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Multivitamins do not reduce the risk of heart disease in men
Last reviewed: 01.07.2025
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Taking a daily multivitamin does not reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease in men, according to a new study by researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital.
A similar report was released in October and found that taking a daily multivitamin reduced the risk of cancer in men by 8%.
One-third of people in the United States take a daily multivitamin, despite evidence that multivitamins may have a negative impact on long-term chronic disease.
A 2007 report by scientists found that men who took multivitamins had an increased risk of developing prostate cancer, which contradicts the results of previous studies.
“The results of our large clinical trial encourage us to advise against the daily use of multivitamins. They have variable effects and are tailored to each individual. The decision to take a daily multivitamin should be made only after consultation with a physician, and consideration should be given to the individual’s nutritional status and other potential effects of multivitamins. Vitamin supplements cannot replace physical activity and a healthy diet, which are important for heart health, but they may help reduce the risk of cancer in healthy older men,” said Dr. Howard Sesso, who led the study.
To ensure that the results of the study were well-founded, the researchers followed 15,000 men aged 50 and over for more than 10 years. The men were randomly divided into two groups - one took a multivitamin every day, and the other took a placebo every day. Both groups were examined to identify risks and factors that influence the development of cardiovascular disease.
Study participants provided detailed information about their history of heart attacks, strokes and cardiovascular disease.
After comparing the group that took the multivitamins with the group that received a placebo, the experts found no significant difference.
The results also showed that the effects of these multivitamins were similar in individuals with both congenital and acquired cardiovascular diseases.
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