; it means the nutrient is present well above the level needed for the claim to apply.
Full nutritional information, all 24 nutrients
Figures below are per two tablets, which is the upper end of the recommended daily serving. RI stands for reference intake, the benchmark daily amount used on European and UK labels.
| Nutrient | Per 2 tablets | % RI |
|---|---|---|
| Vitamins | ||
| Vitamin A | 1000 µg RE | 125% |
| Vitamin D | 20 µg | 400% |
| Vitamin E | 30 mg α-TE | 250% |
| Vitamin K | 75 µg | 100% |
| Vitamin C | 250 mg | 313% |
| Thiamin | 1.6 mg | 145% |
| Riboflavin | 5.0 mg | 357% |
| Niacin | 14 mg NE | 88% |
| Vitamin B6 | 2.0 mg | 143% |
| Folic acid | 174 µg | 87% |
| Vitamin B12 | 1.9 µg | 76% |
| Biotin | 100 µg | 200% |
| Pantothenic acid | 5.7 mg | 95% |
| Minerals | ||
| Calcium | 250 mg | 31% |
| Phosphorus | 250 mg | 36% |
| Magnesium | 113 mg | 30% |
| Iron | 6.0 mg | 43% |
| Zinc | 8.7 mg | 87% |
| Copper | 0.50 mg | 50% |
| Manganese | 1.0 mg | 50% |
| Selenium | 79 µg | 144% |
| Chromium | 40 µg | 100% |
| Iodine | 93.0 µg | 62% |
| Other substances | ||
| Choline | 82.5 mg | No RI set |
Reading the percentages
Eleven of the 23 nutrients with a reference intake sit at or above 100%, led by vitamin D at 400%, riboflavin at 357% and vitamin C at 313%. Every one of the 23 is above the 15% threshold a nutrient must reach before a label may describe the product as a source of it, which is why the full list can appear on the pack.
Choline has no reference intake set in UK or EU labelling rules, so no percentage can be given for it. It is declared under the separate heading other substances for that reason.
Men vs Women: what actually differs
Herbalife sells Formula 2 in two versions, and placing the two labels side by side answers the obvious question directly. Nineteen of the 24 nutrients are dosed identically. Five differ.
| Nutrient | Men | Women | Which is higher |
|---|---|---|---|
| Iron | 6.0 mg (43%) | 13 mg (93%) | Women, by 2.2 times |
| Folic acid | 174 µg (87%) | 162% | Women |
| Calcium | 250 mg (31%) | 300 mg (38%) | Women |
| Vitamin K | 75 µg (100%) | 120% | Women |
| Vitamin A | 1000 µg RE (125%) | 100% | Men |
Where only a percentage is shown for the women’s version, that is the figure printed on the women’s pack; the absolute amount is not reproduced here rather than estimated from it.
Identical in both: vitamin D, vitamin E, vitamin C, thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, biotin, pantothenic acid, phosphorus, magnesium, zinc, copper, manganese, selenium, chromium, iodine and choline.
The front of the pack differs more than the formula does
The two versions are positioned around entirely different claim sets, which is where most of the perceived difference comes from:
- Men: immune system · muscle function · energy metabolism · mental performance
- Women: hormonal activity · energy metabolism · bone health · skin, hair and nail health
Only energy metabolism appears on both. The women’s bone health positioning follows its higher calcium and vitamin K; the men’s muscle function claim rests on magnesium, which both versions carry at the same 113 mg.
The iron question, and why it is lower
Iron is the one substantial difference between the two formulas, and the reason is published NHS reference data rather than marketing.
| Group | NHS daily iron figure | Formula 2 provides | Share of the figure |
|---|---|---|---|
| Men aged 19 and over | 8.7 mg | 6.0 mg (Men) | 69% |
| Women aged 19 to 49 | 14.8 mg | 13 mg (Women) | 88% |
| Women aged 50 and over | 8.7 mg | — | — |
The NHS sets the daily iron figure for men aged 19 and over at 8.7 mg, and for women aged 19 to 49 at 14.8 mg — a difference that reflects monthly menstrual losses. After the age of 50 the figure for women falls back to the same 8.7 mg as men. The two Formula 2 formulations track that split closely, which is the clearest evidence that the men’s and women’s versions are a genuine formulation decision rather than a packaging exercise.
What this means in practice
The NHS also notes that taking 17 mg or less a day of iron from supplements is unlikely to cause harm, and that most people should be able to get all the iron they need from their daily diet. Both Formula 2 versions sit well inside that figure. The practical point is simply that a man taking the women’s formula would be adding iron he has no additional requirement for, and the men’s version is the one matched to his reference figure.
If you have been advised about your iron levels, or you are taking an iron supplement already, speak to your GP or pharmacist before adding a second source.
One useful pairing worth knowing: the 250 mg of vitamin C in the same tablet supports iron absorption from the diet. Tea and coffee work in the opposite direction, so leaving a gap of a couple of hours between a strong cup and the tablet is a simple habit that helps.
Zinc and selenium: the men-specific claims
Two nutrients in Formula 2 Men carry authorised claims that apply specifically to male physiology, and both are present well above the level required.
| Nutrient | Per 2 tablets | Authorised claim |
|---|---|---|
| Selenium | 79 µg (144% RI) | Selenium contributes to normal spermatogenesis (sperm production) |
| Zinc | 8.7 mg (87% RI) | Zinc contributes to normal fertility and reproduction |
Both wordings are taken verbatim from the list of permitted health claims. Selenium carries two further authorised claims that apply here — contributing to the normal function of the thyroid gland, and to the protection of cells from oxidative stress (damage caused by unstable molecules called free radicals). Zinc additionally contributes to normal DNA synthesis, normal cognitive function, normal macronutrient metabolism, the normal function of the immune system, and the protection of cells from oxidative stress.
What these claims do not say
Authorised claims describe a contribution to a function working normally. They do not state or imply that a supplement increases fertility, improves sperm quality or raises any hormone level, and no such claim is permitted for these nutrients. Anyone with a specific concern about fertility should speak to their GP rather than treating a multivitamin as an answer to it.
Ingredients and what is not in it
Three things are worth drawing out of that list. The iron is supplied as ferrous fumarate and the vitamin A partly as beta-carotene alongside retinyl palmitate. The tablet coating is hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose, a plant-derived film rather than gelatine.
Allergens and cautions from the label
The label declares no allergens for this product. The stated cautions are: do not exceed the recommended daily dose; food supplements are intended to supplement the diet and should not be used as a substitute for a varied diet; store out of reach of young children; and store with the lid closed in a cool, dry place.
If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, taking prescribed medication, or managing a diagnosed condition, speak to your GP or pharmacist before starting any multivitamin — particularly one providing vitamin A at 125% and vitamin D at 400% of the reference intake.
How to use it
The label instruction is short: take 1 to 2 tablets daily with meals, within a balanced and varied diet as part of a healthy active lifestyle.
- With meals, not between them. The formula carries vitamins A, D, E and K, all of which are fat-soluble and absorbed better alongside food containing some fat.
- Split the dose if you take two. One tablet with breakfast and one with your evening meal spreads the water-soluble vitamins across the day rather than delivering them in one go.
- Mind the gap with tea and coffee. Both reduce iron absorption, so a couple of hours between a strong cup and the tablet is sensible.
- One or two? The nutrition panel is stated per two tablets, so a single tablet delivers half of every figure in the table above. Two tablets gives 30 days from a container; one gives 60.
Formula 2 is designed to sit alongside the rest of a daily routine rather than replace any part of it. Where a meal is being replaced, the Formula 1 shake guide covers how the two fit together, and the daily weight management programme sets out a full day.
Shop this product
Both versions of Formula 2 contain 60 tablets and cover the same 24 nutrients. The choice between them comes down to the iron figure, so the two are shown side by side below.
Formula 2 Vitamin & Mineral Complex Men, 60 tablets
24 nutrients including 250 mg vitamin C, 20 µg vitamin D, 79 µg selenium and 113 mg magnesium per two tablets. One month’s supply at the full serving.
Choose if: you are male, or female and past 50 with no additional iron requirement.
Iron: 6.0 mg · Calcium: 250 mg
Formula 2 Vitamin & Mineral Complex Women, 60 tablets
The same 24 nutrients, with iron more than doubled and folic acid raised. One month’s supply at the full serving.
Choose if: you are female and of childbearing age, where the NHS figure is 14.8 mg iron daily.
Iron: 13 mg · Calcium: 300 mg
Both are made in Italy and shipped from the official Herbalife UK warehouse with a 30-day money-back guarantee. The women’s version is covered in full in the Formula 2 Women nutrition breakdown.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between Formula 2 Men and Formula 2 Women?
Nineteen of the 24 nutrients are dosed identically. Five differ: iron (6.0 mg in the men’s version against 13 mg in the women’s), folic acid, calcium, vitamin K and vitamin A. The iron gap is the substantial one and follows the different NHS daily iron figures — 8.7 mg for men aged 19 and over, 14.8 mg for women aged 19 to 49. The two packs also carry different front-of-pack claim areas.
How many tablets should I take a day?
The label says 1 to 2 tablets daily with meals. The nutritional information is stated per two tablets, so a single tablet provides half of each figure. At two tablets a day a 60-tablet container lasts 30 days; at one tablet it lasts 60.
Why is the iron lower in the men’s version?
Because the NHS daily iron figure for men aged 19 and over is 8.7 mg, against 14.8 mg for women aged 19 to 49, a difference that reflects monthly menstrual losses. The men’s formula provides 6.0 mg and the women’s 13 mg, tracking that split. For women aged 50 and over the NHS figure returns to 8.7 mg, the same as men.
What nutrients does Formula 2 Men contain?
Twenty-four in total: 13 vitamins (A, D, E, K, C, thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, B6, folic acid, B12, biotin and pantothenic acid), 10 minerals (calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, iron, zinc, copper, manganese, selenium, chromium and iodine) and choline. Eleven of the 23 with a reference intake are at or above 100% RI.
Does Formula 2 Men contain anything for male fertility?
Two nutrients carry authorised claims relevant to male physiology: selenium at 79 µg (144% RI) contributes to normal spermatogenesis, and zinc at 8.7 mg (87% RI) contributes to normal fertility and reproduction. These are permitted claims about functions working normally; they do not state that the product increases fertility or improves sperm quality, and no such claim is allowed.
Where is Formula 2 Men made?
At Fine Foods N.T.M. S.p.A. in Zingonia-Verdellino, Bergamo, Italy, as printed on the label. The same plant appears on the IFANCA and HFCE halal certificates covering this product under codes F3421 and FF004983.
Does it contain any allergens?
The label declares no allergens. The tablet coating uses hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose, a plant-derived film rather than gelatine. The full ingredient list is reproduced above.
Can I take it alongside a Formula 1 shake?
Formula 2 is a food supplement designed to sit alongside a normal diet, and Formula 1 is a meal replacement; they do different jobs and are commonly used together. The label instruction for Formula 2 is simply to take it with meals, so taking it with a shake used as a meal fits that instruction.
Is it suitable if I already take other supplements?
Formula 2 Men provides vitamin D at 400% and vitamin A at 125% of the reference intake, so it is worth checking the labels of anything else you take to avoid doubling up, particularly on fat-soluble vitamins. The pack also states not to exceed the recommended daily dose. If you are unsure, a pharmacist can review what you are taking together.
Sources & references
- Official product label, Herbalife Formula 2 Vitamin & Mineral Complex Men, 60 tablets, net weight 85.3 g, ©2022 Herbalife — nutritional information, ingredient list, recommended use, cautions and manufacturer details.
- Herbalife UK published product label, Formula 2 Vitamin & Mineral Complex Men (pl-1800-gb) — used to cross-check every figure in the nutrition table.
- Official product label, Herbalife Formula 2 Vitamin & Mineral Complex Women — used for the side-by-side comparison.
- NHS — Vitamins and minerals: Iron: 8.7 mg a day for men aged 19 and over, 14.8 mg a day for women aged 19 to 49, 8.7 mg for women aged 50 and over, and the note that 17 mg or less a day from supplements is unlikely to cause harm.
- Regulation (EU) No 432/2012, Annex — list of permitted health claims: authorised wordings for selenium (spermatogenesis, thyroid function, protection of cells from oxidative stress) and zinc (fertility and reproduction, DNA synthesis, cognitive function, macronutrient metabolism, immune function, protection of cells from oxidative stress).
- IFANCA and HFCE halal certificates, document 4237.4240, Fine Foods N.T.M. S.p.A. — product codes F3421 and FF004983.
Dogus Dilan — Herbalife Independent Member / Wellness Coach
Writes every guide on this site from official Herbalife product labels and published data rather than marketing copy. As a Herbalife Independent Member, the products discussed here are sold through this shop.