Do multivitamins do anything
Pro Research Analysisby 
Searched over 200M research papers
The Impact of Multivitamins on Health: A Comprehensive Review
Multivitamins and Chronic Disease Prevention
Multivitamins are widely used with the intention of preventing chronic diseases and ensuring adequate nutrient intake. However, the evidence supporting their efficacy in preventing chronic diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and diabetes is mixed. A systematic review conducted for the National Institutes of Health found no strong evidence that multivitamins prevent chronic diseases in the general adult population1. Similarly, a large-scale randomized controlled trial (RCT) involving male physicians found that long-term multivitamin use did not significantly reduce the risk of major cardiovascular events, myocardial infarction, stroke, or cardiovascular disease mortality6. However, another study from the same cohort suggested a modest reduction in total cancer incidence among men taking daily multivitamins9.
Cognitive Function and Mental Health
The effects of multivitamins on cognitive function and mental health have also been explored. A systematic review and meta-analysis indicated that multivitamins might improve immediate free recall memory but showed no significant effects on other cognitive domains such as delayed recall memory or verbal fluency2. Another long-term study on older male physicians found no cognitive benefits from daily multivitamin use over a 12-year period5. However, some studies suggest that multivitamins may improve mood and reduce stress, anxiety, and depressive symptoms in older adults3 4.
Immune Function and Infection
Multivitamins are often believed to boost the immune system and reduce the incidence of infections. A randomized controlled trial found that multivitamin and mineral supplements reduced the number of infections and days absent from work, particularly in individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus7. This suggests that multivitamins may be beneficial for specific populations at risk for micronutrient deficiencies.
Safety and Adverse Effects
The safety of long-term multivitamin use has been a concern for many. A review of multiple studies concluded that multivitamins are generally safe for long-term use, with only minor adverse effects such as gastrointestinal symptoms reported8. The U.S. Food and Nutrition Board has established tolerable upper intake levels for several nutrients to ensure safety1.
Conclusion
The current body of research presents a nuanced picture of the benefits and limitations of multivitamin use. While multivitamins may offer some benefits in specific areas such as immediate memory recall, mood improvement, and infection reduction in at-risk populations, they do not appear to significantly prevent chronic diseases or cognitive decline in the general population. Moreover, they are generally safe for long-term use. As always, individuals should consult healthcare providers to tailor supplement use to their specific health needs.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic
The Efficacy and Safety of Multivitamin and Mineral Supplement Use To Prevent Cancer and Chronic Disease in Adults: A Systematic Review for a National Institutes of Health State-of-the-Science Conference
Multivitamin and mineral supplements are effective in primary prevention of cancer and chronic diseases in adults, with no known adverse effects.
Systematic Review
Highly CitedThe effects of multivitamins on cognitive performance: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Multivitamins can enhance immediate free recall memory but not delayed free recall or verbal fluency.
Meta-Analysis
Rigorous JournalThe effect of a 12-week multivitamin supplement on everyday functioning in older adults: a double blind, placebo controlled, parallel groups trial
A 12-week multivitamin supplementation significantly improved mood, reduced perceived stress, and reduced emotional loneliness in older adults compared to placebo.
RCTEffects of vitamin supplementation on inflammatory markers and psychological wellbeing among distressed women: a randomized controlled trial.
Multivitamin supplementation did not improve psychological state but had a positive impact on pro-inflammatory cytokine profiles in women experiencing stress.
RCTLong-Term Multivitamin Supplementation and Cognitive Function in Men
Long-term use of a daily multivitamin did not provide cognitive benefits for male physicians aged 65 years or older.
RCT
Large Human TrialHighly CitedMultivitamins in the prevention of cardiovascular disease in men: the Physicians' Health Study II randomized controlled trial.
Daily multivitamin use did not significantly reduce major cardiovascular events, MI, stroke, or CVD mortality in a long-term study of US male physicians.
RCTLarge Human TrialHighly CitedEffect of a Multivitamin and Mineral Supplement on Infection and Quality of Life
Multivitamin and mineral supplements may reduce infections and improve quality of life, particularly in people with type 2 diabetes mellitus.
RCTHighly CitedMultivitamin/mineral supplements: Rationale and safety.
Multivitamin/mineral supplements can be safely used for long-term use (>10 years) with only minor adverse events and do not increase mortality.
Systematic ReviewMultivitamins in the prevention of cancer in men: the Physicians' Health Study II randomized controlled trial.
Daily multivitamin supplementation modestly reduces the risk of total cancer in male physicians, but not prostate, colorectal, or other site-specific cancers.
RCTLarge Human TrialHighly CitedMultivitamin supplementation in HIV infected adults initiating antiretroviral therapy in Uganda: the protocol for a randomized double blinded placebo controlled efficacy trial
Multivitamin supplementation may slow disease progression in HIV-infected adults receiving HAART in Uganda, potentially benefiting immune reconstitution, weight gain, and quality of life.
RCTRigorous Journal