Limited evidenceGeneral health

Multivitamin

The world's most popular supplement — with surprisingly little evidence of benefit for well-nourished people. Useful mainly as insurance for poor diets.

What the science says

Preventing cardiovascular disease and extending life Limited evidence
Large trials and systematic reviews consistently show no reduction in cardiovascular events or mortality from daily multivitamins in well-nourished adults.
Cancer prevention Limited evidence
The Physicians' Health Study II (14,000+ men, 11 years) found a small (~8%) reduction in total cancer incidence — a modest effect not confirmed as practice-changing by later reviews.
Covering nutritional gaps Moderate evidence
For people with restricted, monotonous, or low-calorie diets, a multivitamin plausibly and cheaply covers common micronutrient shortfalls — this is its most defensible use.

Dosage & safety

Studied doseOne daily dose of a standard formulation (~100% of daily values). Avoid megadose formulas — more is not better.

SafetyStandard formulations are safe. Watch total vitamin A (retinol) and iron — men and postmenopausal women usually should choose iron-free formulas.

Scientific references

Multivitamins in the prevention of cancer in men: the Physicians' Health Study II randomized controlled trial
Gaziano JM et al. — JAMA, 2012
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
Fortmann SP et al. — Annals of Internal Medicine, 2013

Where to buy

California Gold Nutrition, Multivitamin & Mineral, Two-A-Day, 60 Veggie Capsules

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Related in General health

Vitamin D3 Strong evidence
Omega-3 (EPA/DHA) Moderate evidence
Vitamin B12 Strong evidence
Iron Strong evidence
Iodine Moderate evidence
NAC (N-Acetylcysteine) Moderate evidence