One in three adults takes multivitamins to supplement the vitamins consumed from their meals. A comprehensive study by the National Cancer Institute recently challenged the long-term thinking that a daily vitamin capsule will improve health and longevity.

Understanding the Results of the Multivitamin Study

The National Cancer Institute’s study on daily multivitamin use may surprise many who seek longevity by consuming every vitamin possible to prevent sickness. While its results may conclude that multivitamins are unnecessary, remember that our wellness requires the proper intake of vitamins and minerals; the variable exists in our body’s preferred form for maximum absorption and utilization of nutrients.

The June 26 publication in JAMA Network Open Research, led by Dr. Erikka Loftfield, analyzed data from three extensive cohort studies involving 390,124 healthy U.S. adults over 27 years old.

Key Findings

• Multivitamin users did not have a mortality benefit and showed a 4% higher mortality risk.
• Healthier lifestyles of multivitamin users did not translate into longer lifespans.
• The study’s robust data included 164,762 deaths, reinforcing the findings across different cohorts.

Potential Reasons

• Nutritional imbalances: Multivitamins may not meet individual dietary needs. They often lack crucial minerals like magnesium and zinc while containing excess copper and iron, which can cause oxidative stress and harm.
• Quality concerns: Many multivitamins contain ineffective additives, and not all supplements are high-quality.
• False security: Multivitamins are not substitutes for a healthy diet, and relying on them may lead to neglect of proper nutrition.

The Report’s Expert Opinions

• Michael Bauerschmidt and neuroscientist Robert Love emphasize the importance of personalized nutrition and caution against relying on multivitamins for health benefits.
• Surender R. Neravetla and Morgan McSweeney stress that the study is observational and does not prove causation. They recommend prioritizing a healthy diet and following healthcare provider advice on supplements.

 Be Symbios Smart

Dr. Stephen Luther recommends focusing on a nutritious diet rather than relying solely on multivitamin supplements. Symbios Health recognizes that there is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to supplements. Our team’s approach encourages routine physical examinations to determine individual needs. Blood work from our in-house laboratory can be carefully analyzed to detect any vitamin or mineral deficiencies.

Symbios Nutrition offers practical advice and evidence-based recommendations on selecting healthy foods to ensure you receive a hefty dose of wellness in every tasty bite. Because vitamins and minerals are absorbed significantly better from food than from a synthetic pill, eating a diet rich in protein and fresh green vegetables is the ultimate choice to entirely and naturally nourish your body.