Question:
Does taking a daily multivitamin supplement reduce my risk of dying of cancer, stroke, or heart attack?
Answer:
No
MedHead Confidence Score: 3
Amount Saved: $120 per year multivitamins cost
MedHead Message:
This is kind of messy. The largest meta-analysis shows no overall effect on dying of cancer or heart attack. However, there is possibly a barely discernible effect on the primary prevention of death, mainly in males who have never smoked. But the difference is minimal. The bottom line is that for most people spending money on a daily multivitamin will likely do them no harm or no good. I’d probably save the money and put it toward better quality produce at the grocery store.
References:
1. Macpherson H. et. al. Multivitamin-multimineral supplementation and mortality: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Am J Clin Nutr. 2013 Feb;97(2):437-44. 2. Adebamowo, SN et. al. Multivitamin use and risk of stroke incidence and mortality amongst women. Eur J Neurol. 2017 Oct;24(10):1266-1273.
