An extensive analysis shows that taking daily multivitamins for healthy adults is not associated with a lower risk of death

A large analysis of data from nearly 400,000 healthy American adults followed for more than two decades found no link between regular multivitamin use and a lower risk of death. The study, “Multivitamin Use and Mortality Risk in 3 Prospective US Cohorts,” led by researchers at the National Cancer Institute of the National Institutes of Health, was published June 26, 2024 in JAMA network opened.

Many adults in the United States take multivitamins in hopes of improving their health. However, the benefits and harms of regular multivitamin use remain unclear. Previous studies examining multivitamin use and mortality have shown mixed results and were limited by short follow-up times.

To more deeply examine the relationship between long-term regular multivitamin use and overall and mortality from cardiovascular disease and cancer, the researchers analyzed data from three large, geographically diverse prospective studies involving a total of 390,124 U.S. adults who had taken diabetes for more than two decades. were followed. years. The participants in this analysis were generally healthy and had no history of cancer or other chronic diseases.

Because the study population was so large and included long-term follow-up and extensive information on demographics and lifestyle factors, the researchers were able to mitigate the effects of potential biases that may have influenced the findings of other studies. For example, people who take multivitamins may have healthier lifestyles overall, and sicker patients may be more likely to take more multivitamins.

The analysis found that people who took daily multivitamins did not have a lower risk of death from any cause than people who did not take multivitamins. There were also no differences in mortality from cancer, heart disease or cerebrovascular disease. Results were adjusted for factors such as race and ethnicity, education and diet quality.

The researchers noted that it is important to evaluate multivitamin use and risk of death among different types of populations, such as those with documented nutritional deficiencies, as well as the potential impact of regular multivitamin use on other health problems associated with aging.