For a lot of people, taking a multivitamin every day is essential to leading a healthy lifestyle. However, the notion that these supplements can lengthen your life is called into question by a new large-scale study. Among nearly 400,000 healthy adults tracked for more than 20 years, the study, which was published in JAMA Network Open, revealed no connection between taking multivitamins regularly and a lower risk of death.
Researchers from the National Cancer Institute (NCI) led the study, which examined information from the Women’s Health Study and the Physicians’ Health Study II. Since the early 1990s, this ongoing research has monitored the health of hundreds of thousands of adults in the United States. In particular, the researchers compared the death rates of those who reported taking multivitamins regularly to those who did not.
The results surprised everyone. According to Dr. Céline Gounder, a medical contributor for CBS News and editor-at-large for public health at KFF Health News, “We’re seeing is whether it’s death from cancer, from heart disease, or stroke, we’re not seeing a benefit from taking multivitamins.”
Considering how common multivitamin use is, this is a noteworthy development. Nearly half (48%) of American people frequently take multivitamins, according to a 2018 research from the Council for Responsible Nutrition. With a single pill providing a practical means of bridging possible dietary gaps and maybe preventing chronic illnesses, the appeal is obvious.
The latest research, however, indicates that this advantage could not materialize in a longer lifespan for people who are typically healthy. It’s crucial to remember that the research examined mortality rather than other possible advantages of multivitamins. Certain specialists note that these supplements may still be useful in lowering the risk of certain illnesses or enhancing cognitive performance, especially in elderly persons.
This is acknowledged by Dr. Gounder herself, who emphasizes the need for more study in these areas. “There may be benefits in certain populations, like individuals who are at risk for deficiencies,” she continues. This is consistent with other research that has shown advantages for those with particular dietary restrictions or problems with malabsorption.
Another new concern brought up by the NCI study is whether taking multivitamins could be slightly detrimental. Throughout the first several years of the trial, the researchers saw a pattern that may indicate a higher chance of premature mortality among multivitamin users. They do warn, though, that further research is needed to verify this and determine the possible causes.
What implications does this have for the typical person who takes a multivitamin every day? Speak with your doctor, experts advise. Taking into account your diet, general health, and potential risk factors for deficiencies, they can evaluate your specific needs and decide if a multivitamin is correct for you.
For the majority of individuals, the best method to make sure you’re getting the vital vitamins and minerals your body needs is to maintain a balanced diet full of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. If you decide to take a multivitamin, talk to your doctor about your alternatives so you can choose one that suits your needs and also prevents you from taking more vitamins or minerals than is advised daily.
We are reminded that the science of nutrition is ever-evolving by the new research on multivitamins and longevity. Even if these supplements might not be the answer to everyone’s long life, they might still be a useful tool for certain people. The cornerstones of a healthy lifestyle continue to be eating a balanced diet and seeing your doctor.