Recent medical reviews have cast doubt on the effectiveness of multivitamins in preventing serious health conditions like heart disease, stroke, and cancer. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) has released new guidance stating there is insufficient evidence that multivitamins or single nutrient supplements can prevent these conditions in healthy adults.
Insufficient Evidence for Disease Prevention
The USPSTF’s conclusions were based on a systematic review published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), which analyzed 84 studies—52 of them new since the previous USPSTF review in 2014. The findings suggest that taking multivitamins, along with other supplements like vitamin E and beta-carotene, does not provide significant benefits in preventing cardiovascular diseases (CVD) or cancer in healthy individuals.
Specifically, the USPSTF recommended against the use of vitamin E due to a lack of proven benefits and warned that beta-carotene could actually be harmful, particularly increasing the risk of lung cancer in those already at risk.
Whole Foods vs. Isolated Micronutrients
An editorial accompanying the review in JAMA emphasized the importance of focusing on whole foods rather than isolated supplements. It argued that a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and other natural foods, which provide a range of vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients, is likely more beneficial for overall health than relying on single-nutrient supplements. The editorial advocates for evidence-based approaches, such as a balanced diet and regular exercise, for preventing CVD and cancer.
Dr. Jeffrey Linder, a co-author of the editorial and chief of general internal medicine at Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine, noted that while taking supplements is popular, there is no “magic pill” for health. He believes that money and effort are better spent on healthy eating and physical activity.
The Role of Supplements for Certain Groups
While the new guidance specifically addresses healthy adults without nutritional deficiencies, both the task force and the JAMA editorial acknowledge that supplements can be beneficial for individuals with specific health needs. For example, the USPSTF recommends folic acid supplements for women who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, as it supports fetal development.
Industry Response
The supplement industry has responded by emphasizing that multivitamins can still play an important role in filling dietary gaps, particularly since many Americans fall short on key nutrients. Andrea Wong, Ph.D., senior vice president at the Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN), highlighted that government data shows widespread deficiencies in nutrients like calcium, potassium, and vitamin D, which can lead to various health issues.
Wong also pointed to studies like the Physicians’ Health Study II, which found that multivitamins helped reduce the overall cancer risk by 8% in older male physicians. Additionally, she mentioned the COSMOS study, which found that cocoa flavanols could reduce the risk of cardiovascular death and help delay cognitive decline, though the same study also showed that multivitamins did not have a significant impact on heart disease or cancer outcomes.
Moving Forward with Supplements
Duffy MacKay, senior vice president of the Consumer Healthcare Products Association, pointed out that the USPSTF’s stance is similar to their position in 2014, when they determined there wasn’t enough evidence to confirm whether supplements can prevent CVD or cancer. However, MacKay stressed that dietary supplements should not be viewed as a replacement for medications. He noted that many experts, including the National Institutes of Health (NIH), believe supplementation can still be beneficial for certain populations, such as older adults, pregnant women, and individuals with poor diets or specific health conditions.
Conclusion
While recent research challenges the role of multivitamins in preventing chronic diseases like heart disease and cancer in healthy adults, supplements remain valuable for individuals with specific health needs or dietary gaps. It is important to approach supplements as part of a broader strategy that includes a balanced diet and regular exercise.
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