Health - Study suggests daily use of multivitamins in healthy adults does not reduce risk of death: What to know about the pros and cons of multivitamins - doooha.com

 

Study suggests daily use of multivitamins in healthy adults does not reduce risk of death: What to know about the pros and cons of multivitamins

Researchers suggest that Americans get their nutrients from food rather than 

supplements after a new study found that daily use of multivitamins does not reduce 

the risk of death, the latest research into the long-debated topic of multivitamin 

benefits.

A bunch of vitamins

 

A bunch of vitamins

Key facts

The researchers used the health records of more than 390,000 participants with an average age of 61.5 years, who were generally healthy, had no history of chronic disease and were followed for more than 20 years, according to the study published Wednesday in JAMA Network Open.

People with healthier lifestyles and those who are sick may have an increased chance of taking multivitamins, so the researchers mitigated these effects so that they would not have an impact on the study results.

The group of participants who took a daily multivitamin had a lower BMI and better sleep quality than participants who did not use a daily multivitamin, and were slightly more likely to have a college education.

However, the study found that those who took a daily multivitamin were 4% more likely to die from all causes, although there were no differences in the risks of death from cancer, heart disease, or cerebrovascular disease such as stroke or aneurysm.

Since the study population consisted of generally healthy adults, the researchers noted that more research should be conducted to include other groups such as people with nutrient deficiencies, and to evaluate the potential impact of regular use of vitamins on other health conditions associated with aging.

 

Critical quote

“Refocusing nutritional interventions on food, rather than supplements, may provide mortality benefits that multivitamins cannot,” the National Cancer Institute researchers wrote as part of their commentary on the JAMA study. “Vegetables, fruits, legumes and grains are staples in regions with remarkable longevity.”

Is there any evidence that multivitamins are effective?

Although the benefits of multivitamins have long been a topic of debate, more than 31% of Americans ages 19 and older take a multivitamin. Men who take a daily multivitamin may have an 8% lower risk of cancer and a lower risk of developing cataracts, according to a previous JAMA study. Several studies have found that multivitamins can improve memory in older people. Multivitamins may also provide benefits for those with mood disorders. Older male participants who took a multivitamin over eight weeks had significant reductions in depression and anxiety compared to the placebo group, according to research published in Human Psychopharmacology: Clinical and Experimental.

What vitamins might actually work?

Taking standalone vitamins may provide some benefits. Doctors recommend that patients with vitamin D deficiencies take supplements, especially those with lactose intolerance, milk allergy, fat absorption problems and people with darker skin tone and more melanin, according to Yale Medicine. Vitamins are also beneficial during pregnancy: Pregnant women can benefit from taking prenatal vitamins that contain vitamin D and calcium to help the baby's teeth and bones develop, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Are multivitamins regulated by the FDA?

Multivitamins, herbs, minerals, and other nutritional supplements are not approved by the Food and Drug Administration, although the Food and Drug Administration regulates them. However, most regulation occurs after they hit shelves, and many companies manufacture and sell multivitamins without notifying the FDA.

 

Huge number

$177.5 billion. That's how much the global nutritional supplement industry will be worth in 2023, according to market research firm Grand View Research. This number is expected to grow by 9% between 2024 and 2030.

Main background

The US Preventive Services Task Force concluded in 2022 that there was "little or no benefit" in taking vitamin and mineral supplements, and recommended against the use of beta-carotene or vitamin E supplements to prevent cardiovascular disease or cancer. Vitamin use did not reduce the risk of cancer or heart disease in participants in a 2021 USPSTF study. Researchers also found that taking iron supplements — which are added to many multivitamins — can lead to iron overload and an increased risk of diabetes, dementia, and heart disease.