Approximately one-third of U.S. adults take multivitamins, but a recent study suggests that this practice may not lead to a longer life. Researchers from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) analyzed data from 400,000 healthy U.S. adults over 20 years and found that taking multivitamins did not reduce mortality risk. In fact, those who took daily multivitamins had a 4% higher mortality risk compared to those who did not take them.
The study, published in JAMA Network Open, followed participants with an average age of 61-½, and 164,762 deaths occurred during the follow-up period. The researchers adjusted for factors like race, ethnicity, education, and nutrition to ensure the accuracy of their findings.
Previous analyses by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force also found insufficient evidence to support the idea that multivitamin use improves mortality. The recent study aimed to address potential biases by including a larger number of participants and extending the follow-up period.
Dr. Pieter Cohen, an associate professor of medicine, emphasized that there is no evidence to suggest that multivitamins can extend life. He recommended that healthy adults should only take multivitamins if specifically advised by their doctor.
Dr. Brett Osborn, a neurologist and longevity expert, highlighted the limitations of the study, including its observational nature and lack of a control group. He pointed out that the variability in multivitamin formulations used by participants could also impact the results.
Osborn recommended a multi-capsule daily multivitamin to his patients but stressed that vitamin usage is just one aspect of longevity. Factors like genetics, lifestyle, and access to healthcare also play a crucial role in determining lifespan.
The study underscores the need for further research into the health benefits of multivitamins, especially in diverse populations with varying medical conditions and dietary habits. While multivitamins may not directly impact longevity, they could still be beneficial for individuals with documented nutritional deficiencies.
