Multivitamins are a combination of many different vitamins that are normally found in foods and other natural sources. These are used to provide vitamins that are not being sufficiently consumed in one’s diet. Multivitamins are also used to treat vitamin deficiencies caused by illness, pregnancy, poor nutrition, digestive disorders, and many other conditions.
For decades, doctors and health experts alike have suggested taking a daily multivitamin as a dietary supplement. In recent years though, more research calls to question whether or not these supplements, which can be very costly, are truly necessary.
StudyFinds has published research on both sides of the debate. World-renowned physicians and mental health experts say multivitamins can do our bodies lots of good. But for those unsure about taking them, here’s a look at five pieces of published research that suggest the very opposite.
Note: The original post for each study, including journal citation, is posted as “READ MORE” after each section.
Multivitamins don’t prevent heart attacks, stroke, cardiovascular death
Research shows that multivitamin supplements have no effect on heart health, and won’t reduce one’s odds of suffering a heart attack, stroke, or even death from a heart-related condition.
The study examined data from 18 different studies on multivitamin and mineral supplements. Results for more than 2 million people were recorded, with an average follow-up about 12 years from the start of their respective study. Findings show no clinical benefit of multivitamin and mineral use to prevent heart attacks, strokes or cardiovascular death. Thus, it only adds to a growing body of evidence that multivitamins are more taboo than anything else.
While the study shows no health benefits, there doesn’t seem to be any harm in taking vitamin supplements either. Still, in light of this, the study does not recommend using multivitamin or mineral supplements to prevent cardiovascular diseases. There’s just no substitute for a balanced, nutritious diet with more fruits and vegetables that limits excess calories, saturated fat, trans fat, sodium, sugar and dietary cholesterol.
READ MORE: Research: Multivitamins Don’t Prevent Heart Attacks, Stroke, Cardiovascular Death
Won’t reduce the risk of dying from COVID-19
Taking a few extra vitamins while dealing with a case of COVID-19 certainly seems to make sense. However, a new study finds immune-boosting supplements such as vitamin C, vitamin D, and zinc do virtually nothing to lower a patient’s risk of dying from coronavirus.
The study reviewed a new set of COVID-19 hospitalization data to formulate this review, warning that there is no real evidence that supplements actually treat or lessen the severity of COVID-19 symptoms. This aims to correct the misconception that if you load up on zinc, vitamin D or vitamin C, it can help the clinical outcome of being infected with the SARS-CoV-2 virus.
Specifically, the study analyzed 26 global peer-reviewed studies encompassing 5,600 hospitalized COVID-19 patients for this project. Results show no evidence of a drop in mortality rates among COVID-19 patients taking vitamin D, vitamin C, or zinc supplements in comparison to other patients. However, the data did suggest that vitamin D supplementation in particular has a loose association with lower rates of intubation and shorter hospital stays.
In a continued survey of people taking a vitamin D supplement habitually prior to contracting COVID. Once again, the study did not find a significant change in mortality rate among these individuals. The study wants to make it clear that their work is in no way stating that vitamins are unhealthy or should be avoided. It is solely indicating that vitamins will not lower COVID-19 death risk.
READ MORE: Taking vitamins won’t help lower the risk of dying from COVID-19
Multivitamins, other common supplements have no health benefits
Taking multivitamins or other commonly consumed vitamin and mineral supplements won’t actually provide you any health benefits, but they won’t harm you either, one study finds.
The study conducted a review of 179 studies on popular vitamin supplements published between January 2012 and October 2017. Studies covered a vast spectrum of supplements, including vitamins A, B1, B2, B3 (niacin), B6, B9 (folic acid), C, D and E; and mineral supplements β-carotene; calcium; iron; zinc; magnesium; and selenium. Multivitamins that contained a wide variety of the vitamins and minerals were also reviewed.
Results of the study conclude that the most commonly consumed supplements — multivitamins, vitamin D, calcium, and vitamin C — had no effect on a person’s risk of suffering a heart attack stroke, heart disease, or early death. Moreover, findings show that intake of multivitamins, vitamin D, calcium or vitamin C, does no harm – but there is no apparent advantage either.
The only supplements that showed any benefit among the studies were folic acid or B-vitamins that contained B6, B12, and folic acid, which could lower one’s risk of heart disease and stroke. Thus, these findings suggest that people should be conscious of the supplements they’re taking and ensure they’re applicable to the specific vitamin or mineral deficiencies they have been advised of by their healthcare provider.
READ MORE: Study: Multivitamins, Other Common Supplements Have No Health Benefits
No reduction in heart disease risk, even in people who have poor diets
Taking multivitamins won’t help people improve their chances of developing heart disease, even in those who have poor diets.
The study examined 13,316 participants who completed in-depth food frequency questionnaires. Sought to determine whether or not those who exhibited unhealthier dietary conditions would find more benefit to multivitamins than those who already enjoyed a nutritious diet.
Results of the study show no raised or reduced risk of the disease years after the study began, compared to those who took a placebo. Moreover, the study also found that poor nutrition made no difference in the effect of daily multivitamin consumption on cardiovascular disease risk or overall mortality.
Intuitively, many had thought that men with ‘poor’ nutritional status at baseline may benefit more from long-term multivitamin use on heart-related outcomes. However, there is no seen evidence for this in the recent analysis. Thus, it remains critical for people to understand its role on nutritional status and other long-term health outcomes, especially through clinical trials.
READ MORE: Multivitamins Don’t Reduce Heart Disease Risk, Even In People Who Have Poor Diets
Health benefits of multivitamins ‘may all be in the mind’
The health benefits of taking multivitamin supplements may be all in the mind, scientists suggest. People’s positive expectations could be behind the benefits of multivitamin and mineral tablets as there is no hard evidence otherwise.
The study collected data on 21,603 adults in the United States who took part in the 2012 National Health Interview Survey. Of the sample, 4,933 people reported taking multivitamin or mineral tablets regularly.
Findings reveal that regular multivitamin or mineral supplement users reported 30 percent better overall health than those who didn’t take them. However, there was no difference between those who did and didn’t take them in any of the five psychological, physical or functional health outcomes assessed. Two possible explanations were offered for the findings: either people who regularly take supplements simply believe they will give them a health boost, or they are generally more positive about their personal health, regardless of what they take.
The effect of positive expectations in those who take multivitamin or mineral supplements is made even stronger when one considers that the majority of them are sold to the so-called “worried-well.” Nevertheless, the lack of any difference in the health outcomes assessed is in line with other studies indicating that multivitamin or mineral supplements don’t improve overall health in the general adult population.
READ MORE: Power of positivity: Health benefits of multivitamins ‘may all be in the mind’
It’s worth noting that StudyFinds does not agree nor disagree with these studies. If you are thinking about taking a multivitamin supplement or are considering stopping, you should absolutely speak with your physician or health care provider first.
This article bobs an weaves. It says specifically it does not stop heart issues and so on and then infers they do no good at all. This is not the case. I mean they never even name “the study” but allude to a review of a survey from 2012. Of course vitamins do nto keep one form being intubated from Covid. My fave line is “No reduction in heart disease risk, even in people who have poor diets” Ha ha. Quite the sleight of hand. I wonder why they would post this? There is always an underlying motivation and this site has quite a few articles decrying supplements.
Your writing seems very short sighted. Multivitamins are not claimed to help, or assist with any of the conditions you mention. I do agree however, taking one every day is overkill.
This article is the most ridiculous bunch of baloney I have read in years. The sad thing is some people might actually believe it.
I don’t believe that for a minute! Your body needs minerals electrolytes etc. The synthetic versions which most are are not recommended. I took D3-K2, Quercetin, Zince, E3 etc. throughoutCovid and did not get Covid! Did not have any effects from two Moderna shots, even while my family had Covid! You tell me?
Thank you. So well said.
Sounds like just maybe they work good enough to cause concern within Big Pharma who makes money off of a lot of much more dangerous drugs that make you get on other drugs to counter the side effects of the first.
Excellent points. Thank you
This is a load of bull manure.
Vitamins and minerals are no substitute for a healthy diet, exercise and sleep. That is why they are called supplements and not wonder cures as some claim.
They do not stop heart attacks and such as some claim. What they will do is help to strengthen your immune system.
What was omitted in this article was who commissioned the surveys and who paid for them, Big Pharma possibly? Big medicine and the drug companies are well known to want to control the supplement industry. There’s a lot of money to be made. If you don’t believe me just go to your local drug store and look at who’s manufacturing your vitamin/mineral supplements. You might be surprised as to who owns what.
the “exercise myth” is next..followed by “deep breathing” health risks
research finds: the “Golden Arches” saves lives
tobacco health benefits found !
Doctors recommend: “..a bottle of bourbon a day before noon..”
This article is very misleading. The headline should include the statement that it is limited to heart desease and stroke. Multivitamins are not “which can be very costly” . Standard multivitamins for people over 50 are usually around $10.00 for 70-100 tablets. Very poor article. Probably will not read a Study Finds article again.
So how many people eat the right foods that incorporate all the Vitamins they need on a daily basis? Most people eat a lot junk that have practically no Vitamins, so I would think a Multi Vitamin would help them.
If you follow the advice of this article, then you deserve your fate. Try checking out new research that debunks most of the “accepted science” of these ass clowns. Keto diets are the way to go. Low carbohydrate, minimal refined sugars and grains, more meat, eggs, and fat. It works. The science of the last 70 years has been unquestioned because… consensus. Consensus is not science.
there is no context for how the studies were done, for how long, were they double blinded etc. This data is worthless. Vitamin D for instance is fat soluble, it takes time to build up in the tissue of people and the fatter they are, the longer it takes. I see no evidence of any consideration of this basic fact in this “survey says” trash article.
This is not science or journalism, it is merely click bait.
Vitamin d is also produced by exposure to the sun. guess we shouldn’t go out to the sun as vitamin d is useless per this article.
if you already have an infection, begining use of vitamin d won’t help you with the infection, it takes time to saturate your tissue and begin providing results. Vitamin D is used as a hormone by the body, it will activate up to 1% of your genes – that is a substantial change in your body.
This “study says” that vitamin D does nothing for you. I find this study toxic…
Excellent response. Thank you. But your name….I’m allergic to it….
Ha, Ha, so now StudyFinds is hiding the comments?
Only fake news outlets bother to hide comments. It tells us everything by hiding.
People already know about getting the essential vitamins and minerals. And they know the minerals in soil are depleted.
You insult people, and your credibility is also depleted.
No comments are hidden, I can read them all. Sounds like you need some vitamin A to cure your blindness.
Here! Here!
Thank you for that excellent response
I would be willing to bet that heart health is more related to your overall cardio fitness level than taking vitamin supplements. However, that said, people who exercise, watch their weight and take care of their bodies tend to take more vitamin supplements, with good outcomes and overall better health. In my experience, people with poor diets also tend to have poor exercise habits and tend to be more sedentary and over weight. No amount of vitamin supplements will overcome poor exercise and obesity, which are two of the leading contributors to heart disease.
Rarely have I read such a pack of lies condensed into one article.
Make sure you wear your mask, even in bed
That is the best comment I have ever read! Thanks for the laugh. 🙂
Well put. So transparent it is laughable.
Well maybe if Jim Fix and Yuell Gibbons could come back and have there say theres room for debate for shur !
Lies? They are results from scientific studies. Try again.
True that!
From a life long vitamin taker this is absolutely Believable! Flintstones sugar pills are probably worthless. No study is is paying for expensive food source or food form supplements, they’re buying synthetic junk from sold in the dime or grocery store. If Pharma and medical experts are worried that generic medicines aren’t as good as the real brand, why isn’t the same true for vitamins? Does chemistry magically have different rules for naturopathy than it does for allopathy? Ask a chemist why LAB GRADE chemicals cost astronomically more than industrial grade.
Of courses this is all baloney in a closed ecosystem. Other countries like Japan have government studies for things the revolving door FDA says is quackery or outright bans, like ionized water given to mice given cancer cells. We know only Yanks can do healthcare, the rest of the planet are dummies, like the French Government licensing Homeopathic medicines, right?
Taking vitamins doesn’t improve gas mileage, so you shouldn’t take them. Sounds silly, but that is what this article does. It takes a couple of heath issues and concludes that vitamins don’t help anything. It even glosses over a few cases where some supplements do seem to help.
I am with John
Then why eat at all? Aren’t we consuming the very same vitamins and minerals in food as provided by such supplements? And to suggest that today’s food provides anything close to what are grandparents ate is a total fallacy. More msm BS most likely funded by Big Pharma to sell more drugs. These are the same people who haven’t seen a gym in their life, pop a pill for all that ails them and still try to cram their lifestyles on all the rest of us. Go smoke another joint, have three more drinks and stay out of our business.
Here! Here!
Most of these studies are a joke! Basically they ask the patient if he takes multi-vitamins but not what brand (BIG DEAL), how often, how often do they forget, and do they REALLY take them. Do all the patients live the same lives, eg stress levels, exercise, food consumption, alcohol and tobacco consumption and amounts???? The studies are totally uncontrolled and must be funded by Big Pharma as a way to encourage their poison be given instead. You have to be a fool to believe this stuff!
Same thing has been reported for decades.
Still most people have inadequate levels of D and older people inadequate B as well.