Data analysis from nearly 400,000 healthy U.S. adults followed for more than 20 years found no association between regular multivitamin use and lower risk of death. The study, led by researchers at the National Institutes of Health’s National Cancer Institute, was published in JAMA Network Open on Jun. 26.
With previous studies on multivitamin use and mortality yielding mixed results, and limited by short follow-up times, researchers sought to explore the relationship between long-term regular multivitamin use and overall mortality and death from cardiovascular disease and cancer
They analyzed data from three large, geographically diverse prospective studies involving a total of 390,124 U.S. adults who were followed for more than 20 years. The participants included in the analysis were generally healthy, with no history of cancer or other chronic diseases.
The analysis showed that people who took daily multivitamins did not have a lower risk of death from any cause than people who took no multivitamins. There were also no differences in mortality from cancer, heart disease, or cerebrovascular diseases. The results were adjusted for factors such as race and ethnicity, education, and diet quality.
“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,” researchers concluded. “However, we cannot preclude the possibility that daily MV use may be associated with other health outcomes related to aging.”
Researchers noted that it is important to evaluate multivitamin use and risk of death among different kinds of populations, such as those with documented nutritional deficiencies, as well as the potential impact of regular multivitamin use on other health conditions associated with aging.
Responding to the study findings, the Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN) emphasized the role multivitamins play in filling essential nutrient gaps, particularly for populations with higher nutrient needs, including pregnant women, older adults, and those with restrictive diets.
CRN also highlighted research that underscores benefits of multivitamins. For example, the COcoa Supplement and Multivitamin Outcomes Study (COSMOS-MIND) demonstrated that daily multivitamin supplementation significantly slowed age-related cognitive decline in older adults. Over a 3-year period, participants who took multivitamins experienced improved memory performance, effectively delaying cognitive aging by approximately 3 years.
“There is substantial evidence supporting the role of multivitamins in addressing nutritional needs, reducing the risk of specific diseases and health conditions, and supporting overall health,” said Andrea Wong, PhD, senior vice president of science and regulatory affairs, CRN. “Analyzing mortality rates in isolation fails to recognize the range of health benefits of multivitamin use identified in rigorous scientific studies, including the reduction of birth defects, reducing cancer risk, slowing cognitive decline, and many others.”
Wong added that headlines focusing only on mortality, but not quality of life, should not discourage consumers from taking multivitamins, particularly when individuals know their diets don’t provide the full range of essential nutrients.
"Multivitamins are a vital component of Americans' health regimens,” said Steve Mister, president and CEO of CRN. “The evidence supporting their benefits is robust, compelling, and continues to grow.”
CRN also cited, the report, “Supplements to Savings: U.S. Health Care Cost Savings from the Targeted Use of Dietary Supplements, 2022–2030,” which specifies the chronic diseases avoidable with preventive care, and revealed the nine supplements and intake levels needed to realize billions in healthcare savings.
