Multivitamins are the most commonly used
supplements in the world.
Their popularity has increased rapidly in the past few decades (
1,
2).
Some people believe that multivitamins can improve health, make up for poor eating habits or even reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
But what does the science say about multivitamins? Do they actually work?
This article takes an evidence-based look.
What Are Multivitamins?
Multivitamins are supplements that contain many different vitamins and minerals, sometimes along with other ingredients (
3).
There is no real standard about what constitutes a multivitamin, and their nutrient composition varies by brand and product.
They go by several different names, including multivitamins, multiminerals, multis, multiples or simply vitamins.
They are available in many forms, such as tablets, capsules, chewable gummies, powders and liquids.
Most multivitamins should be taken once or twice a day. Make sure to read the label and follow the recommended dosage instructions.
Multivitamins are available in pharmacies, large discount stores, supermarkets and from online retailers like
Amazon.
Bottom Line: Multivitamins are supplements that contain many different vitamins and minerals. They are available in various forms.
What do Multivitamins Contain?
There are 13 vitamins and at least 16 minerals that are essential to health.
Many of them participate in enzymatic reactions in the body, or function as hormones, signalling molecules or structural elements.
The body needs these nutrients for reproduction, maintenance, growth and regulation of bodily processes.
Multivitamins may contain many of these vitamins and minerals, but in varying forms and amounts. They can also contain other ingredients like
herbs, amino acids and fatty acids.
Because dietary supplements are not regulated, multivitamins may contain higher or lower levels of some nutrients than the label states (
4).
In some cases, they may not even contain all of the nutrients that are listed. There have been many cases of fraud in the supplement industry, so it is important to purchase from a reputable manufacturer.
Also, the nutrients in multivitamins may be derived from real foods or created synthetically in laboratories.
Bottom Line: Multivitamins may contain herbs, amino acids, and fatty acids in addition to vitamins and minerals. Label fraud is common, and the amount of nutrients can vary.
Multivitamins and Heart Disease
Heart disease is the most common cause of death worldwide (
5).
Many people believe that taking multivitamins can help prevent heart disease, but the evidence is not clear.
Results from observational studies on multivitamins and heart disease are mixed. Some studies have found a reduced risk of heart attacks and death, while others have found no effects (
6,
7,
8,
9).
For more than a decade, the Physicians’ Health Study II investigated the effects of daily multivitamin use in over 14,000 middle-aged, male doctors.
It found no reduction in heart attacks or strokes, and no reduction in mortality (
10).
A recent study found that among women, but not men, taking a multivitamin for at least three years was linked to a 35% lower risk of dying from heart disease (
11).
Bottom Line: Several observational studies have found multivitamin users to have a lower risk of heart disease. However, several others have found no connection. Overall, the evidence is mixed.
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