Do you need a multivitamin?
For most healthy adults who eat a varied diet, a daily multivitamin is not proven to prevent heart disease or cancer. Some people do need a specific nutrient, such as folic acid before pregnancy or B12 later in life. The best next step is a conversation with your doctor, not a bigger bottle.
What the experts found
In 2022, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, an independent expert panel, looked at the research. It found too little evidence to say whether multivitamins help prevent heart disease or cancer in healthy adults. It advised against taking beta-carotene or vitamin E pills for that purpose.
Food comes first
Government nutrition advice says people should get most of their nutrients from food and drinks. Food brings fiber and many other helpful parts that a pill does not. See Nutrition.
Who might need a specific nutrient
- Anyone who could become pregnant: health agencies advise daily folic acid to help prevent serious birth defects.
- Many people over 50: may absorb vitamin B12 from food less well.
- People who eat little or no animal food: may need B12 from fortified foods or a supplement.
- Breastfed babies: usually need vitamin D, as advised by their doctor.
- Teen girls and women with heavy periods: are more likely to run low on iron.
A doctor can check with simple blood tests and suggest what, if anything, you need. Supplements can interact with medicines, so always mention them.
This is general information. For your own health, talk to a doctor.