The efficiency and efficacy of multivitamin supplements in preventing chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease (CVD) and cancer have been extensively studied. Here are some key findings:

1. General Efficacy: Most clinical trials and systematic reviews suggest that multivitamin supplements provide little to no benefit in reducing the risk of chronic diseases like CVD and cancer¹². The evidence shows no significant effect on all-cause mortality or major cardiovascular events³.

2. Cancer Prevention: There is some indication that multivitamin use may offer a small reduction in cancer incidence. For instance, the Physicians' Health Study II found an 8% reduction in total cancer incidence among older men⁴. However, this effect is modest, and the absolute risk difference is quite small⁵.

3. Nutritional Adequacy: Multivitamins can be beneficial for filling in nutritional gaps for those who have deficiencies. However, for the general population with no known deficiencies, the additional benefit of taking multivitamins is minimal⁶.

4. Safety and Side Effects: While general use of multivitamins does not pose major safety concerns, certain components like beta-carotene can increase the risk of lung cancer in high-risk populations, such as smokers⁷.

In summary, while multivitamins can help address specific nutritional deficiencies, their role in chronic disease prevention is limited. It is generally recommended to obtain nutrients from a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains rather than relying on supplements⁸.

Footnotes

1. NCBI Bookshelf ↩

2. NCBI Bookshelf ↩

3. PubMed ↩

4. PubMed ↩

5. NCBI Bookshelf ↩

6. Office of Dietary Supplements ↩

7. NCBI Bookshelf ↩

8. Vitamin and Mineral Supplements: Do We Really Need Them? ↩