In 2010, retail sales of vitamins, minerals, and supplements (VMSs) totaled $28.1 billion in the United States. A little less than half (47.7%) of U.S. residents use VMSs, which averages out to $187.33 per person spent each year. With such a large industry, one would assume that VMSs are an important and effective way to maintain your health. Unfortunately the evidence does not support this.
Harvard researchers released a study in 2012 that was conducted with thousands of men in a randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled trial over the course of 10 years. The results of the study were clear: after a decade of observations, taking multivitamins showed no effect on heart attack, stroke, or mortality. The editorial conclusion of the study brought their results into focus: taking multivitamins is simply a distraction from effective cardiovascular disease prevention and that heart disease can be largely prevented by healthy lifestyle choices.
In regard to cancer, the researches found that for men with an established history of cancer, multivitamins did have a protective effect from recurrence. However, there was no significant difference in cancer mortality or cancer protection for those who have never had cancer before. Another study was released in 2013 that analyzed the results from 21 separate studies that included more than 90,000 individuals. The analysis found no influence on cancer mortality either way. In December 2013, the review for the U.S. Preventative Services Task Force found that multivitamins appear to offer no consistent evidence of benefit for heart disease, cancer, or longer life.
The evidence is clear and the WHLA’s official recommendation is to take VMSs only if you have a specific condition. Otherwise, use the money that you save to increase the amount of fresh fruits and vegetables in your diet and receive your vitamins and minerals in the way nature has always intended.
For more information, read the original article at Care2 with additional information at WebMD, WSJ, and Statista