Science Weekly Is there any point in taking multivitamins?
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Jul 18, 2024 Professor JoAnn Manson from Harvard Medical School discusses the lack of benefits of multivitamins in enhancing longevity, with some studies suggesting a 4% increase in mortality risk. The podcast explores the importance of nutrient-deficient diets, risks of megadose supplements, and how to navigate the multivitamin market effectively.
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Observational Study Limits
- Observational studies show no lifespan benefit from multivitamins and may suggest a slight increase in mortality due to confounding factors.
- Correlation does not prove causation, making these results unsurprising without randomized trials.
Trials Show Potential Benefits
- Randomized clinical trials suggest multivitamins reduce cancer risk by about 8% and possibly lower all-cause mortality by 6%.
- This contrasts with observational studies and indicates potential modest health benefits.
Nutrition Benefits Memory and Health
- Optimal nutrition, via essential vitamins and minerals, supports health and cognitive function.
- Multivitamins slow age-related memory loss in trials, benefiting those with nutrient deficiencies.