MikroScore
Science-backed ingredient evidence
Moderate Evidence Safety: Likely safe 0

Multivitamin

Also known as: Multi-Vitamin, Multivitaminpräparat, Multi Vitamin, MVM, Multivitamin-Mineral

Summary Moderate Evidence

Multivitamins are the world's best-selling supplements. Evidence for health benefits in well-nourished individuals is surprisingly weak.

EU Health Claims: Approved

Health claims for individual vitamins and minerals are approved (e.g. 'Vitamin C contributes to the normal function of the immune system'). No specific claims for multivitamin combination products.

AI Summary

Quick verdict

Multivitamins are the world's best-selling supplements. Evidence for health benefits in well-nourished individuals is surprisingly weak.

What the evidence supports

Large RCTs (PHS II, COSMOS) show no clear benefit for heart disease or overall mortality. Moderate evidence for cancer risk reduction (PHS II: -8%).

What is NOT supported

Long-term safety and rare adverse effects in humans remain insufficiently studied.

EU/EFSA status

Approved. Health claims for individual vitamins and minerals are approved (e.g. 'Vitamin C contributes to t…

Safety

Likely safe

This AI summary is generated from the structured data on this page.

Mechanism of Action

Multivitamins typically contain 15–30 vitamins and minerals at doses near the recommended daily values (NRV). They are designed to fill nutrient gaps from incomplete diets. Benefits depend heavily on individual nutritional status.

Evidence

Results from large RCTs are mixed. PHS II (n=14,641) showed a modest 8% cancer risk reduction but no cardiovascular effect. COSMOS (n=21,442) found unexpectedly positive effects on cognition in older adults. For overall mortality, meta-analyses show no effect. The bottom line: multivitamins don’t harm, but benefits in well-nourished individuals are marginal.

Who benefits most:

  • Vegans/vegetarians (B12, iron, zinc)
  • Older adults (D3, B12, calcium)
  • Pregnant women (folate, iron, iodine)
  • Those with restricted diets

Safety

Multivitamins are considered very safe at recommended doses. Risks from overdose: Vitamin A (liver toxicity), iron (in hemochromatosis), Vitamin E (bleeding risk). Drug interactions possible (Vitamin K + anticoagulants).

Dosage

1 capsule/tablet per day as directed. Don’t combine with single-nutrient supplements without checking upper limits (UL).

Key Studies

Effect of cocoa extract supplementation on cognitive function: results from the clinic subcohort of the COSMOS trial

Vyas et al. (2024)

RCT (n=21,442): Daily multivitamin slowed cognitive decline by ~2 years equivalent in adults over 60. First large RCT with positive cognition outcome.

PubMed PMID 38070683

Enough is enough: Stop wasting money on vitamin and mineral supplements

Guallar et al. (2013)

Editorial in Annals of Internal Medicine: Based on 3 large studies, evidence is sufficient to advise against multivitamin supplementation in well-nourished individuals.

PubMed PMID 24490268

Supplement use among couples seeking fertility treatment and associations with live birth and pregnancy loss.

Sealy NRZ et al. (2026)

Secondary analysis of FAZST+IDEAL cohorts (n=2,370 couples): Female multivitamin use was associated with 22% higher live birth rate (aRR=1.22, 95% CI 1.05–1.41). Male use showed no effect. Folic acid and fish oil also showed no significant effect.

PubMed PMID 42031092
Editorial notice: For most ingredients described here, no health claims are approved in the EU (Regulation (EC) 1924/2006). Evidence levels are editorial assessments of research quality — not health promises. This content is not a substitute for medical advice and does not constitute a recommendation to treat, alleviate, or prevent any disease.