Weak evidence · Vitamins & minerals
Multivitamin
Sold as a safety net for your health
Weak evidence
Mostly small studies, animal trials or conflicting results. Not worth your money as a foundation.
The review for the US USPSTF (2022) found that vitamin and mineral supplements give little or no benefit in healthy adults for cancer, cardiovascular disease and death, apart from a small benefit for cancer with multivitamins. In the Physicians Health Study II (14,641 men, more than eleven years), a daily multivitamin had no effect on cardiovascular disease or mortality, and a small reduction in cancer (HR 0.92).
- Dosage
- Only based on a proven deficiency
- Timing
- With a meal
- Approx. price
- €4–10 per month
Watch out
A large analysis of three cohorts (390,124 adults, 2024) found no link with a longer life for daily use. That is observational research. If you suspect a deficiency, have your blood values measured instead of taking a multivitamin.
Frequently asked questions about supplements
How much Multivitamin per day?
Only based on a proven deficiency
When should you take Multivitamin?
With a meal
Does Multivitamin really work?
Weak evidence. Mostly small studies, animal trials or conflicting results. Not worth your money as a foundation.
What does Multivitamin cost?
€4–10 per month
Basics first, then the tub
Supplements are called supplements because they add to something. Sleep, a protein intake that hits your protein calculator , a programme where you lift progressively heavier and enough food together do a hundred times more than the best-researched item on this list. Once those are in place, creatine, caffeine and vitamin D in winter are the three you can spend money on with a clear conscience — for less than ten euros a month combined.
Sources
- O Connor EA et al. (2022). Vitamin and mineral supplements for the primary prevention of cardiovascular disease and cancer: updated evidence report and systematic review for the US Preventive Services Task Force. JAMA 327(23):2334-2347. (systematic review)
- Sesso HD et al. (2012). Multivitamins in the prevention of cardiovascular disease in men: the Physicians Health Study II randomized controlled trial. JAMA 308(17):1751-1760. (randomized trial, n = 14,641)
- Gaziano JM et al. (2012). Multivitamins in the prevention of cancer in men: the Physicians Health Study II randomized controlled trial. JAMA 308(18):1871-1880. (randomized trial, n = 14,641)
- Loftfield E et al. (2024). Multivitamin use and mortality risk in 3 prospective US cohorts. JAMA Netw Open. (cohort study, n = 390,124)
More supplements in this category
Last updated: October 2026
This page summarises scientific research and is not medical advice. If you take medication, are pregnant or have a liver, kidney or thyroid condition, discuss supplements with your doctor or pharmacist — even the innocent-looking ones.
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