A groundbreaking study published in JAMA Network Open has cast doubt on the widespread practice of taking daily multivitamins for disease prevention. The research, conducted by the National Cancer Institute, found that regular multivitamin use was associated with a 4% higher risk of death compared to non-use.
A bitter pill to swallow: Multivitamins may increase risk of death#health #wellness #diet #vitamins #HealthAndWellness #HealthyLife pic.twitter.com/niXV9IB0Q1
— Israel Hayom English (@IsraelHayomEng) July 1, 2024
The study, which followed 390,000 healthy Americans over two decades, challenges the common belief that multivitamins offer significant health benefits. Researchers divided participants into three groups – nonusers, occasional users, and daily users – and tracked their health outcomes for two decades. During the follow-up period, nearly 165,000 deaths occurred.
"In this cohort study of 390,124 US adults without a history of major chronic diseases, we did not find evidence to support improved longevity among healthy adults who regularly take multivitamins," the researchers stated. They added, "However, we cannot preclude the possibility that daily [multivitamin] use may be associated with other health outcomes related to aging."
The findings suggest that multivitamins did not lower the risk of dying from cancer, heart disease, or cerebrovascular diseases. This conclusion aligns with a 2022 determination by the US Preventive Services Task Force, which found that vitamin and mineral supplementation offers "little or no benefit" in preventing cancer, cardiovascular disease, and death.
Despite these findings, multivitamin use remains popular in the US, with one in three adults taking them, typically to prevent disease or improve health. The researchers noted that this popularity persists despite mixed evidence about their benefits.
The study's authors propose a shift in focus from supplements to whole foods. "Refocusing nutrition interventions on food, rather than supplements, may provide the mortality benefits that multivitamins cannot deliver," they wrote. "Vegetables, fruits, legumes, and cereal grains are staples in areas of remarkable longevity."
While the study's results are compelling, the researchers acknowledged some limitations. Participants may not have accurately reported their multivitamin use, and individuals with a history of cancer and other chronic diseases were excluded from the study.
The researchers also hypothesized that people who use multivitamins may have healthier lifestyles overall, while those with health issues might be more likely to increase their multivitamin intake. They did note that some specific supplements may offer benefits, leaving room for further research in this area.
As this study adds to the growing body of evidence questioning the efficacy of multivitamins, it underscores the importance of a balanced, nutrient-rich diet in maintaining overall health and longevity. It seems an apple a day will keep the doctor away after all.
