A major study revealed something completely unexpected about multivitamins and longevity

Multivitamins won’t extend a person’s life, and may even pose a risk, while a healthy diet is still the safest way to live longer, according to a new study by US scientists.
While many people believe that taking a daily multivitamin can improve health and prolong life, recent research from the US National Institutes of Health (NIH) suggests otherwise. Despite some benefits, multivitamins are unlikely to significantly extend life, the authors of that study noted.

Slightly higher risk of death in multivitamin users
Scientists analyzed data on more than 390,000 adults in the United States over a period of nearly three decades. Many adults in the United States report using multivitamins to maintain or improve their health, NIH epidemiologist Erikka Loftfield and her colleagues note.

However, their study, which was published in the journal JAMA Network Open, found that multivitamin use did not correlate with increased longevity. In fact, the risk of death from any cause was slightly higher (4 percent) among multivitamin users in the early years of the study compared to nonusers.

Confounding factors

One possible explanation for this is that people with fewer age-related health problems may be more inclined to use multivitamins. On the other hand, those who take multivitamins often have healthier lifestyles, including better nutrition, more exercise, and less smoking, all factors that independently contribute to better health. This pattern was evident in the study participants, who were generally healthy, had no history of chronic disease, and exhibited better eating habits and a lower body mass index (BMI).

Such confounding factors make it difficult to determine the true effect of multivitamins on longevity. In addition, the wide variety of multivitamins complicates comparisons between studies and trials. Experts have long been skeptical of the universal benefits of multivitamins, suggesting that their effectiveness depends on individual circumstances, including specific health needs and deficiencies.

Advantages and disadvantages of taking multivitamins
Certain vitamins, such as iron or B vitamins, are beneficial for people diagnosed with a deficiency of these vitamins. Some studies also show that daily multivitamins can improve memory and slow cognitive decline in older adults, albeit temporarily. Vitamins with antioxidant properties, such as vitamin C and zinc, can help prevent macular degeneration in the elderly.

However, taking supplements in excess or mixing them with medications can pose a health risk. For example, beta carotene supplements increase the risk of lung cancer in smokers, vitamin K can reduce the effectiveness of blood thinners, and calcium and zinc can inhibit the absorption of antibiotics.

Unregulated market
Unlike prescription drugs, multivitamins are not strictly regulated, allowing for exaggerated marketing claims without solid evidence. Getting vitamins from a healthy diet is generally safer. A 2023 study found that adopting healthier eating habits can extend life by up to 10 years. The greater the changes made toward healthier eating patterns, the greater the expected benefits in life expectancy, the authors of that study noted.

Despite this, access to nutritious food is often dependent on cost and availability, highlighting the complex relationship between nutrition, health and longevity.

Source: Science Alert