Can daily multivitamin supplements help you live longer?
Daily multivitamin users have a 4% higher mortality risk compared to nonusers, according to a study by Dr. Erikka Loftfield from the National Cancer Institute. The study, which analyzed data from three large cohorts, found no mortality benefit from multivitamin use. Despite a 6% decline in multivitamin use from 1999 to 2011, one-third of U.S. adults still take them for chronic disease prevention.
The US Preventive Services Task Force reviewed 2022 data, finding insufficient evidence that multivitamins reduce mortality. The study noted that while multivitamin users generally lead healthier lifestyles, the supplements themselves offer little benefit in preventing cardiovascular disease, cancer, or mortality.
Researchers followed 390,124 individuals for over 20 years, dividing them into nonusers, non-daily users, and daily users. The results showed no mortality benefit for daily multivitamin users, who actually had a slightly higher risk of death.
The study highlighted limitations, including potential confounders and the predominance of White participants. Researchers concluded that micronutrients are best obtained from food sources rather than supplements.
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