Taking a Daily Multivitamin Probably Won’t Improve Your Health: New Research

New research adds to the growing evidence that multivitamin supplements provide little to no health benefits for most people.

A large observational study published in JAMA Network Open found that over a 20-year period, people who took a daily multivitamin were no less likely to die from any cause compared to those who didn’t take the supplements¹.

In fact, multivitamin users had a slightly higher mortality risk in the first 10 years of follow-up, although this difference was no longer statistically significant by the end of the study.

Multivitamins are a Multi-Billion Dollar Industry

Despite the lack of proven benefits, multivitamins remain extremely popular.

Nearly 1 in 3 American adults takes a multivitamin regularly, spending over $12 billion per year collectively ^(ref). The supplement industry markets multivitamins with promises that they will maintain health, prevent chronic diseases, and promote longevity. However, the new study and previous research have failed to back up these claims.

Randomized Trials Also Show No Clear Benefits

The recent observational findings align with the results of several large randomized controlled trials, which provide stronger evidence than observational studies.

Major trials like the Physicians Health Study, COSMOS, and the Heart Protection Study, which collectively involved tens of thousands of participants, consistently found that multivitamins did not reduce the risk of heart disease, cancer, or death compared to placebo ^(ref).

Some of these definitive trials were published 10-20 years ago, yet many people continue to take multivitamins despite the clear lack of benefit shown in high-quality studies. As one researcher noted, the evidence is now strong enough that it’s time to stop wasting money on multivitamin supplements that don’t deliver on their health promises.

Possible Exceptions & Limitations

There are a few caveats to keep in mind. The studies have focused on generally healthy, well-nourished adults in developed countries.

Multivitamins could potentially help compensate for nutritional deficiencies in low-income nations or disadvantaged populations. Additionally, some research suggests multivitamins might benefit cognition in older adults, although the evidence is mixed ^(ref).

The observational study also can’t prove that multivitamins caused the slightly higher mortality risk seen in some analyses. There could be other differences between multivitamin users and nonusers that influenced the results. However, the findings are consistent with the lack of benefit found in gold-standard randomized trials.

Overall, for the average person with access to a balanced diet, there is little reason to take a daily multivitamin for improved health or longevity. The money is likely better spent on nutritious whole foods. If you think you might have a deficiency or need a supplement for a specific medical reason, it’s best to consult your doctor.

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Sources:

1. Loftfield et al, JAMA Network Open, 2024