A Systematic Review of Multivitamin–Multimineral Use and Cardiovascular Disease and Cancer Incidence and Total Mortality

Abstract

Multivitamin–multimineral (MVM) supplements are the most frequently used dietary supplements in the United States, with one third or more of the population using at least one daily. However, the health-related implications of MVM use are unclear. Thus, we systematically reviewed and summarized the prospective studies of MVM supplementation and all-cause and cause-specific mortality, as well as cardiovascular disease (CVD) and cancer incidence, to critically evaluate the current evidence on this topic. We included studies of generally healthy adult populations that evaluated multivitamin (the most commonly used dietary supplement) and/or multimineral supplement use or simultaneous use of 3 or more vitamins and minerals. We did not evaluate individual supplements. A total of 12 cohort studies and 3 primary prevention randomized controlled trials met our inclusion criteria. The majority of the studies were conducted in the United States (n = 11), and the remaining were conducted in European countries (n = 3) and Japan (n = 1). Although between-study methodological variation was present, most relative risks hovered closely around or slightly below the null value. No clear patterns of associations by study country, gender, smoking status, or frequency of use were observed. Based upon the available scientific evidence to date, supplementation with MVMs does not appear to increase all-cause mortality, cancer incidence or mortality, or CVD incidence or mortality and may provide a modest protective benefit.

Key words:

• vitamins
• minerals
• cancer
• mortality
• cardiovascular disease
• supplements

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

This research was partially supported by the Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN). However, the CRN had no role in study design or conduct; study acquisition and data extraction, management, or analysis; interpretation of research findings; or in the preparation, review, or approval of the article.

This research was partially supported by the Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN). However, the CRN had no role in study design or conduct; study acquisition and data extraction, management, or analysis; interpretation of research findings; or the preparation, review, or approval of the manuscript.

Dominik D. Alexander, Douglas L. Weed, Ellen T. Chang, Paige E. Miller, Muhima A. Mohamed, and Laura Elkayam report receiving consulting fees from the CRN. No other potential conflicts of interest relevant to this article were reported.