Multivitamins do not reduce the risk of heart disease in men
Last reviewed: 23.04.2024
All iLive content is medically reviewed or fact checked to ensure as much factual accuracy as possible.
We have strict sourcing guidelines and only link to reputable media sites, academic research institutions and, whenever possible, medically peer reviewed studies. Note that the numbers in parentheses ([1], [2], etc.) are clickable links to these studies.
If you feel that any of our content is inaccurate, out-of-date, or otherwise questionable, please select it and press Ctrl + Enter.
Daily use of multivitamins does not reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease in men, according to a new study by scientists from the Brigham Women's Hospital.
A similar report was presented in October and it was announced that taking multivitamins every day reduces the risk of cancer in men by 8%.
One third of people in the United States take multivitamins daily, despite the fact that there is information about the negative effects of multivitamins on the course of chronic illnesses in the long term.
Scientists report from 2007 showed that men taking multivitamins have an increased risk of developing prostate cancer, which contradicts the results of previous studies.
"The results of our extensive clinical study give us the right to speak out against the daily use of multivitamins. They have different effects and are selected individually. The decision to take a multivitamin every day should be taken only after consulting a doctor, and attention should be paid to the state of human nutrition, as well as other potential effects of multivitamins. Vitamin supplements can not replace physical activity and healthy nutrition, which are very important for heart health, but can help reduce the risk of cancer in healthy elderly men, "said Dr. Howard Sesso, head of the study.
To ensure that the results of the work had a solid foundation, specialists observed 15,000 men aged 50 and older for more than 10 years. Men were randomly divided into two groups - one taking multivitamins every day, and the other taking a placebo daily. Both groups were examined to identify risks and factors affecting the development of cardiovascular disease.
Participants in the study provided detailed information about their history of heart attacks, strokes and cardiovascular diseases.
After comparing a group that took multivitamins with a group that received a placebo, the experts found no significant difference.
The results also showed that the effect of these multivitamins equally affects both individuals with congenital cardiovascular diseases, and acquired.
[