Multivitamin
Combined product with vitamins and minerals at doses around the daily recommended intake.
What the research shows
No sound research in humans.
O'Connor (2022) found no effect of multivitamins on mortality, cardiovascular disease or cancer in people without a deficiency, in work for the US task force. Fortmann (2013) reached the same conclusion earlier and saw more lung cancer among smokers taking beta-carotene. Huang (2006) called the evidence insufficient to support use by the general population.
Who it makes sense for: Almost nobody eating a normal diet; it does help on a severely restricted diet, after bariatric surgery or with a confirmed deficiency.
How we weigh evidenceClinical dosage
Scientific sources
The clinical dosages on this page are based on peer-reviewed research.
- Vitamin and Mineral Supplements for the Primary Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease and Cancer: Updated Evidence Report and Systematic Review for the US Preventive Services Task Force.O'Connor EA et al. (2022)
- Vitamin and mineral supplements in the primary prevention of cardiovascular disease and cancer: An updated systematic evidence review for the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force.Fortmann SP et al. (2013)
- 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.Huang HY et al. (2006)
We keep the dosages and values on this page as accurate as possible based on selected studies. New research may change these values. Nothing on this page is medical advice. If you have any doubts, always consult a doctor.