Study Finds No Direct Benefit of Daily Multivitamins for Healthy Adults
Summary
A U.S. study of 390,124 healthy adults found no direct benefit from daily multivitamins in reducing deaths from cancer, heart disease, or other causes. Researchers say vitamin supplements should be used based on individual need rather than taken routinely by everyone.
Key Points
- A National Cancer Institute study published in JAMA Network Open analyzed data from three large U.S. cohorts over more than 20 years.
- Daily multivitamin use did not lower the risk of death from any cause, cancer, heart disease, or cerebrovascular disease.
- Researchers found a slight increase in mortality risk among daily users, but said this does not prove multivitamins directly raise the risk of death.
- Experts say the need for multivitamins depends on age, diet, health, and medical condition, so long-term use should be based on individual need.
