A growing body of scientific research suggests that taking a daily multivitamin may not increase longevity for healthy adults. A large U.S. study analyzing data from nearly 400,000 participants over two decades found no significant link between multivitamin use and lower mortality risk. Experts say a balanced diet remains the most reliable source of nutrients.
About one-third of healthy American adults take daily multivitamins, despite limited evidence of long-term health benefits.
For decades, millions of Americans have started their mornings with a multivitamin, hoping the small tablet will help protect their health and extend their lives. But recent research suggests the benefits may be far more limited than many consumers believe.
A major study published in 2024 by researchers from the National Institutes of Health (NIH), specifically the National Cancer Institute, examined the long-term effects of multivitamin use among nearly 400,000 healthy adults in the United States. The study analyzed data collected over more than 20 years, making it one of the largest investigations ever conducted on the subject.
The findings were striking: daily multivitamin use was not associated with improved longevity.
During the study period, researchers recorded 164,762 deaths among participants. Of those:
30% were attributed to cancer
21% to cardiovascular disease
6% to cerebrovascular diseases such as stroke
After adjusting for multiple health and lifestyle factors, researchers found no significant difference in survival rates between people who regularly took multivitamins and those who did not.
The statistical analysis showed hazard ratios indicating no measurable reduction in mortality risk, whether overall or from specific causes such as cancer, heart disease, or stroke.
Why Scientists Wanted Better Evidence
Multivitamins remain one of the most widely consumed dietary supplements in the United States. According to national survey data cited in the study, about 33% of healthy U.S. adults take a daily multivitamin to support general well-being.
However, despite decades of widespread use, researchers say there has historically been surprisingly little long-term evidence about whether they actually improve health outcomes.
“This study helps address a major gap in research,” the authors noted, emphasizing that the popularity of supplements has far outpaced scientific confirmation of their benefits.
The research is observational, meaning it analyzes existing data rather than assigning treatments in a controlled trial. Because of that, the authors caution that it cannot prove cause-and-effect relationships.
For example, people who take supplements often engage more with the healthcare system, exercise more, or follow healthier diets—factors that could influence results.
A $12 Billion Industry
Despite mixed scientific evidence, the supplement industry remains enormous.
Data from 2023 show Americans spend more than $12 billion per year on multivitamins alone. According to nutrition experts at Johns Hopkins University, many consumers may be better off investing that money in whole foods instead.
Nutritionists consistently point to nutrient-dense diets—including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and low-fat dairy—as the most reliable way to meet daily vitamin and mineral needs.
Still, supplement use remains widespread.
Estimates suggest that about half of all American adults take some form of vitamin or mineral supplement regularly. Among adults 65 and older, the figure rises to roughly 70%.
Americans spend more than $12 billion annually on multivitamins.
Are Multivitamins Completely Useless?
Not necessarily.
Researchers say the lack of evidence for longer lifespan does not mean multivitamins have no value at all.
The study authors noted that supplements may still play a role in healthy aging, particularly in areas such as cognitive health among older adults. Other studies have suggested potential modest benefits for certain populations, especially those with nutritional deficiencies.
Multivitamins can also be helpful for groups with increased nutrient needs, including:
Pregnant women (folic acid)
Older adults with absorption issues
Individuals with restricted diets
People with certain medical conditions
Public health agencies such as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention continue to emphasize that supplements should not replace a healthy diet.
Unlike prescription drugs, dietary supplements in the U.S. are regulated under the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA), which means manufacturers are responsible for ensuring safety and accurate labeling, but supplements are not required to prove effectiveness before reaching the market.
What Experts Recommend Instead
Most nutrition scientists agree that the best approach to long-term health remains simple: prioritize food first.
Diets rich in plant-based foods provide not only vitamins and minerals but also fiber, antioxidants, and phytochemicals—compounds that supplements typically cannot replicate.
For healthy adults without nutrient deficiencies, the evidence increasingly suggests that a daily multivitamin may provide reassurance—but not necessarily longer life.
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions
1. Do multivitamins help you live longer?
Large long-term studies in the U.S. have found no clear evidence that daily multivitamin use increases longevity among healthy adults.
2. Are multivitamins useless?
Not necessarily. They may help individuals with nutrient deficiencies, restricted diets, pregnancy-related needs, or certain medical conditions.
3. Who benefits most from vitamin supplements?
Groups that may benefit include pregnant women, older adults, vegetarians or vegans, and people with absorption disorders or specific deficiencies.
4. Why do so many Americans take multivitamins?
Many people take them as a preventive health habit, believing they fill nutritional gaps in their diet.
5. What do nutrition experts recommend instead?
Experts generally recommend getting nutrients from whole foods, including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and lean proteins.
