Multivitamins may lower heart disease death risk

Long-term regular consumption of a multivitamin may reduce the risk of dying from heart disease according to a study from the US.

The researchers analyzed the 10-year use of multivitamins, vitamin C and vitamin E supplements on five-year total mortality, and death from cancer or cardiovascular disease (CVD). Data from 77,719 U.S. residents aged between 50 and 76 was obtained by a self-administered questionnaire (1). The data showed that the use of multivitamins and vitamin E were associated with 16 and 28% decreased risk of death from CVD. Multivitamins and vitamin E use were not associated with cancer mortality.

The study contradicts conclusions from a controversial meta-analysis published in 2007, which reported that supplements of vitamins A and E and beta-carotene may increase mortality risk by up to 16% (2). On the other hand, vitamin C did not have an effect on mortality.

1. Pocobelli G. et al. Use of Supplements of Multivitamins, Vitamin C, and Vitamin E in Relation to Mortality. American Journal of Epidemiology, 2009; 170(4):472–483.
2. Bjelakovic G. et al. Mortality in Randomized Trials of Antioxidant Supplements for Primary and Secondary Prevention. JAMA, 2007; 297:842–857.