A recent study conducted by the National Institutes of Health suggests that daily multivitamin use may not necessarily improve the life span of generally healthy adults. However, experts point out that multivitamins can still benefit specific populations. The study analyzed data from over two decades and nearly 400,000 participants in the U.S., finding no association between regular multivitamin use and a lower risk of death in healthy adults.
Approximately 33% of adults in the U.S. take a daily multivitamin with the hopes of promoting overall health and preventing chronic diseases. Previous studies have not found sufficient evidence to determine whether multivitamins actually benefit longevity. Despite this, researchers at the National Institutes of Health’s National Cancer Institute aimed to assess the association between multivitamin use and death related to chronic diseases, specifically cardiovascular disease and cancer.
The analysis included a combined total of 390,124 generally healthy adult participants aged 18 to 74 with no history of major chronic diseases. Participants self-reported their frequency of multivitamin use and other vitamins, minerals, and supplements. The study found that daily multivitamin use does not improve longevity in healthy adults, with a slightly higher risk of death observed in daily multivitamin users compared to non-users.
While the study did not show a clear benefit of multivitamin use for longevity, experts suggest that daily multivitamins may still be associated with other important outcomes related to healthy aging, such as supporting cognitive function in older adults. However, the research has some limitations, such as being an observational study that cannot establish cause-and-effect.
Registered dietitians, Alexandra Filingeri and Kiran Campbell, who were not involved in the study, point out that multivitamins may still have benefits, especially for populations that do not meet the recommended daily allowance for micronutrients. They recommend consulting with a healthcare provider to determine if daily supplementation is appropriate.
Ultimately, while multivitamins may not be a substitute for a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, beans, legumes, and whole grains, they may still serve as a convenient way to ensure adequate nutrient levels, especially in situations where access to fresh produce is limited. The decision to take a daily multivitamin should be individualized based on specific needs, socioeconomic factors, and guidance from healthcare providers.
