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MVI6.0

Multivitamin Research

Likely helps

235 peer-reviewed studies

What the evidence says

Probably helps

Multivitamin helped in about half (7/11) of the studies that measured an effect — promising, but not unanimous.

Most evidence is from high-quality meta-analyses and randomised trials published 1970–2026 with a typical study size of 1,134 participants.

Based on 235 studies · 22 meta-analyses · 189 RCTs · 78,599 total participants

Confidence

High confidence

What the studies found

7helped3unclear1didn't help· 224 more without graded effect data

By outcome

Cognitive functionImproved memory scores in older adults, particularly episodic memory · 3-6 months
Likely helps82 studies
Women's health
Mostly mechanism / observational41 studies
Therapeutic & clinical
Mostly mechanism / observational31 studies
Micronutrient & trace-element status
Probably helps30 studies
Heart & blood pressureModest cardiovascular benefit primarily in those with nutritional gaps; no strong primary prevention effect in well-nourished populations · 3-12 months
Probably helps21 studies
Immune supportReduced frequency and duration of common infections; improved immune cell function · 4-8 weeks
Mostly mechanism / observational10 studies
InflammationReduced oxidative stress markers; modest anti-inflammatory effect · 6-12 weeks
Mostly mechanism / observational8 studies
Recovery
Mostly mechanism / observational7 studies
Longevity & agingPotential reduction in cancer incidence in men; antioxidant support for cellular aging · 6-24 months
Mostly mechanism / observational5 studies
Vision & eye healthReduced risk of age-related cataracts and macular degeneration with specific formulations (AREDS-type) · 6-24 months
Mostly mechanism / observational5 studies
Safety profile
Mostly mechanism / observational4 studies
Anxiety & stressB-complex vitamins and magnesium may reduce perceived stress and anxiety · 4-8 weeks
Mostly mechanism / observational3 studies
Energy & fatigueReduction in fatigue associated with B-vitamin and iron insufficiency · 2-6 weeks
Mostly mechanism / observational3 studies
Bone healthSupports bone mineral density and skeletal strength · 8-12 weeks
Mostly mechanism / observational3 studies
Fertility & reproductiveMay support reproductive health and fertility markers · 4-12 weeks
Mostly mechanism / observational3 studies
Depression & moodModest reductions in stress and mood disturbances associated with B-complex and magnesium repletion · 4-8 weeks
Too few graded studies2 studies
Cholesterol & lipidsModest cardiovascular benefit primarily in those with nutritional gaps; no strong primary prevention effect in well-nourished populations · 3-12 months
Too few graded studies2 studies
Digestive healthB vitamins and zinc support gut mucosal integrity; modest benefit for those with nutritional gaps · 4-8 weeks
Too few graded studies1 study
Men's vitalitySupport for thyroid function via iodine and selenium; adrenal support via B vitamins and vitamin C · 4-12 weeks
Too few graded studies1 study

By the numbers

Pulled from 33 studies with measurable effects

Likely real effects

75%

across studies

People studied

79k

typical study: 1134 people

Strongest designs

211

22 pooled, 189 randomised

Showed benefit

64%

7/11 studies

How long studies ran

1–3 months

3+ months

Populations Studied

Older adults6

Adults2

General adult population2

General population2

Steady research

62 studies in the last 5 years · Latest meta-analysis: 2026

197019982026

1Meta-Analysis2011

Chan AL, Leung HW, Wang SF · Ann Pharmacother (2011)

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2Meta-Analysis2006

Stephen AI, Avenell A · J Hum Nutr Diet (2006)

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3Meta-Analysis2014

Zhao LQ, Li LM, Zhu H, The Epidemiological Evidence-Based Eye Disease Study Research Group EY · Nutrients (2014)

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4Meta-Analysis2022

Lee S, Huh I, Kang S, Nam YE, Cho Y, Kamruzzaman M · Nutrients (2022)

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5Meta-Analysis2018

Kim J, Choi J, Kwon SY, McEvoy JW, Blaha MJ, Blumenthal RS · Circ Cardiovasc Qual Outcomes (2018)

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6Total invasive cancer incidenceRCTn=21,442 · very large study2022

In plain English: A daily MVM supplement, compared with placebo, did not significantly reduce the incidence of total cancer among older men and women.

Sesso HD et al. · The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition (2022)

Daily multivitamin did not significantly reduce total invasive cancer incidence (518 MVM vs 535 placebo)
No significant effect on the composite cardiovascular disease outcome (HR 0.98; 95% CI 0.86-1.12)
A protective effect was observed for lung cancer (HR 0.62; 95% CI 0.42-0.92)

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7Meta-Analysis2024

Šelb J, Cvetko F, Deutsch L, Bedrač L, Kuščer E, Maier AB · Geroscience (2024)

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8Meta-Analysis2007

Goh YI, Bollano E, Einarson TR, Koren G · Clin Pharmacol Ther (2007)

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9Meta-Analysis2018

Li K, Liu C, Kuang X, Deng Q, Zhao F, Li D · Nutrients (2018)

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10Meta-Analysis2006

Ingrid Goh Y, Bollano E, Einarson TR, Koren G · J Obstet Gynaecol Can (2006)

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11Meta-Analysis2025

Abate BB, Kumsa H, Kibret GA, Wodaynew T, Habtie TE, Kassa M · Neuroepidemiology (2025)

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12Meta-Analysis2008

Tanvetyanon T, Bepler G · Cancer (2008)

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13Meta-Analysis2022

Christiansen CH, Høgh S, Rode L, Schroll JB, Hegaard HK, Wolf HT · Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand (2022)

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14Global cognitionMeta-Analysisn=5,765 · very large study2024

In plain English: Multivitamin-mineral supplementation showed a beneficial effect on global cognition compared with placebo, with the pooled analysis across COSMOS cognitive studies estimating a treatment benefit equivalent to 2.0 years of age-related cognitive decline.

Vyas CM et al. · The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition (2024)

Noticeable benefit

← WorseNo effectBetter →

Multivitamin-mineral supplementation significantly improved global cognition vs placebo (pooled meta-analysis)
Treatment benefit estimated at equivalent of 2.0 years of age-related cognitive decline
Episodic memory was particularly improved in the clinic subcohort

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15Global cognition and episodic memoryRCTn=2,262 · very large study2023

In plain English: Multivitamin-mineral supplementation had a significant positive effect on global cognition and episodic memory compared with placebo over 3 years.

Baker LD et al. · Alzheimer's & Dementia (2023)

Multivitamin-mineral supplementation (not cocoa extract) drove significant cognitive improvements in COSMOS-Mind
Global cognition improved significantly in multivitamin group
Episodic memory composite scores were significantly higher in MVI group vs placebo

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16Memory performanceRCTn=3,562 · very large study2023

In plain English: Multivitamin supplementation significantly improved memory performance in older adults after 3 years of supplementation compared to placebo.

Yeung LK et al. · The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition (2023)

Daily multivitamin supplementation for 3 years significantly improved immediate and delayed recall memory
Effects were most pronounced in participants with cardiovascular disease at baseline
Multivitamin group showed preserved memory vs. age-related decline in placebo group

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17Rate of cognitive declineRCTn=2,262 · very large study2023

In plain English: Multivitamin-mineral supplementation was associated with a significant reduction in the rate of cognitive decline over 3 years in older adults.

Sachs BC et al. · Alzheimer's & Dementia (2023)

COSMOS-Mind trial found MVI supplementation reduced cognitive decline trajectory over 3 years
Risk of progression to mild cognitive impairment was numerically lower in MVI group
Effects appeared more pronounced in older adults and those with cardiovascular disease history

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18Systematic Review2013

In plain English: Evidence was insufficient to recommend multivitamin/mineral supplements for the prevention of cardiovascular disease or cancer in the general adult population.

Fortmann SP et al. · Annals of internal medicine (2013)

Evidence was insufficient to recommend multivitamin/mineral supplements for the prevention of cardiovascular disease or cancer in the general adult population.
No consistent benefit was found across the included trials.

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19Systematic Review2015

Tucker BM, Safadi S, Friedman AN · J Ren Nutr (2015)

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20Systematic Review2011

Lumley J, Watson L, Watson M, Bower C · Cochrane Database Syst Rev (2011)

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View in Research Library

Multivitamin Research

Probably helps

By the numbers

Multivitamin supplement use and risk of breast cancer: a meta-analysis.

A systematic review of multivitamin and multimineral supplementation for infection.

The effect of multivitamin/mineral supplements on age-related cataracts: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Meta-Analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials Evaluating Effectiveness of a Multivitamin Supplementation against Oxidative Stress in Healthy Subjects.

Association of Multivitamin and Mineral Supplementation and Risk of Cardiovascular Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Multivitamins in the prevention of cancer and cardiovascular disease: the COcoa Supplement and Multivitamin Outcomes Study (COSMOS) randomized clinical trial

Personalization matters: the effect of sex in multivitamin-multimineral-based cancer prevention.

Prenatal multivitamin supplementation and rates of pediatric cancers: a meta-analysis.

Effects of Multivitamin and Multimineral Supplementation on Blood Pressure: A Meta-Analysis of 12 Randomized Controlled Trials.

Prenatal multivitamin supplementation and rates of congenital anomalies: a meta-analysis.

Preconception Folic Acid and Multivitamin Supplementation for the Prevention of Neural Tube Defect: An Umbrella Review of Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Beta-carotene in multivitamins and the possible risk of lung cancer among smokers versus former smokers: a meta-analysis and evaluation of national brands.

Multivitamin use and risk of preeclampsia: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Effect of multivitamin-mineral supplementation versus placebo on cognitive function: results from the clinic subcohort of the COcoa Supplement and Multivitamin Outcomes Study (COSMOS) randomized clinical trial and meta-analysis of 3 cognitive studies within COSMOS

Effects of cocoa extract and a multivitamin on cognitive function: A randomized clinical trial

Multivitamin Supplementation Improves Memory in Older Adults: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Impact of multivitamin-mineral and cocoa extract on incidence of mild cognitive impairment and dementia: Results from the COcoa Supplement and Multivitamin Outcomes Study for the Mind (COSMOS-Mind)

Vitamin and mineral supplements in the primary prevention of cardiovascular disease and cancer: An updated systematic evidence review for the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force

Is routine multivitamin supplementation necessary in US chronic adult hemodialysis patients? A systematic review.

WITHDRAWN: Periconceptional supplementation with folate and/or multivitamins for preventing neural tube defects.