Do Multivitamins Actually Make a Difference? What a Pharmacist Says
AOL.com • • health
Key Points:
- Evidence on the benefits of multivitamins is mixed; most experts recommend obtaining nutrients from food rather than supplements unless advised by a healthcare professional.
- Multivitamins may modestly support brain health in older adults and reduce the risk of advanced age-related macular degeneration, but they do not prevent heart disease, cancer, or dementia.
- Some studies suggest multivitamins might increase certain cancer risks in men and women, though they may reduce colon cancer risk; caution is advised, especially for those with or at risk for cancer.
- Prenatal multivitamins are linked to improved birth outcomes and are recommended during pregnancy alongside a healthy diet.
- Multivitamins may benefit specific groups such as pregnant people, older adults, those with limited diets, or nutrient absorption issues, but daily use is generally unnecessary for healthy individuals with balanced diets.