No scientific evidence that MVM Supplements promote cardiovascular health
In the United States and many developed countries, multivitamin supplements use is widespread despite recommendations from the US Preventative Services Taskforce and National Institutes of Health against the routine use of such supplements, to attempt to prevent chronic disease.
Recent meta-analysis by Kim and colleagues, was to identify and clarify potential associations between MVM Supplementation and coronary heart disease (CHD), stroke and various other cardiovascular outcomes. The study was published online on July 10th 2018 in Circulation: The take home message is simple. There is no scientific evidence that MVM Supplements promote cardiovascular health.
They emphasise that multivitamin supplements will never be a substitute for a helpful and balanced diet, which may have beneficial components on vascular health. In addition micronutrients in food are typically better absorbed by the body than those from supplements.
This study review was a meta-analysis of 18 studies with more than 2 million adults studied.
However, certain exceptions are pregnancy, where supplementation with Folic Acid and prenatal vitamins is of benefit, and in mid-life or older adults, some of whom may benefit from supplemental Vitamin B12, Vitamin D and/or Calcium.
High risk groups such as those with malabsorption syndromes, restricted eating patterns, osteoporosis, pernicious anaemia, and age related macular degeneration may benefit from dietary supplements. Patients who are also on long term use of Metformin or protein pump inhibitors may benefit from dietary supplements.
