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Edited by: TJVNews.com
A recent study published in the journal JAMA Network Open has brought to light some surprising findings regarding the widespread use of multivitamins among Americans, according to a report that appeared in The New York Post. Despite their popularity, particularly for disease prevention, the study suggests there may be “little health rationale” for taking them, and in some cases, multivitamin use could even be associated with a slightly higher risk of death.
The study, conducted by researchers from the National Cancer Institute, analyzed data from 390,000 healthy American adults over a span of two decades. As per the information provided in The Post report, participants were categorized into three groups based on their multivitamin consumption: nonusers, occasional users, and daily users. During the follow-up period, nearly 165,000 participants died, providing a substantial data set for examining the effects of multivitamin use on mortality.
One of the most striking findings was that daily multivitamin users had a 4% higher risk of death compared to nonusers. Indicated in The Post report was that this contradicts the common belief that multivitamins contribute to better health and longevity. The researchers also found no significant evidence that multivitamin use reduced the risk of dying from major diseases such as cancer, heart disease, or cerebrovascular diseases.
The study’s authors emphasized the importance of focusing on nutrition interventions that prioritize whole foods over supplements. They highlighted that areas known for remarkable longevity typically have diets rich in vegetables, fruits, legumes, and cereal grains, the report in The Post said. These foods are integral to the Mediterranean and Okinawan diets, which are associated with lower mortality rates and better overall health.
“Refocusing nutrition interventions on food, rather than supplements, may provide the mortality benefits that multivitamins cannot deliver,” the researchers wrote, as was noted in The Post report. They suggested that a diet-based approach to nutrition is more likely to yield health benefits and potentially reduce the risk of premature death.
The researchers took into account various factors such as race and ethnicity, education, and diet quality when analyzing the data. This adjustment helps ensure that the findings are robust and not unduly influenced by these variables, The Post report explained. Despite these adjustments, the lack of evidence supporting improved longevity from multivitamin use remained consistent.
Multivitamins continue to be popular in the United States, with one in three adults reportedly taking them, typically to prevent disease or improve health. However, their popularity has waned somewhat in light of mixed evidence regarding their efficacy. This new study adds to the growing body of research suggesting that the benefits of multivitamins might be overstated, particularly for those who are already healthy.
The study’s findings have sparked discussions among health professionals and nutritionists. Many experts advocate for a balanced diet rich in natural foods as the best approach to achieving optimal health. Supplements may still have a role for individuals with specific deficiencies or those who cannot obtain certain nutrients from their diet, but for the general population, whole foods appear to be the superior choice.
“We did not find evidence to support improved longevity among healthy adults who regularly take multivitamins,” the researchers concluded, as was indicated in The Post report. “However, we cannot preclude the possibility that daily [multivitamin] use may be associated with other health outcomes related to aging.” This statement leaves the door open for further research into potential benefits of multivitamins that were not covered by this study.
In recent years, the efficacy and necessity of multivitamins have been hotly debated among health professionals and researchers. The US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) concluded in 2022 that vitamin and mineral supplementation offers “little or no benefit” in preventing cancer, cardiovascular disease, and death, The Post reported. While the recent study published in JAMA Network Open adds weight to this conclusion, it also acknowledges the nuanced benefits of certain supplements.
The recent study tracked 390,000 healthy Americans over two decades, categorizing them into nonusers, occasional users, and daily users of multivitamins. Despite popular belief, the study found that daily multivitamin use was associated with a 4% higher risk of death compared to nonuse, as was described in The Post report.
However, both studies had notable limitations. The recent study acknowledged that participants might not have accurately reported their multivitamin use, and it excluded individuals with a history of cancer or other chronic diseases, The Post report said. These factors could potentially skew the results and indicate the need for further research.
Researchers hypothesize that people who use multivitamins may generally lead healthier lifestyles. Conversely, those with poorer health might be more inclined to use multivitamins, potentially in an attempt to compensate for their health issues, as was observed in The Post report. This dichotomy complicates the interpretation of data on multivitamin efficacy, as lifestyle factors can significantly influence health outcomes.
Despite the overarching findings, researchers did identify specific scenarios where supplements can be beneficial:
Eye Health: Beta-carotene, vitamins C and E, and zinc have been credited with slowing the progression of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), an eye disease that can lead to vision loss in older adults.
Cognitive Function: Studies have shown that multivitamins can enhance memory and slow cognitive decline in older individuals. This is particularly relevant given the increasing focus on aging populations and the prevention of neurodegenerative diseases.
Post-Bariatric Surgery: Multivitamins can be crucial for patients who have undergone bariatric surgery, helping to prevent nutrient deficiencies due to altered digestion and absorption processes.
Vitamin Deficiencies: Products featuring vitamins B12 and D are particularly beneficial in reducing deficiencies. Vitamin D deficiency, for example, is widespread and linked to various health issues, including bone disorders and immune dysfunction.
Pregnancy: Folate supplements are essential during pregnancy to prevent serious birth defects, such as neural tube defects. This has been a well-established benefit and is a critical aspect of prenatal care.
As research progresses, the nuanced understanding of multivitamins and their role in health will continue to develop, guiding both public health recommendations and individual choices. Ultimately, a balanced diet rich in whole foods, combined with informed use of supplements, may provide the best strategy for achieving optimal health.
