Should you take multivitamins? 20-year-long study on 3 lakh people shows they DON’T help you live longer

A large number of Indians use multivitamin supplements with the 'intention to eat healthy'. Many influencers with no reliable credentials promote them, the staff working at the pharmacy try to push it to us and we the gullible customers eat all that up. This is probably why it may come as a surprise to many that multivitamins don’t really help extend your lifeline.

Scientists have been telling us for years that popping multivitamin pills isn’t all that it's cracked up to be, but most of it has fallen on deaf ears. More recently, a new study involving over 390,000 participants has thrown cold water on the idea that multivitamins are a shortcut to a longer life.

RELATED: A 64-year-old woman outperformed millionaires in the anti-aging 'Rejuvenation Olympics'

Don’t get us wrong, certain vitamins can be helpful for specific needs. If you have a diagnosed deficiency, like iron or vitamin B12, supplements can be a good solution. Similarly, some studies suggest multivitamins might improve memory in older adults — if only for a short period. There is some evidence they might improve your health as you age.

But the problem arises when individuals begin to substitute natural vitamin and mineral sources with these multivitamins instead of just using them to supplement their nutritional needs. Think of it like this, they are merely a potential sidekick, not a superhero, in your quest for well-being.

The study has found no link between multivitamins and living longer. People who take multivitamins often have healthier lifestyles overall – they eat better, exercise more, and tend to have a lower body mass index (BMI). On the other hand, there was a slightly higher death rate among multivitamin users in the initial years, possibly because people with underlying health concerns were more likely to take them. This makes it difficult to isolate the true effect of the multivitamins themselves.

Meanwhile, excessive doses or interactions with medications can be harmful. For example, beta-carotene supplements increase lung cancer risk in smokers, and vitamin K can mess with blood thinners. There is another glaring problem of the lack of regulation. Unlike prescription drugs, multivitamins aren't rigorously regulated. This means marketing claims often outpace scientific evidence.

READ: Buying frozen and canned produce could actually help working Indians eat more nutritional meals!

Researchers firmly believe that getting your vitamins from a balanced diet is generally safer and more effective. A 2023 study even found that switching to healthier foods could add a decade to your life! So, if you're considering multivitamins, discuss them with a reliable healthcare provider to see if they're right for you based on your individual needs and health history.