Study Suggests Multivitamins Don't Reduce Mortality Risks

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Facts

• According to a study published Wednesday by the US National Institutes of Health (NIH), there's no evidence that multivitamins help reduce mortality risks.¹
• The study surveyed over 390K adults over three decades and found that while vitamin supplements may help some people with specific conditions, they are unlikely to aid people to live longer.²
• Dr. Neal Barnard, co-author of a commentary published in conjunction with the study, noted that 'multivitamins overpromise and underdeliver,' adding it's essential to 'eat healthy foods.'³
• In addition, the research also discovered that the mortality risk increased by 4% among individuals taking multivitamins daily compared to non-users.⁴
• However, the researchers argue that the slightly increased mortality rate could be because people with health conditions are more likely to consume vitamin supplements.⁵
• These findings back existing studies that have found no benefit from multivitamins in 'reducing risk of cardiovascular disease, cancer or mortality.'⁶

Sources: ¹ABC News, ²ScienceAlert, ³Guardian, ⁴Healthline, ⁵The Sydney Morning Herald and ⁶US News & World Report.

Narratives

• Narrative A, as provided by Forbes. Consuming multivitamins offers significant health benefits, including bolstering immunity, preventing nutrient deficiencies, and reducing the risk of chronic diseases like cancer. While they aren't a cure-all, vitamin supplements are a practical nutritional safety net — especially when prescribed by a qualified nutritionist.
• Narrative B, as provided by Northwestern Now. Scientists have proven yet again that consuming multivitamins is a waste of money for healthy, non-pregnant adults. The focus should instead be on proven practices like a healthy, balanced diet and regular exercise. Ultimately, a healthy lifestyle is the true key to maintaining health, not a cure-all supplement.

Predictions