Vitamins & Supplements · Multivitamin formula
Women's and Men's Multivitamins
Multivitamin-mineral supplements · also called Women's multivitamin, men's multivitamin, multivitamin-mineral, multivitamínico para mujeres y hombres
Women's and men's multivitamins are mixes of vitamins and minerals sold on separate shelves. No trial has tested a gendered formula against a standard one. Large trials of a standard multivitamin found no benefit for heart disease and mixed or small results for cancer, memory and eyes. Iron is the main danger for children, and the same nutrient can add up across products.
General information, not medical advice. Last substantive update · Not medically reviewed. A named clinician has not signed off on this page. How this page is made
About Women's and Men's Multivitamins
Women's and men's multivitamins are everyday multivitamins sold by sex. Large trials of a standard product show no help for heart disease and small or mixed results for cancer and memory. Iron, vitamin A and repeated nutrients are the main cautions.
What these products are
A multivitamin-mineral is a pill, gummy or powder that holds many vitamins and minerals at once. Women's and men's versions are the same idea sold with different labels and sometimes different amounts.
The existing AlternativeMed summary lists the usual ingredients as vitamins A, C, D, E, K and B vitamins (including B6, B12, folic acid and biotin) and minerals such as iron, zinc, calcium, magnesium, selenium and iodine. Some products add herbs, for example saw palmetto in men's formulas or black cohosh in women's. Each main ingredient has its own page, linked below.
Who it is sold to and how the formulas differ
Shelves are split into women's and men's products, often with claims about hair, energy, hormones or prostate health. Some nutrient needs do differ by sex, age, pregnancy and blood loss more than by the word on the front.
The NHS gives UK reference amounts for iron: 8.7 mg a day for men 19 and over, 14.8 mg for women 19 to 49 and 8.7 mg for women 50 and over. Its vitamin A figures for adults 19 to 64 are 700 micrograms for men and 600 for women. These are regulator facts for the UK, not advice to take any amount.
No trial was found that compared a women's or men's multivitamin with a standard one, and no trial supports the hair, skin, nail, energy, hormone or prostate claims for the product type.
Reading the label
The Supplement Facts panel lists a serving size and the amount of each nutrient. The FDA explains that the Daily Value is a reference amount and the % Daily Value shows how much of a nutrient one serving contributes to the day's diet.
Gummies, capsules and tablets can carry different nutrients, and a proprietary blend lists a total weight rather than each amount. Both have their own pages, linked below. Lab testing of adult multivitamins found measured amounts above the label for every ingredient except thiamin, so a label is a minimum guide, not an exact figure.
Food versus pills
A multivitamin gives nutrients without the fibre and other compounds in foods. In a US survey of adults 51 and older, multivitamin users had higher nutrient intakes and better blood markers than non-users, but no trial showed that this changes health.
Amounts of these nutrients in common foods were not read from USDA or NIH sources, so none are stated here.
What the research shows
A standard multivitamin was tested in two large trials. In 14,641 male doctors followed for about 11 years it did not lower heart disease, and it gave a small, borderline drop in cancer and cataract. In COSMOS (21,442 older men and women, 3.6 years) it did not lower cancer or heart disease. COSMOS-Mind found a small gain in memory and thinking.
The US Preventive Services Task Force said in 2022 that the evidence is insufficient to judge the balance of benefits and harms of multivitamins for preventing heart disease or cancer. A 2024 cohort study of 390,124 adults found no lower risk of death in multivitamin users.
At a glance
Traditional uses history, not proof
- Taken to fill gaps in a varied diet
- Sold with women's and men's labels for goals such as hair, energy and prostate or hormone support
Studied for research
- Higher nutrient intake and blood levels, moderate certainty
- Cancer prevention, low certainty
- Heart disease and death, evidence against a benefit
- Memory and thinking in older adults, mixed evidence
- Cataract, low certainty
- Mood, stress and gendered-label claims, insufficient evidence
Main compounds
- Vitamins (A, C, D, E, K and B vitamins)
- Minerals (iron, zinc, calcium, magnesium, selenium, iodine)
- Herbal or other add-ons in some formulas
Common forms
- Tablets
- Capsules
- Gummies
- Powders and drinks
- Women's, men's and standard versions
Research links: 2022 US Task Force statement on multivitamins · 2022 evidence review of vitamin and mineral supplements · Physicians' Health Study II: cancer in men · COSMOS: cancer and heart disease trial · Lab study: label versus measured amounts in adult multivitamins · Research Library · Genes & Biomarkers Library
What it is and its history
- Accepted scientific name
- Women's and men's multivitamins (multivitamin-mineral supplements marketed by sex)
- Synonyms
- Multivitamin/multimineral (MVM); Multivitamin-mineral; Gender-specific multivitamin
- Common names
- Women's multivitamin (English); Men's multivitamin (English); Multivitamin-mineral (English); Multivitamínico para mujeres (Spanish); Multivitamínico para hombres (Spanish)
- Family or group
- Dietary supplement formula: a mix of vitamins and minerals in one tablet, capsule, gummy or powder, sold on women's and men's shelves. Some formulas add herbs.
- Harvest and processing
- Manufactured. A lab study of adult multivitamins found manufacturers often add ingredients above the labelled amount, to allow for losses during shelf life.
- Look-alikes and adulterants
- Name: Multivitamins (general); Note: The standard adult product; has its own page.; Name: Prenatal and postnatal vitamins; Note: Made for pregnancy and breastfeeding; has its own page.; Name: Multivitamins for adults over 50; Note: Formulas with changed amounts for older adults; has its own page.; Name: Children's multivitamins; Note: Formulas for children; has its own page.
- Sustainability and conservation
- Not assessed.
What is inside, and how it may work
What it contains and how those compounds act in cells and animals. Laboratory and animal mechanisms are not proven effects in people.
Main compounds
| Compound | Family | Where it is concentrated | Activity studied | Level of evidence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vitamins (for example A, C, D, E, K and B vitamins including B6, B12, folate/folic acid and biotin) | essential micronutrients | Not read from a source. Amounts differ by product. | The ingredients named in the existing AlternativeMed summary of this product type. Each has its own page. 26 2 | Human data |
| Minerals (for example iron, zinc, calcium, magnesium, selenium, iodine) | essential micronutrients | Not read from a source. Amounts differ by product. | Iron is the main nutrient that differs by sex and age in UK reference amounts: 8.7 mg for men 19 and over, 14.8 mg for women 19 to 49, 8.7 mg for women 50 and over. 24 2 | Human data |
| Herbal or other add-ons (for example saw palmetto, black cohosh, biotin blends) | added ingredients | Not read from a source. | Named on the existing summary as common in gendered formulas. Not researched for this page. 26 | Not researched |
Mechanisms, receptors and pathways
| Target or pathway | Gene or receptor | What was found | Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Supply of many nutrients at once | Not applicable | A multivitamin raises measured intake and blood levels of several nutrients in users, in a US survey of adults 51 and older. This does not show that disease risk changes. 20 | Human data |
| Label amounts versus measured amounts | Not applicable | Measured content of adult multivitamins was above the label for every ingredient but thiamin. 2 | Laboratory |
Absorption, metabolism and elimination
- Absorption
- Not covered by the sources read.
- Distribution
- Not found.
- Metabolism
- Not found.
- Elimination
- Not found.
- Bioavailability
- Not compared across products in the sources read.
Isolated compounds versus whole extracts
A multivitamin gives nutrients in pill form. Foods bring the same nutrients with fibre and other compounds. In the survey of adults 51 and older, users had higher nutrient intakes than non-users, but no trial compared pill nutrients with the same nutrients from food on health outcomes. Amounts of these nutrients in foods were not read from USDA or NIH sources, so none are stated here.
Nutritional composition
Daily Values are reference amounts, and % Daily Value on a Supplement Facts panel shows how much of a nutrient one serving provides toward the day's diet (FDA). Food amounts from USDA or NIH were not read.
1 moderate certainty1 mixed findings2 low certainty2 not enough evidence2 evidence against
What was looked at
The 8 benefits and uses checked for Women's and Men's Multivitamins, each with how strong the evidence is. Tap one to open it.
- Filling gaps in nutrient intakeModerate certainty
- Cancer preventionLow certainty
- Heart disease and stroke preventionEvidence against
- Living longer (deaths from any cause)Evidence against
- Memory and thinking in older adultsMixed findings
- Cataract and macular degenerationLow certainty
- Mood, stress and tirednessNot enough evidence
- Hair, skin and nails, energy, hormone or prostate claimsNot enough evidence
Lab markers tracked in the studies
Nutrient intake and blood nutrient statusTotal cancer incidenceMajor cardiovascular eventsTotal deathsGlobal thinking scoreNew cataracts
What is Women's and Men's Multivitamins good for?
The main studied uses and how strong the human evidence is for each. The trials tested one standard multivitamin, not a women's or men's version, so none of this proves a gendered formula works better or worse.
Benefits, one by one
Each card is a research question, not a promise. Tap a goal to filter. Open a card to see the studies, doses and limits.
Filling gaps in nutrient intake
Moderate certaintyIn a US survey of adults aged 51 and older, people who took a multivitamin had higher intakes of almost all 18 nutrients checked and better blood markers for folate, iodine, selenium and vitamins B6, B12 and D. Regular users also had lower odds of vitamin B6 and vitamin D deficiency. Survey data cannot show that the pills caused this, and it does not show better health.
2 studiesSurveys did not tell which products or amounts were used; label conte…
Studies, doses and limits
What the trials found
A review of National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data in adults 51 and older found that, compared with food alone, multivitamin users had higher nutrient intake and fewer people with low intake for almost all of 18 nutrients. Blood markers of folate, iodine, selenium and vitamins B6, B12 and D were better in users. Regular use (16 or more days a month) lowered the odds of vitamin B6 and D deficiency but raised the share above the upper limit for folic acid. Lab testing of adult multivitamins found that most products already meet or exceed the Recommended Dietary Allowance for 12 of 18 nutrients.
Results
A multivitamin raises measured nutrient intake and blood markers in the people studied. Whether this prevents illness was not shown by this evidence.
Effect sizes as reported
Survey: higher intake and better status for several nutrients; more users above the folic acid upper limit.
Why this rating
Moderate that a multivitamin raises intake and blood markers of the nutrients it contains; this is close to a matter of arithmetic. It is not evidence of better health outcomes. The survey is a snapshot and cannot show cause.
Form and dose studied
Surveys did not tell which products or amounts were used; label content is not the same as what is measured in the product.
Who was studied
US adults aged 51 and older. Women-only and men-only results were not given in the abstract.
Limits
Observational. Users may eat and live differently from non-users.
Why researchers looked
Many adults eat less of some vitamins and minerals than the reference amounts, so a multivitamin is often sold to fill gaps.
Traditional use
A multivitamin is a mix of many vitamins and minerals in one tablet. Trials test one particular product, so a result does not carry over to other formulas.
Proposed mechanism Not established
Not established. Multivitamins supply many vitamins and minerals at once, so the trials cannot say which ingredient, if any, caused a result.
A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.
More users went above the upper limit for folic acid; see the Safety tab.
Cancer prevention
Low certaintyThe big trials give mixed results. In male doctors, a daily multivitamin gave a small drop in total cancer over about 11 years, just at the edge of statistical significance. In the later COSMOS trial of older men and women (3.6 years), total cancer did not differ. A pooled review found a small drop in cancer cases, with limits, and a 2024 look at sex found the effect only in men, but the difference between the sexes was not significant. A cohort of postmenopausal women found no link.
6 studiesEach trial tested one common multivitamin once a day; results do not …
Studies, doses and limits
What the trials found
The Physicians' Health Study II (14,641 male doctors, median 11.2 years) found 17.0 versus 18.3 cancers per 1,000 person-years (hazard ratio 0.92, 95% CI 0.86 to 0.998). Prostate, bowel and other single cancers did not differ. COSMOS (21,442 older adults, median 3.6 years) found total cancer hazard ratio 0.97 (95% CI 0.86 to 1.09), no effect on breast or bowel cancer, and a lower lung cancer rate (HR 0.62) that may be a chance finding among many outcomes. The 2022 evidence review for the US Preventive Services Task Force pooled four trials (48,859 people) for a small drop in any cancer (odds ratio 0.93) but called the multivitamin evidence limited. A 2024 pooled analysis of three trials found hazard ratio 0.91 in men and 1.00 in women, with no significant difference between them (P = 0.17). In the Women's Health Initiative cohort of 161,808 postmenopausal women, multivitamin use was not linked to common cancers.
Results
No dependable effect on cancer. A small benefit may exist in older men; it was not seen in women, though the sex difference itself is not proven.
Effect sizes as reported
PHS II total cancer HR 0.92; COSMOS HR 0.97 (not significant); pooled trials OR 0.93; men HR 0.91 vs women HR 1.00 (sex difference P = 0.17).
Why this rating
Low: the evidence leans small, mixed and borderline. One large trial was positive at the edge of significance; another large trial was null. The trials tested a single product each, in older and mostly well-nourished people.
Form and dose studied
Each trial tested one common multivitamin once a day; results do not carry to other formulas.
Who was studied
Men in PHS II; men and women aged 60 or older in COSMOS; postmenopausal women in the Women's Health Initiative cohort.
Limits
The 11-year trial was men only. The women's evidence is an observational cohort and a sub-analysis. Industry supply or funding of the products is not shown in all abstracts.
Why researchers looked
Cancer is a leading cause of death and many people take multivitamins hoping to lower the risk, so large trials tested it.
Traditional use
A multivitamin is a mix of many vitamins and minerals in one tablet. Trials test one particular product, so a result does not carry over to other formulas.
Proposed mechanism Not established
Not established. Multivitamins supply many vitamins and minerals at once, so the trials cannot say which ingredient, if any, caused a result.
A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.
No safety concern was reported in COSMOS. Beta-carotene, which some formulas contain, raised lung cancer in high-risk people in other trials (see Safety).
Heart disease and stroke prevention
Evidence againstTwo large trials found no benefit. In 14,641 male doctors over about 11 years, a daily multivitamin did not lower heart attacks, strokes or heart-related deaths. In COSMOS (older men and women, 3.6 years) the result was the same. In postmenopausal women, multivitamin users did not have fewer heart attacks, strokes or blood clots. The US Preventive Services Task Force says the evidence is insufficient.
4 studiesOne common multivitamin per trial.
Studies, doses and limits
What the trials found
Physicians' Health Study II: major cardiovascular events hazard ratio 1.01 (95% CI 0.91 to 1.10), heart attack HR 0.93, stroke HR 1.06, cardiovascular death HR 0.95. COSMOS: cardiovascular disease HR 0.98 (0.86 to 1.12). Women's Health Initiative cohort: heart attack HR 0.96, stroke HR 0.99, blood clot HR 1.05, none significant. The 2022 USPSTF statement judged the evidence on multivitamins for preventing heart disease or cancer to be insufficient (an I statement).
Results
No benefit for heart disease or stroke was found in two large randomised trials.
Effect sizes as reported
PHS II major events HR 1.01; COSMOS HR 0.98; WHI cohort: no link.
Why this rating
Evidence against a benefit: two long randomised trials with thousands of people each were null. Trial follow-up was 3.6 and 11 years.
Form and dose studied
One common multivitamin per trial.
Who was studied
Older, mostly well-nourished men (PHS II), older men and women (COSMOS), postmenopausal women (WHI cohort).
Limits
Results do not apply to people with a deficiency. COSMOS was short.
Why researchers looked
Heart disease is the other leading cause of death and multivitamins are widely believed to help prevent it.
Traditional use
A multivitamin is a mix of many vitamins and minerals in one tablet. Trials test one particular product, so a result does not carry over to other formulas.
Proposed mechanism Not established
Not established. Multivitamins supply many vitamins and minerals at once, so the trials cannot say which ingredient, if any, caused a result.
A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.
No safety concern was reported in COSMOS.
Living longer (deaths from any cause)
Evidence againstNo trial or cohort found that taking a multivitamin lowers the chance of dying. The male doctors' trial and COSMOS found no significant difference in total deaths, and a large 2024 analysis of three US cohorts (390,124 adults, up to 27 years) found no lower risk of death in multivitamin users.
3 studiesSelf-reported multivitamin use in the cohorts; one tablet per day in …
Studies, doses and limits
What the trials found
In PHS II, total deaths hazard ratio was 0.94 (95% CI 0.88 to 1.02). In COSMOS it was 0.93 (0.81 to 1.08). The 2024 cohort study found hazard ratio 1.04 (1.02 to 1.07) in the first half of follow-up and 1.04 (0.99 to 1.08) in the second, after the authors tried to account for healthy habits and for sick people starting vitamins.
Results
No dependable effect on deaths.
Effect sizes as reported
PHS II HR 0.94; COSMOS HR 0.93; cohort study HR 1.04, both ns or slightly above 1.
Why this rating
Evidence against a benefit: neither the trials nor a very large cohort found a drop in deaths. The cohort result can be affected by who chooses to take vitamins.
Form and dose studied
Self-reported multivitamin use in the cohorts; one tablet per day in the trials.
Who was studied
US adults, mostly middle-aged and older.
Limits
The cohort is observational; the trials may be too short or too well-nourished to show a small effect.
Why researchers looked
Some people take multivitamins hoping to live longer, so researchers have checked deaths from all causes.
Traditional use
A multivitamin is a mix of many vitamins and minerals in one tablet. Trials test one particular product, so a result does not carry over to other formulas.
Proposed mechanism Not established
Not established. Multivitamins supply many vitamins and minerals at once, so the trials cannot say which ingredient, if any, caused a result.
A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.
None noted.
Memory and thinking in older adults
Mixed findingsResults differ by trial. COSMOS-Mind (2,262 older adults, 3 years) found a small gain in global thinking, memory and executive function with a multivitamin. A pooled analysis of the three COSMOS thinking studies agreed. But the 12-year trial in 5,947 older male doctors found no difference. A 2012 review of ten trials found better immediate recall only.
4 studiesOne common daily multivitamin-mineral per trial.
Studies, doses and limits
What the trials found
COSMOS-Mind: global cognition difference 0.07 standard units (95% CI 0.02 to 0.12, P = .007), larger in people with past heart disease; memory and executive function also better. The combined COSMOS analysis (three studies, about 5,200 people) found 0.07 for global thinking and 0.06 for episodic memory; the in-person clinic study alone found a significant gain in episodic memory (0.12) but not in global thinking. The Physicians' Health Study II cognition sub-study (5,947 men aged 65 or older, up to 12 years) found no difference (global score -0.01, 95% CI -0.04 to 0.02). A 2012 review of 10 trials found immediate free recall improved (standardised difference 0.32) but delayed recall and verbal fluency did not.
Results
A small benefit on thinking was found in one large trial family (COSMOS) and not in a long all-male trial.
Effect sizes as reported
COSMOS-Mind global z-score +0.07; PHS II -0.01; review: immediate recall +0.32, delayed recall -0.14.
Why this rating
Mixed: a small gain in COSMOS, no gain in the older male-doctor trial. All three COSMOS thinking studies come from one trial, so they are not independent. The authors of COSMOS-Mind say the finding needs confirming in a more diverse group. Industry funding (BASF, Pfizer, DSM) is named for the male-doctor trial.
Form and dose studied
One common daily multivitamin-mineral per trial.
Who was studied
Adults aged 60 or older; COSMOS-Mind was 60% women and 89% non-Hispanic White; PHS II was all men.
Limits
Phone-based tests, a small effect size, a 3-year follow-up, mostly well-nourished and White participants.
Why researchers looked
Low vitamin and mineral levels are linked to poorer thinking in older age, so researchers tested whether a multivitamin protects the brain.
Traditional use
A multivitamin is a mix of many vitamins and minerals in one tablet. Trials test one particular product, so a result does not carry over to other formulas.
Proposed mechanism Not established
Not established. Multivitamins supply many vitamins and minerals at once, so the trials cannot say which ingredient, if any, caused a result.
A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.
No safety concern noted.
Cataract and macular degeneration
Low certaintyIn male doctors, a daily multivitamin over about 11 years was linked to slightly fewer cataracts. It did not significantly change the risk of serious age-related macular degeneration; the numbers were slightly higher on the multivitamin.
1 studiesOne common daily multivitamin.
Studies, doses and limits
What the trials found
872 cataracts occurred in the multivitamin group and 945 in the placebo group (hazard ratio 0.91, 95% CI 0.83 to 0.99, P = 0.04). For visually significant macular degeneration there were 152 cases on multivitamin and 129 on placebo (HR 1.19, 0.94 to 1.50, P = 0.15).
Results
A small, borderline drop in cataracts in men; no clear effect on macular degeneration.
Effect sizes as reported
Cataract HR 0.91 (P = 0.04); macular degeneration HR 1.19 (ns).
Why this rating
Low: one trial, men only, borderline significance. No trial in women was read.
Form and dose studied
One common daily multivitamin.
Who was studied
US male physicians aged 50 or older.
Limits
Self-reported cases confirmed by records; many outcomes tested across the trial program.
Why researchers looked
Antioxidant vitamins and minerals have been studied for eye health, so the Physicians' Health Study II checked eye outcomes.
Traditional use
A multivitamin is a mix of many vitamins and minerals in one tablet. Trials test one particular product, so a result does not carry over to other formulas.
Proposed mechanism Not established
Not established. Multivitamins supply many vitamins and minerals at once, so the trials cannot say which ingredient, if any, caused a result.
A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.
None noted.
Mood, stress and tiredness
Not enough evidenceTwo small trials found no change in mood on lab tests but some benefit on stress and fatigue ratings taken at home by phone. This is thin evidence, with many measures tested, and one formula was high in B vitamins.
2 studiesDifferent formulas; one was high in B vitamins.
Studies, doses and limits
What the trials found
In 76 healthy women aged 50 to 75 (4 weeks), lab mood measures did not change, while home phone ratings showed better stress ratings and a trend toward less mental fatigue. In 138 healthy adults aged 20 to 50 (16 weeks, a formula high in B vitamins), lab mood measures did not change, while home phone ratings showed less stress, physical fatigue and anxiety. A stress score in a lab multitasking test trended higher in men on the multivitamin, which the authors thought could be due to the make-up of the group.
Results
A hint of less stress at home on phone ratings; nothing on lab tests.
Effect sizes as reported
Not given as numbers in the abstracts.
Why this rating
Insufficient: two small trials, short, many outcomes, mixed results between lab and home measures.
Form and dose studied
Different formulas; one was high in B vitamins.
Who was studied
Healthy women aged 50 to 75; healthy adults aged 20 to 50.
Limits
Small samples, short follow-up, possible chance findings.
Why researchers looked
B vitamins and minerals take part in energy and nerve function, so researchers tested whether a multivitamin lifts mood and eases tiredness.
Traditional use
A multivitamin is a mix of many vitamins and minerals in one tablet. Trials test one particular product, so a result does not carry over to other formulas.
Proposed mechanism Not established
Not established. Multivitamins supply many vitamins and minerals at once, so the trials cannot say which ingredient, if any, caused a result.
A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.
None noted.
Hair, skin and nails, energy, hormone or prostate claims
Not enough evidenceWomen's and men's labels often promise hair, skin and nail support, energy, hormone balance or prostate care. No trial of a finished women's or men's multivitamin for these claims turned up in the PubMed searches done for this page. A gendered label is not evidence of a different result.
0 studiesNot applicable.
Studies, doses and limits
What the trials found
Searches of PubMed on 2026-10-26 for multivitamin with hair growth, nails and skin, energy and fatigue in women, and sperm or fertility in men, and for gender-specific multivitamins, returned no trial of a gendered multivitamin for these claims. Herbal add-ons (for example saw palmetto or menopause herbs) were not researched on this page.
Results
No evidence found for the product type.
Effect sizes as reported
No trial found.
Why this rating
Insufficient: no trial of the product type was found in these searches. This is not proof that no study exists.
Limits
Searches were limited and quick; hair, skin and nails with a single ingredient (such as biotin or collagen) have their own pages.
Why researchers looked
Gendered formulas are marketed for these goals, so this page checked whether trials exist.
Traditional use
A multivitamin is a mix of many vitamins and minerals in one tablet. Trials test one particular product, so a result does not carry over to other formulas.
Proposed mechanism Not established
Not established. Multivitamins supply many vitamins and minerals at once, so the trials cannot say which ingredient, if any, caused a result.
A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.
Biotin in supplements can interfere with some lab tests; the FDA page for this could not be read, so it is not stated here as verified.
Connections to the rest of health
How Women's and Men's Multivitamins connects to the rest of our health knowledge graph. Every link says what kind of connection it is. A safety link (for example to the liver) is a warning, not a benefit. A study that merely mentions a topic never creates a benefit link.
Explore every connection: goals, body systems, organs, symptoms, genes
A. Wellness goals
| Connected to | Kind of connection | Evidence status | Context | Studies |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Balanced Nutrition | Moderate certainty | Filling gaps in nutrient intake: In a US survey of adults aged 51 and older, people who took a multivitamin had higher intakes of almost all 18 nutrients checked and better blood markers for folate, iodine, selenium and vitamins B6, B12 and D. Regular users also had lower odds of vitamin B6 and vitamin D deficiency. Survey data cannot show that the pills caused this, and it does not show better health. | 20 2 | |
| Preventive Wellness | Moderate certainty | Filling gaps in nutrient intake: In a US survey of adults aged 51 and older, people who took a multivitamin had higher intakes of almost all 18 nutrients checked and better blood markers for folate, iodine, selenium and vitamins B6, B12 and D. Regular users also had lower odds of vitamin B6 and vitamin D deficiency. Survey data cannot show that the pills caused this, and it does not show better health. | 20 2 | |
| Cancer Support | Low certainty | Cancer prevention: The big trials give mixed results. In male doctors, a daily multivitamin gave a small drop in total cancer over about 11 years, just at the edge of statistical significance. In the later COSMOS trial of older men and women (3.6 years), total cancer did not differ. A pooled review found a small drop in cancer cases, with limits, and a 2024 look at sex found the effect only in men, but the difference between the sexes was not significant. A cohort of postmenopausal women found no link. | 6 17 13 15 12 18 | |
| Preventive Wellness | Low certainty | Cancer prevention: The big trials give mixed results. In male doctors, a daily multivitamin gave a small drop in total cancer over about 11 years, just at the edge of statistical significance. In the later COSMOS trial of older men and women (3.6 years), total cancer did not differ. A pooled review found a small drop in cancer cases, with limits, and a 2024 look at sex found the effect only in men, but the difference between the sexes was not significant. A cohort of postmenopausal women found no link. | 6 17 13 15 12 18 | |
| Heart Health | Evidence against | Heart disease and stroke prevention: Two large trials found no benefit. In 14,641 male doctors over about 11 years, a daily multivitamin did not lower heart attacks, strokes or heart-related deaths. In COSMOS (older men and women, 3.6 years) the result was the same. In postmenopausal women, multivitamin users did not have fewer heart attacks, strokes or blood clots. The US Preventive Services Task Force says the evidence is insufficient. | 16 17 12 18 | |
| Preventive Wellness | Evidence against | Heart disease and stroke prevention: Two large trials found no benefit. In 14,641 male doctors over about 11 years, a daily multivitamin did not lower heart attacks, strokes or heart-related deaths. In COSMOS (older men and women, 3.6 years) the result was the same. In postmenopausal women, multivitamin users did not have fewer heart attacks, strokes or blood clots. The US Preventive Services Task Force says the evidence is insufficient. | 16 17 12 18 | |
| Longevity | Evidence against | Living longer (deaths from any cause): No trial or cohort found that taking a multivitamin lowers the chance of dying. The male doctors' trial and COSMOS found no significant difference in total deaths, and a large 2024 analysis of three US cohorts (390,124 adults, up to 27 years) found no lower risk of death in multivitamin users. | 9 16 17 | |
| Healthy Aging | Evidence against | Living longer (deaths from any cause): No trial or cohort found that taking a multivitamin lowers the chance of dying. The male doctors' trial and COSMOS found no significant difference in total deaths, and a large 2024 analysis of three US cohorts (390,124 adults, up to 27 years) found no lower risk of death in multivitamin users. | 9 16 17 | |
| Cognitive Health | Mixed findings | Memory and thinking in older adults: Results differ by trial. COSMOS-Mind (2,262 older adults, 3 years) found a small gain in global thinking, memory and executive function with a multivitamin. A pooled analysis of the three COSMOS thinking studies agreed. But the 12-year trial in 5,947 older male doctors found no difference. A 2012 review of ten trials found better immediate recall only. | 3 19 8 7 | |
| Memory Support | Mixed findings | Memory and thinking in older adults: Results differ by trial. COSMOS-Mind (2,262 older adults, 3 years) found a small gain in global thinking, memory and executive function with a multivitamin. A pooled analysis of the three COSMOS thinking studies agreed. But the 12-year trial in 5,947 older male doctors found no difference. A 2012 review of ten trials found better immediate recall only. | 3 19 8 7 | |
| Eye Health | Low certainty | Cataract and macular degeneration: In male doctors, a daily multivitamin over about 11 years was linked to slightly fewer cataracts. It did not significantly change the risk of serious age-related macular degeneration; the numbers were slightly higher on the multivitamin. | 5 | |
| Healthy Vision | Low certainty | Cataract and macular degeneration: In male doctors, a daily multivitamin over about 11 years was linked to slightly fewer cataracts. It did not significantly change the risk of serious age-related macular degeneration; the numbers were slightly higher on the multivitamin. | 5 | |
| Mood Support | Not enough evidence | Mood, stress and tiredness: Two small trials found no change in mood on lab tests but some benefit on stress and fatigue ratings taken at home by phone. This is thin evidence, with many measures tested, and one formula was high in B vitamins. | 10 14 | |
| Stress Relief | Not enough evidence | Mood, stress and tiredness: Two small trials found no change in mood on lab tests but some benefit on stress and fatigue ratings taken at home by phone. This is thin evidence, with many measures tested, and one formula was high in B vitamins. | 10 14 | |
| Reduce Fatigue | Not enough evidence | Mood, stress and tiredness: Two small trials found no change in mood on lab tests but some benefit on stress and fatigue ratings taken at home by phone. This is thin evidence, with many measures tested, and one formula was high in B vitamins. | 10 14 | |
| Healthy Hair | Not enough evidence | Hair, skin and nails, energy, hormone or prostate claims: Women's and men's labels often promise hair, skin and nail support, energy, hormone balance or prostate care. No trial of a finished women's or men's multivitamin for these claims turned up in the PubMed searches done for this page. A gendered label is not evidence of a different result. | ||
| Womens Wellness | Not enough evidence | Hair, skin and nails, energy, hormone or prostate claims: Women's and men's labels often promise hair, skin and nail support, energy, hormone balance or prostate care. No trial of a finished women's or men's multivitamin for these claims turned up in the PubMed searches done for this page. A gendered label is not evidence of a different result. | ||
| Mens Vitality | Not enough evidence | Hair, skin and nails, energy, hormone or prostate claims: Women's and men's labels often promise hair, skin and nail support, energy, hormone balance or prostate care. No trial of a finished women's or men's multivitamin for these claims turned up in the PubMed searches done for this page. A gendered label is not evidence of a different result. |
B. Body systems
| Connected to | Kind of connection | Evidence status | Context | Studies |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nutrition | Biological association | Moderate certainty | Studied for: Filling gaps in nutrient intake | 20 2 |
| Whole Body | Biological association | Moderate certainty | Studied for: Filling gaps in nutrient intake Studied for: Cancer prevention | 20 2 6 17 13 15 12 18 9 16 |
| Immune System | Biological association | Low certainty | Studied for: Cancer prevention | 6 17 13 15 12 18 |
| Cardiovascular System | Biological association | Evidence against | Studied for: Heart disease and stroke prevention | 16 17 12 18 |
| Heart Circulation | Biological association | Evidence against | Studied for: Heart disease and stroke prevention | 16 17 12 18 |
| Longevity Aging | Biological association | Evidence against | Studied for: Living longer (deaths from any cause) | 9 16 17 |
| Brain | Biological association | Mixed findings | Studied for: Memory and thinking in older adults | 3 19 8 7 |
| Nervous System | Biological association | Mixed findings | Studied for: Memory and thinking in older adults Studied for: Mood, stress and tiredness | 3 19 8 7 10 14 |
| Eyes | Biological association | Low certainty | Studied for: Cataract and macular degeneration | 5 |
| Sensory System | Biological association | Low certainty | Studied for: Cataract and macular degeneration | 5 |
| Stress Mood | Biological association | Not enough evidence | Studied for: Mood, stress and tiredness | 10 14 |
I. Biomarkers
| Connected to | Kind of connection | Evidence status | Context | Studies |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nutrient intake and blood nutrient status | Biological association | Moderate certainty | Measured in trials: higher intake and better blood status for several nutrients in users. A lab change is not the same as a health benefit. | 20 2 |
| Total cancer incidence | Biological association | Low certainty | Measured in trials: slightly lower in one all-male trial; no difference in a mixed-sex trial. A lab change is not the same as a health benefit. | 6 17 15 |
| Major cardiovascular events | Biological association | Evidence against | Measured in trials: no difference. A lab change is not the same as a health benefit. | 16 17 |
| Total deaths | Biological association | Evidence against | Measured in trials: no benefit found. A lab change is not the same as a health benefit. | 9 16 |
| Global thinking score | Biological association | Mixed findings | Measured in trials: slightly better in COSMOS; no change in the male-doctor trial. A lab change is not the same as a health benefit. | 3 19 8 |
| New cataracts | Biological association | Low certainty | Measured in trials: slightly fewer cases on multivitamin. A lab change is not the same as a health benefit. | 5 |
K. Biological pathways
L. Active compounds
| Connected to | Kind of connection | Evidence status | Context | Studies |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vitamins (for example A, C, D, E, K and B vitamins including B6, B12, folate/folic acid and biotin) | Biological association | Human | The ingredients named in the existing AlternativeMed summary of this product type. Each has its own page. | 26 2 |
| Minerals (for example iron, zinc, calcium, magnesium, selenium, iodine) | Biological association | Human | Iron is the main nutrient that differs by sex and age in UK reference amounts: 8.7 mg for men 19 and over, 14.8 mg for women 19 to 49, 8.7 mg for women 50 and over. | 24 2 |
| Herbal or other add-ons (for example saw palmetto, black cohosh, biotin blends) | Biological association | Not researched | Named on the existing summary as common in gendered formulas. Not researched for this page. | 26 |
Each connection is stored with the ingredient, the connected record, the kind of connection, the evidence status, the supporting studies, the preparation or compound involved, and a review date (last reviewed October 26, 2026).
Evidence at a glance: what the research found for 8 outcomes
Each outcome below is one thing researchers measured. Certainty is how far the evidence can be trusted, not how well it works. The full studies are on the next tab.
The evidence
The research centre for Women's and Men's Multivitamins. Every record here was checked against PubMed or the publisher's page; we never list a study we have not verified.
Evidence by outcome
Bars show how many studies we found for each outcome, not how well it works. People are added up across trials only (reviews are not added, to avoid double counting).
How we rate evidence
High certainty
Several well-run trials or reviews agree; further research is unlikely to change the picture much.
Moderate certainty
Good trials point the same way, but some doubt remains.
Low certainty
Small, short or inconsistent trials. The finding could change with better research.
Very low certainty
Very little or very weak human data. Treat as a possibility only.
Mixed findings
Trials or reviews disagree with each other.
Not enough evidence
Not enough human research to say either way.
Evidence against
Good research found no benefit, or found harm.
We take the reviewers' own risk-of-bias and GRADE statements where they exist, and otherwise judge from study size, design, consistency, directness and whether a product matches what is sold. Many publications do not make evidence high. Method note: We started from our existing summary of this product type, then re-read PubMed abstracts for every trial, review and lab study cited, and read the FDA and NHS pages named. Only abstracts were read, not full texts. NIH Office of Dietary Supplements and NCCIH pages could not be read and are marked unverified.
Study library: every study we checked 26
| Study | Design | People | Product, dose, length | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anderson 2000 Retrospective analysis of ingestions of iron containing products in the united states: are there differences between chewable vitamins and adult preparations? J Emerg Med · PMID 11033271 · DOI |
Poison centre database analysis |
342859 Reports to US poison centres 1983 to 1998: 195,780 ingestions of children's vitamins with iron and 147,079 exposures to adult iron forms |
Iron-containing products (children's chewable vitamins versus adult iron preparations) Chewable vitamins and adult iron products Accidental or other ingestions 1983 to 1998 · vs Between product groups |
No deaths followed the 195,780 reported ingestions of children's vitamins with iron. There were 60 deaths among the 147,079 exposures to adult iron forms. The authors say a prospective study is needed. Iron is one of the leading causes of poisoning deaths in US children. 0 deaths vs 60 deaths (Not applicable (P < 0.0001 for the difference)) Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Fatal iron poisoning Limitations: Old data (to 1998). Voluntary poison-centre reports, not a complete count. 'Adult iron forms' were mainly iron pills, not necessarily multivitamins. Funding and conflicts: No conflict statement in the record read. Read: abstract |
| Andrews 2017 Analytical ingredient content and variability of adult multivitamin/mineral products: national estimates for the Dietary Supplement Ingredient Database. Am J Clin Nutr · PMID 27974309 · DOI |
Laboratory analysis |
Adult multivitamin/mineral products bought under a national sampling plan and chemically analysed | Adult multivitamin/mineral products Various · vs Label claims |
For 12 of 18 nutrients, most products had labelled amounts at or above the Recommended Dietary Allowance. Measured content of every ingredient except thiamin was above the label (overages). Overages were about 1.5% to 13% for many nutrients and about 25% for selenium and iodine. The authors say overexposure from supplements plus food may have unintended health consequences, but that needs further study. Overages 1.5% to 13% (copper, manganese, magnesium, niacin, phosphorus, potassium, folic acid, riboflavin, B12, C, E); about 25% (selenium, iodine) (Not given in the abstract) Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Measured versus labelled vitamin and mineral content; comparison with Recommended Dietary Allowances and upper limits Limitations: Based on products sold in the US in the study period. Does not name which products. Shows content on average, not what any person takes. Funding and conflicts: US public research funding (NIH and US Department of Agriculture). Read: abstract |
| Baker 2023 Effects of cocoa extract and a multivitamin on cognitive function: A randomized clinical trial. Alzheimers Dement · PMID 36102337 · DOI |
Randomised controlled trial |
2262 2,262 older adults (average age 73; 60% women; 89% non-Hispanic White) |
A commercial daily multivitamin-mineral (tested alongside cocoa extract in a 2-by-2 design) Tablet One daily multivitamin-mineral (as studied in the trial) 3 years · vs Placebo |
The multivitamin group scored slightly better on global thinking, memory and executive function than placebo. The benefit looked larger in people with past heart disease. Cocoa extract did not help. The multivitamin result was the pre-specified secondary outcome. Global cognition mean z-score difference 0.07 (P = .007) (0.02 to 0.12) Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Global thinking score; memory and executive function scores, by telephone Limitations: A small effect from one trial; mostly White participants; tested by phone. The authors say it needs confirming in a more diverse group. Funding and conflicts: US public research funding (NIH). Product supplier is not named in the abstract. Registration: NCT03035201 Read: abstract |
| Bateman 2018 Iron overdose epidemiology, clinical features and iron concentration-effect relationships: the UK experience 2008-2017. Clin Toxicol (Phila) · PMID 29587543 · DOI |
Database analysis |
2708 2,708 hospital cases of iron overdose referred to the UK National Poisons Information Service, 2008 to 2017; 1,839 involved iron alone |
Iron preparations Various Overdose 9.7 years |
Of single-agent iron overdoses, 28.4% were in children under 6 and 36.7% in people aged 13 to 20 (91% female). The authors note that deaths from iron poisoning have fallen since pack-size and packaging limits and changes in iron use in pregnancy. 28.4% under age 6; 36.7% aged 13 to 20 (91% female) (Not applicable) Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Who overdoses on iron, and how poisonous it is Limitations: Hospital referrals to a poisons service, so serious cases only. Not specific to multivitamins. Funding and conflicts: No conflict statement in the record read. Read: abstract |
| Christen 2014 Effects of multivitamin supplement on cataract and age-related macular degeneration in a randomized trial of male physicians. Ophthalmology · PMID 24268861 · DOI |
Randomised controlled trial |
14641 14,641 male US physicians aged 50 or older |
A common daily multivitamin Tablet One daily multivitamin (as studied in the trial) Average 11.2 years · vs Placebo |
Fewer cataracts occurred in the multivitamin group (872 cases) than placebo (945). Macular degeneration was not significantly different (152 vs 129 cases, numerically higher on multivitamin). Cataract HR 0.91; macular degeneration HR 1.19 (Cataract 0.83 to 0.99 (P = 0.04); macular degeneration 0.94 to 1.50 (P = 0.15)) Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: New cataract and visually significant age-related macular degeneration Limitations: Men only; cases were self-reported then confirmed by records. The cataract result is borderline. Funding and conflicts: US public research funding (NIH). Registration: NCT00270647 Read: abstract |
| Gaziano 2012 Multivitamins in the prevention of cancer in men: the Physicians' Health Study II randomized controlled trial. JAMA · PMID 23162860 · DOI |
Randomised controlled trial |
14641 14,641 male US physicians aged 50 or older (average 64); 1,312 had a past cancer |
A common daily multivitamin Tablet One daily multivitamin (as studied in the trial) Median 11.2 years · vs Placebo |
Fewer men in the multivitamin group had a cancer diagnosis than in the placebo group. There was no clear effect on prostate cancer, bowel cancer or other single cancer sites. Cancer deaths were not clearly different. Total cancer: 17.0 vs 18.3 events per 1,000 person-years, hazard ratio 0.92; prostate cancer HR 0.98; cancer deaths HR 0.88 (Total cancer 0.86 to 0.998 (P = .04); cancer deaths 0.77 to 1.01 (P = .07)) Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Total cancer (not counting non-melanoma skin cancer); prostate and bowel cancer; cancer deaths Limitations: Male physicians only, so well-nourished men who may not match the general public. The result sits right at the edge of statistical significance. Registered trial; not tested in women. Funding and conflicts: US public research funding (NIH). Industry funders are not named in this abstract (the cognition paper from the same trial lists BASF, Pfizer and DSM Nutritional Products). Registration: NCT00270647 Read: abstract |
| Grima 2012 The effects of multivitamins on cognitive performance: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Alzheimers Dis · PMID 22330823 · DOI |
Systematic review meta analysis |
3200 10 randomised placebo-controlled trials (3,200 people) of at least one month |
Oral multivitamins Various Varied by trial One month or more · vs Placebo |
Multivitamins improved immediate free recall memory but not delayed recall or verbal fluency. Other abilities such as executive and visual-spatial function were under-studied. Immediate free recall: standardised mean difference 0.32; delayed recall -0.14; verbal fluency 0.06 (Immediate recall 0.09 to 0.56; delayed recall -0.43 to 0.14; fluency -0.05 to 0.18) Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Memory, verbal fluency and other thinking tests Limitations: Search ended in July 2011, so it misses COSMOS. Small number of trials per test. Funding and conflicts: No conflict statement in the record read. Read: abstract |
| Grodstein 2013 Long-term multivitamin supplementation and cognitive function in men: a randomized trial. Ann Intern Med · PMID 24490265 · DOI |
Randomised controlled trial |
5947 5,947 male physicians aged 65 or older (cognition sub-study of the Physicians' Health Study II) |
A common daily multivitamin Tablet One daily multivitamin (as studied in the trial) Up to 12 years · vs Placebo |
No difference in change in thinking or memory over time between multivitamin and placebo. The authors note the doses may be too low or the men too well-nourished to benefit. Global score difference -0.01 standard units; verbal memory -0.005 (Global -0.04 to 0.02; verbal memory -0.04 to 0.03) Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Global thinking score (5 tests) and a verbal memory score, by telephone interview Limitations: Men only; phone-based testing. Funding and conflicts: NIH plus industry (BASF, Pfizer, DSM Nutritional Products) per the abstract. Registration: NCT00270647 Read: abstract |
| Loftfield 2024 Multivitamin Use and Mortality Risk in 3 Prospective US Cohorts. JAMA Netw Open · PMID 38922615 · DOI |
Prospective cohort |
390124 390,124 US adults (median age about 61; 55% male) in three cohorts, without a history of cancer or other chronic disease; up to 27 years of follow-up |
Self-reported multivitamin use (not assigned) Self-reported daily use Up to 27 years · vs Non-users |
Multivitamin use was not linked to lower risk of death. In the first half of follow-up the hazard ratio was slightly above 1; in the second half it was not significant. All-cause death HR 1.04 (first half) and 1.04 (second half) (1.02 to 1.07 (first half); 0.99 to 1.08 (second half)) Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Deaths from any cause and major causes Limitations: Observational. The authors tried to correct for healthy habits and for sick people starting vitamins, but this cannot be perfect. Funding and conflicts: US public research funding (NIH intramural). Read: abstract |
| Macpherson 2016 The Effects of Four-Week Multivitamin Supplementation on Mood in Healthy Older Women: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med · PMID 27974902 · DOI |
Randomised controlled trial |
76 76 healthy women aged 50 to 75 |
A daily multivitamin Tablet As studied in the trial 4 weeks · vs Placebo |
No benefit on lab mood measures. Home phone ratings, taken some hours after the dose, showed better stress ratings and a trend toward less mental fatigue. Not given as numbers in the abstract (Not given in the abstract) Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Mood measured in the lab and by mobile phone at home Limitations: Small, short trial. Home ratings were secondary and many measures were tested, so a chance finding is possible. Funding and conflicts: No conflict statement in the record read. Read: abstract |
| Michaelsson 2003 Serum retinol levels and the risk of fracture. N Engl J Med · PMID 12540641 · DOI |
Prospective cohort |
2322 2,322 Swedish men aged 49 to 51 followed for up to 30 years |
Blood vitamin A (retinol) levels, not a supplement Blood test 30 years · vs Middle fifth of retinol levels |
Men with the highest blood retinol had the most fractures. Beta-carotene levels were not linked to fracture. Highest vs middle fifth: any fracture rate ratio 1.64; hip fracture 2.47 (Any fracture 1.12 to 2.41; hip fracture 1.15 to 5.28) Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Any fracture; hip fracture Limitations: Observational study of blood levels in Swedish men, not of multivitamins. It shows an association, not cause. Funding and conflicts: No conflict statement in the record read. Read: abstract |
| Neuhouser 2009 Multivitamin use and risk of cancer and cardiovascular disease in the Women's Health Initiative cohorts. Arch Intern Med · PMID 19204221 · DOI |
Prospective cohort |
161808 161,808 postmenopausal US women in the Women's Health Initiative; 41.5% used multivitamins |
Multivitamin use reported by the women (not assigned) Self-reported use Median about 8 years of follow-up · vs Women who did not use multivitamins |
After accounting for other factors, multivitamin use was not linked to risk of common cancers, cardiovascular disease or death in these postmenopausal women. Breast cancer HR 0.98; bowel cancer HR 0.99; heart attack HR 0.96; stroke HR 0.99; total deaths HR 1.02 (Breast cancer 0.91 to 1.05; total deaths 0.97 to 1.07) Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Breast, bowel, womb, kidney, bladder, stomach, lung and ovarian cancers; heart attack, stroke, blood clots; total deaths Limitations: Observational: women who choose to take multivitamins differ from those who do not, and the products were not tested. Postmenopausal women only. Funding and conflicts: US public research funding (NIH). Read: abstract |
| O'Connor 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 · PMID 35727272 · DOI |
Systematic review meta analysis |
739803 84 studies (739,803 people) in healthy adults without known deficiency or cancer or heart disease |
Multivitamins and single vitamins or minerals Various Varied by trial Varied by trial · vs Placebo or no supplement |
Vitamin and mineral supplements gave little or no benefit for preventing cancer, heart disease or death. The one exception was a small drop in cancer cases with multivitamins (4 trials). Beta-carotene raised lung cancer and heart death risk in people at high risk of lung cancer. Limited evidence suggested possible harms: hip fracture (vitamin A), brain bleeds (vitamin E), kidney stones (vitamin C and calcium). Any cancer with multivitamins: odds ratio 0.93 (4 trials, 48,859 people); lung cancer OR 0.75 (2 trials); beta-carotene lung cancer OR 1.20 (Any cancer 0.87 to 0.99; lung cancer 0.58 to 0.95; beta-carotene lung cancer 1.01 to 1.42) Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Deaths, cardiovascular events, cancer, serious harms Limitations: The authors say the multivitamin evidence has important limitations. Healthy adults only; results do not apply to people with deficiency, pregnancy or illness. Funding and conflicts: Funded by the US Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality for the US Preventive Services Task Force. Read: abstract |
| Pipingas 2013 The effects of multivitamin supplementation on mood and general well-being in healthy young adults. A laboratory and at-home mobile phone assessment. Appetite · PMID 23727255 · DOI |
Randomised controlled trial |
138 138 healthy adults aged 20 to 50 |
A daily multivitamin with high levels of B vitamins Tablet As studied in the trial 16 weeks · vs Placebo |
No effect on lab mood measures. Home phone ratings taken after dosing showed less stress, physical fatigue and anxiety. A stress score in a lab multitasking test trended higher in men on the multivitamin, which the authors thought may be due to more students in that group. Not given as numbers in the abstract (Not given in the abstract) Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Mood, fatigue and stress in the lab and at home by mobile phone Limitations: Product was high in B vitamins, so it may not match other formulas. Many outcomes were tested. Funding and conflicts: No conflict statement in the record read. Read: abstract |
| Selb 2024 Personalization matters: the effect of sex in multivitamin-multimineral-based cancer prevention. Geroscience · PMID 37561385 · DOI |
Meta-analysis |
49100 Three trials (COSMOS, SU.VI.MAX, Physicians' Health Study II): 28,558 men and 20,542 women |
Daily multivitamin-multimineral Tablet Varied by trial Varied by trial · vs Placebo |
Across all people, multivitamins lowered cancer cases slightly. Split by sex, the effect was seen in men and not in women, but the difference between men and women was not statistically significant. All: HR 0.93; men HR 0.91 (fixed-effect) or 0.88 (random-effect); women HR 1.00; difference between sexes P = 0.17 (All 0.88 to 0.99; men 0.85 to 0.97 (fixed) or 0.77 to 1.01 (random); women 0.88 to 1.14) Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Cancer cases, split by sex Limitations: Only three trials. The men's result includes the all-male Physicians' Health Study II. Authors' title says 'sex' but the test for a difference was not significant. Funding and conflicts: No conflict statement in the record read. Read: abstract |
| Sesso 2012 Multivitamins in the prevention of cardiovascular disease in men: the Physicians' Health Study II randomized controlled trial. JAMA · PMID 23117775 · DOI |
Randomised controlled trial |
14641 14,641 male US physicians aged 50 or older (average 64); 754 had a history of heart disease |
A common daily multivitamin Tablet One daily multivitamin (as studied in the trial) Median 11.2 years · vs Placebo |
A daily multivitamin did not lower major cardiovascular events, heart attacks, strokes or heart-related deaths. Total deaths were not significantly different. Major cardiovascular events HR 1.01; heart attack HR 0.93; stroke HR 1.06; cardiovascular death HR 0.95; total deaths HR 0.94 (Major events 0.91 to 1.10; total deaths 0.88 to 1.02) Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Major cardiovascular events (non-fatal heart attack, non-fatal stroke, heart-related death); heart attack; stroke; total deaths Limitations: Men only, mostly well-nourished physicians. Funding and conflicts: US public research funding (NIH). Industry funders are not named in this abstract. Registration: NCT00270647 Read: abstract |
| Sesso 2022 Multivitamins in the prevention of cancer and cardiovascular disease: the COcoa Supplement and Multivitamin Outcomes Study (COSMOS) randomized clinical trial. Am J Clin Nutr · PMID 35294969 · DOI |
Randomised controlled trial |
21442 21,442 US adults: 12,666 women aged 65 or older and 8,776 men aged 60 or older, without major heart disease or recent cancer |
A daily multivitamin-mineral (tested alongside cocoa extract in a 2-by-2 design) Tablet One daily multivitamin-mineral (as studied in the trial) Median 3.6 years · vs Placebo |
No significant effect on total invasive cancer, breast or bowel cancer, cardiovascular disease or deaths. Lung cancer was lower in the multivitamin group. The authors reported no safety concerns. Total cancer HR 0.97; breast HR 1.06; bowel HR 1.30; lung HR 0.62; cardiovascular disease HR 0.98; deaths HR 0.93 (Total cancer 0.86 to 1.09 (P = .57); lung 0.42 to 0.92; cardiovascular disease 0.86 to 1.12) Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Total invasive cancer; breast, bowel and lung cancer; total cardiovascular disease; all-cause deaths Limitations: Followed for only 3.6 years on average. The lung cancer result is one of many outcomes tested, so it may be chance. Funding and conflicts: US public research funding (NIH). Funder details for the multivitamin supply are not in this abstract. Registration: NCT02422745 Read: abstract |
| US Preventive Services Task Force; Mangione 2022 Vitamin, Mineral, and Multivitamin Supplementation to Prevent Cardiovascular Disease and Cancer: US Preventive Services Task Force Recommendation Statement. JAMA · PMID 35727271 · DOI |
Practice guideline |
Community-living, non-pregnant adults | Multivitamins; single or paired nutrients Various |
The Task Force found the evidence insufficient to judge the balance of benefits and harms of multivitamins for preventing heart disease or cancer (an I statement). It recommends against beta-carotene or vitamin E supplements for this purpose. Not applicable (Not applicable) Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Task Force judgement of benefits and harms for preventing heart disease and cancer Limitations: It concerns prevention of heart disease and cancer in healthy adults. It is not about treating deficiency, pregnancy, or other uses. Funding and conflicts: US government panel (independent, volunteer). Read: abstract |
| Vyas 2024 Effect of multivitamin-mineral supplementation versus placebo on cognitive function: results from the clinic subcohort of the COcoa Supplement and Multivitamin Outcomes Study (COSMOS) randomized clinical trial and meta-analysis of 3 cognitive studies within COSMOS. Am J Clin Nutr · PMID 38244989 · DOI |
Randomised controlled trial plus meta analysis |
5203 573 older adults tested in person (COSMOS-Clinic); the combined analysis added COSMOS-Mind (2,158) and COSMOS-Web (2,472), adults aged 60 or older |
Daily multivitamin-mineral Tablet One daily multivitamin-mineral (as studied in the trial) 2 years (clinic study) · vs Placebo |
In the in-person clinic study the global score gain was small and not clearly significant, but episodic memory improved. Pooling the three COSMOS cognitive studies showed a small benefit on global thinking and episodic memory. The authors equate the global effect to about 2 years less cognitive ageing. Pooled: global 0.07 standard units (P = 0.0009); episodic memory 0.06 (P = 0.0007). Clinic study: global 0.06; episodic memory 0.12 (Pooled global 0.03 to 0.11; memory 0.03 to 0.10. Clinic global -0.003 to 0.13; memory 0.002 to 0.23) Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Global thinking, episodic memory, executive function Limitations: The three studies come from one trial, so they are not independent confirmations. The '2 years' comparison is the authors' own framing. Funding and conflicts: US public research funding (NIH). Registration: NCT02422745 Read: abstract |
| Wallace 2019 Multivitamin/Multimineral Supplement Use is Associated with Increased Micronutrient Intakes and Biomarkers and Decreased Prevalence of Inadequacies and Deficiencies in Middle-Aged and Older Adults in the United States. J Nutr Gerontol Geriatr · PMID 31502930 · DOI |
Cross sectional survey analysis |
US adults aged 51 or older in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) | Multivitamin/multimineral supplement use (self-reported) Regular use was 16 or more days a month Survey snapshot · vs Non-users |
Compared with food alone, multivitamin users had higher nutrient intakes and fewer people with low intake for almost all of 18 nutrients. Blood markers of folate, iodine, selenium and vitamins B6, B12 and D were better. Regular users had lower odds of vitamin B6 and vitamin D deficiency, but more of them went above the upper limit for folic acid. Not given as a single number in the abstract (Not given in the abstract) Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Usual micronutrient intake; share with low intake; blood markers of nutrient status Limitations: A one-time survey: it cannot show cause and effect, and users may eat differently. Review authors; funding is not stated in the abstract. Funding and conflicts: Research support is not named in the abstract. Read: abstract |
| Zinn 2016 Evaluation of Dietary Supplement Contamination by Xenobiotic and Essential Elements Using Microwave-Enhanced Sample Digestion and Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry. J Diet Suppl · PMID 25730528 · DOI |
Laboratory analysis |
6 Six widely used dietary supplement products from four companies (the abstract does not say which types) |
Dietary supplements (type not stated in the abstract) Various |
All six samples contained contaminant or essential elements, some of which were not listed as ingredients on the label. The authors propose a standard testing method for quality assurance. Contamination found in all 6 samples (Not applicable) Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Levels of cadmium, mercury, aluminium, lead, arsenic, antimony and essential elements Limitations: Six products only, type not stated, so it cannot be read as a picture of all multivitamins. Amounts were not given in the abstract. Funding and conflicts: No conflict statement in the record read. Read: abstract |
| s-fda-dv FDA: Daily Value on the Nutrition and Supplement Facts Labels (content current as of 5 March 2024) · Source |
Regulator page n/a |
Methods, limits and fundingRead: page text | ||
| s-fda-supplements FDA: Information for Consumers on Using Dietary Supplements (content current as of 21 October 2022) · Source |
Regulator page n/a |
Methods, limits and fundingRead: page text | ||
| s-nhs-iron NHS: Vitamins and minerals - Iron (page last reviewed 3 August 2020) · Source |
Regulator page n/a |
Methods, limits and fundingRead: page text | ||
| s-nhs-vita NHS: Vitamins and minerals - Vitamin A (page last reviewed 3 August 2020) · Source |
Regulator page n/a |
Methods, limits and fundingRead: page text | ||
| s-site-summary Existing AlternativeMed summary of women's and men's multivitamins (read 2026-10-26) |
Internal summary n/a |
Methods, limits and fundingRead: summary-only |
What we do not know yet
- No trial compared a women's or men's multivitamin with a standard one.
- The only long trial (Physicians' Health Study II) is in men; women are covered by shorter or observational studies.
- NIH Office of Dietary Supplements and NCCIH multivitamin pages could not be read, so US upper limits are not stated.
- No trial of hair, skin, nails, energy, hormone or prostate claims for the product type was found.
- Hidden ingredients and herbal add-ons in gendered formulas were not researched.
- A conference label comparison of women's and men's products cited on the existing page could not be re-checked and is not repeated.
How new research is added
New studies are found by a saved PubMed search and placed in a review queue before the page changes.
Lab markers
What changed in blood or saliva tests during trials. A changed number is not the same as feeling or being healthier, and we give no "normal ranges".
Other 6
Nutrient intake and blood nutrient status
Higher intake and better blood status for several nutrients in users in trials
Intake is how much of a vitamin or mineral a person gets from food and pills. Status is the blood level of the nutrient or of a marker.
Moderate certaintyResults and what it means
Why it was measured
To see whether a multivitamin changes what people actually get.
Statistical vs. clinical meaning
Shows the pills deliver nutrients; it does not show health benefit.
Safety implication
Some users go above upper limits for some nutrients.
| Study | Result | People | Product |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20 | Higher intake and better blood status of folate, iodine, selenium, B6, B12 and D in users; more users above the folic acid limit | US adults aged 51 and older (NHANES) | Multivitamin use (self-reported) |
| 2 | Measured amounts in adult products exceeded label amounts for every ingredient but thiamin | Adult multivitamins bought across the US | Lab analysis |
Total cancer incidence
Slightly lower in one all-male trial; no difference in a mixed-sex trial in trials
The number of new cancers diagnosed in a group over time (not counting non-melanoma skin cancer).
Low certaintyResults and what it means
Why it was measured
To see whether a multivitamin lowers the chance of getting cancer.
Statistical vs. clinical meaning
Small, borderline result in men; not seen in women.
Safety implication
None noted.
| Study | Result | People | Product |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 17.0 vs 18.3 per 1,000 person-years, HR 0.92 | 14,641 male doctors | Daily multivitamin for 11.2 years |
| 17 | HR 0.97 (0.86 to 1.09), not significant | 21,442 older men and women | Daily multivitamin for 3.6 years |
| 15 | Men HR 0.91; women HR 1.00; difference between sexes not significant | Three trials, 28,558 men and 20,542 women | Daily multivitamin-multimineral |
Major cardiovascular events
No difference in trials
Heart attack, stroke or death from heart disease.
Evidence againstResults and what it means
Why it was measured
To see whether a multivitamin lowers heart and stroke events.
Statistical vs. clinical meaning
Two large trials found no effect.
Safety implication
None noted.
Total deaths
No benefit found in trials
Deaths from any cause in the follow-up period.
Evidence againstResults and what it means
Why it was measured
To see whether a multivitamin changes how long people live.
Statistical vs. clinical meaning
No lower death risk in the trials or a very large cohort.
Safety implication
None noted.
Global thinking score
Slightly better in COSMOS; no change in the male-doctor trial in trials
An average of several thinking and memory tests, shown as a standard score so trials can be compared.
Mixed findingsResults and what it means
Why it was measured
To see whether a multivitamin changes thinking over time.
Statistical vs. clinical meaning
A small effect that differs between trials.
Safety implication
None noted.
| Study | Result | People | Product |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | +0.07 standard units (0.02 to 0.12) | 2,262 adults, average age 73 | Daily multivitamin-mineral for 3 years |
| 19 | Pooled +0.07 (0.03 to 0.11) across three COSMOS studies | About 5,200 adults aged 60 or older | Daily multivitamin-mineral |
| 8 | -0.01 (-0.04 to 0.02), no difference | 5,947 male doctors aged 65 or older | Daily multivitamin up to 12 years |
New cataracts
Slightly fewer cases on multivitamin in trials
Cataract is clouding of the eye lens. Cases were reported by the men and confirmed from medical records.
Low certaintySafety
What studies and official sources say about side effects, medicines and who should check first. Each point shows what kind of evidence it comes from.
Main points to know 5
- Iron is the most dangerous ingredient for young children. Iron is one of the leading causes of poisoning deaths in US children. In poison-centre reports from 1983 to 1998, none of 195,780 ingestions of children's vitamins with iron ended in death, while 60 deaths followed 147,079 exposures to adult iron products. In the UK, 28.4% of single-agent iron overdoses referred to hospital were in children under 6. Keep any iron-containing product out of children's reach. If a child swallows one, call poison control or emergency services at once. Poison centre and hospital database analyses 1 4
- The same nutrient can come from several products, and products often carry more than the label says. Lab tests of adult multivitamins found that measured amounts of every ingredient except thiamin were above the label (about 1.5% to 13% for many nutrients and about 25% for selenium and iodine). The authors warn that nutrient overexposure from supplements plus food may have unintended health consequences, which needs more study. In a US survey of adults 51 and older, regular multivitamin users were more likely to go above the upper limit for folic acid. If you also take other supplements, fortified foods or a separate iron, calcium or vitamin A product, the same nutrient is counted several times. Laboratory analysis and survey 2 20
- Vitamin A: bones, and pregnancy. The NHS says that an average of more than 1.5 mg a day of vitamin A from food and supplements over many years may make bones more likely to fracture, with older men and women after menopause most at risk. A Swedish study of 2,322 men found the highest blood vitamin A levels went with the most fractures. The 2022 US evidence review found limited evidence that vitamin A may raise hip fracture risk. The NHS also says that people who are pregnant should avoid liver and liver products, which are rich in vitamin A. Preformed vitamin A and beta-carotene are different; check which one a label lists. Regulator page, cohort study and systematic review 25 11 13
- Beta-carotene in smokers and people at high risk of lung cancer. A 2022 evidence review for the US Preventive Services Task Force found that beta-carotene supplements, with or without vitamin A, raised lung cancer risk (odds ratio 1.20) and heart-related death in people at high risk of lung cancer. The Task Force recommends against beta-carotene supplements for preventing heart disease or cancer. If a multivitamin lists beta-carotene and you smoke or have smoked, ask a doctor or pharmacist. Systematic review and guideline 13 18
- Gendered labels do not change who should ask first. No trial was found of a women's or men's multivitamin as a type. Women's and men's products differ in label amounts of some nutrients (the NHS reference amounts for iron differ by sex and age), but a label word does not show what any person needs. People who are pregnant or planning pregnancy, who have kidney disease, who take blood thinners or other prescription medicines, or who have been told to avoid iron should ask a doctor or pharmacist before using any multivitamin. Regulator pages and absence of evidence 24 26
Side effects 5
| Effect | How often | Severity and recovery | Evidence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Poisoning from iron-containing products in children The comparison is between product groups, not multivitamins as such. Old data. | 60 deaths among 147,079 exposures to adult iron products and none among 195,780 ingestions of children's vitamins with iron (US reports to 1998) | Can be fatal Needs emergency treatment | Poison centre database analysis 1 4 |
| Exceeding the upper limit for folic acid The abstract does not say what harm followed. Actual limit values were not read from NIH. | More regular multivitamin users than non-users were above the upper limit in a US survey of adults 51 and older | Not stated in the abstract Not stated | Survey analysis 20 |
| More hip fractures with long-term high vitamin A Blood levels in men, not multivitamin use; an association. | Highest blood retinol group: fracture rate ratio 1.64, hip fracture 2.47 (Swedish men) | Serious Not applicable | Cohort study and systematic review (limited evidence) 11 13 25 |
| Higher lung cancer risk with beta-carotene in people at high risk Beta-carotene alone, not multivitamins as a whole. | Odds ratio 1.20 in 4 trials (94,830 people) | Serious Not applicable | Systematic review of trials 13 |
| No safety concerns reported in COSMOS The abstract does not list individual side effects such as stomach upset. | 21,442 older adults, median 3.6 years | Not applicable Not applicable | Randomised trial 17 |
Liver
No liver injury linked to multivitamins as a type was found in the sources read. A liver-safety reference (LiverTox) was not opened. Herbal add-ons in some formulas were not researched.
How often. No frequency was found.
Monitoring. No agency monitoring advice was found.
This is a safety connection. It is not evidence that Women's and Men's Multivitamins supports liver health.
Medicines and supplements 4
| With | Why it matters | Importance | Evidence | What to do |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Other supplements and fortified foods supplement | The same vitamin or mineral is counted from several sources. | Measured amounts of every ingredient except thiamin were above the label, and regular users more often exceeded the folic acid upper limit. | Laboratory analysis and survey Moderate certainty 2 20 | Check every label for repeats of the same nutrient. Ask a pharmacist. |
| Warfarin (blood thinner) and vitamin K prescription | Vitamin K is involved in blood clotting; many multivitamins contain it. | The existing AlternativeMed page cites NCCIH for this. The NCCIH page could not be read, so it is not re-verified here. | Guidance not re read Not enough evidence 26 | Tell your doctor or pharmacist about any multivitamin if you take warfarin. |
| Prescription medicines (general) prescription | No mechanism read for multivitamins as a type. | No interaction study of a women's or men's multivitamin was found. | Absence of evidence Not enough evidence | Absence of a study is not proof of safety. Tell a doctor or pharmacist about all supplements. |
| Herbal add-ons in some formulas (for example saw palmetto, black cohosh) herb | Not researched for this page. | Not read. | Absence of evidence Not enough evidence 26 | Check the label for herbs and ask a pharmacist, especially with liver disease or hormone-sensitive conditions. |
Who should check first 6
| Situation | Advice | Evidence |
|---|---|---|
| Children | Keep all adult multivitamins and especially iron-containing products away from children. Child-specific formulas have their own page. | Poison centre database analysis 1 4 |
| Pregnancy, planning pregnancy and breastfeeding | Women's multivitamins are not the same as prenatal vitamins. The 2022 USPSTF statement covers non-pregnant adults only. The NHS says to avoid liver and liver products in pregnancy because they are rich in vitamin A. Ask a doctor, midwife or pharmacist; see the prenatal page. | Guideline and regulator page 25 18 |
| Smokers and people at high risk of lung cancer | Ask before using any product containing beta-carotene. | Systematic review 13 |
| Older men and women after menopause | The NHS highlights these groups for the vitamin A and bone caution. Check the vitamin A form and amount on a label and ask a doctor or pharmacist. | Regulator page 25 |
| Kidney disease or a past kidney stone | The 2022 evidence review found limited evidence that vitamin C and calcium supplements may be linked to kidney stones. Ask a doctor. | Systematic review (limited evidence) 13 |
| Anyone on prescription medicines, or with a long-term illness | Ask a doctor or pharmacist before starting any multivitamin. The FDA also advises talking to a health professional before using any dietary supplement. | Regulator page 23 |
Overdose, product quality and regulators
Summary. Iron poisoning in children is the main acute danger found. Long-term high vitamin A and beta-carotene in smokers are the main long-term cautions.
Animal. Not reviewed.
High dose or long term signals. Possible bone harm with long-term high vitamin A intake; folic acid above the upper limit in some regular users.
Overdose response. Iron overdose is an emergency (see urgent signs).
Genotoxicity. Not researched.
Label amounts and real contents can differ. Lab testing of adult multivitamins bought across the US found most ingredients above their labelled amounts. A separate small test of six supplements found contaminant or unlisted elements in every sample.
Measured amounts above label (overages). All measured ingredients except thiamin exceeded labelled amounts: about 1.5% to 13% for copper, manganese, magnesium, niacin, phosphorus, potassium, folic acid, riboflavin, B12, C and E, and about 25% for selenium and iodine. 2
Contaminants and unlisted elements. All six dietary supplements analysed contained neurotoxic or other elements (cadmium, mercury, aluminium, lead, arsenic, antimony) or essential elements that were not listed on the label. The abstract does not say which types of supplement these were, so it cannot be read as a picture of all multivitamins. 21
Regulation. The FDA says it is not authorized to approve dietary supplements for safety and effectiveness before they are marketed. 23
Hidden or undeclared ingredients. No survey of hidden ingredients in multivitamins was read for this page.
| Body | Action | Date |
|---|---|---|
| US Preventive Services Task Force (United States) | Concludes the evidence is insufficient to judge the balance of benefits and harms of multivitamins for preventing cardiovascular disease or cancer (I statement). Recommends against beta-carotene or vitamin E supplements for that purpose (D recommendation). source | 2022 |
| NHS (UK National Health Service): iron (United Kingdom) | Amount of iron needed: 8.7 mg a day for men 19 and over; 14.8 mg a day for women 19 to 49; 8.7 mg a day for women 50 and over. Taking 17 mg or less a day of iron supplements is unlikely to cause harm. source | 2020-08-03 |
| NHS (UK National Health Service): vitamin A (United Kingdom) | Adults 19 to 64 need 700 micrograms a day (men) and 600 micrograms a day (women). An average above 1.5 mg a day over many years may make bones more likely to fracture, especially in older people. Pregnant people should avoid liver and liver products. source | 2020-08-03 |
| US Food and Drug Administration (United States) | FDA is not authorized to approve dietary supplements for safety and effectiveness before they are marketed. It advises talking to a doctor, pharmacist or other health professional before using one. source | 2022-10-21 |
When to get medical help
- A child has swallowed an adult multivitamin, an iron product or several pills: call poison control or emergency services at once, even if the child looks well.
- Swelling of the face, lips or tongue, hives, wheezing or trouble breathing after a product: call emergency services.
- Severe vomiting, stomach pain, black or bloody stools after taking a product with iron: get medical help.
- Severe side or back pain, blood in the urine, or fever, especially with a history of kidney stones: see a doctor.
Stop using the product and contact a clinician or emergency service. In the US, Poison Control is 1-800-222-1222.
General information only, not medical advice. Ask a clinician or pharmacist before use, especially with medicines, in pregnancy or with a health condition. See the Natural Remedy Safety guide.
Frequently asked questions
Do women and men need different multivitamins?
Does a multivitamin prevent cancer?
Evidence is mixed. In 14,641 male doctors there was a small drop in total cancer at the edge of significance. In COSMOS (older men and women) there was no drop in total cancer. A pooled look at three trials found the drop in men but not women, though the difference between the sexes was not statistically significant.
Does a multivitamin protect the heart?
Does a multivitamin help you live longer?
Does a multivitamin improve memory?
Is there any evidence for hair, skin and nails or hormone claims?
No trial of a women's or men's multivitamin for these claims turned up in the searches done for this page. Single ingredients such as biotin have their own pages.
Can a multivitamin lift mood or stress?
Is iron in a multivitamin dangerous?
Can you get too much of a nutrient from a multivitamin plus other products?
Is vitamin A in a multivitamin a problem?
Are multivitamins approved by a regulator before sale?
Is a multivitamin the same as a prenatal vitamin?
No. Prenatal and postnatal vitamins are made for pregnancy and breastfeeding and have their own page. The 2022 US Task Force statement covers non-pregnant adults only.
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Editorial transparency
- Written by
- AlternativeMed editorial team. Research compiled with AI assistance, then checked against the sources listed.
- Medical review
- None. This page has not been reviewed by a physician or pharmacist.
- First published
- 2026-10-26
- Last substantive update
- 2026-10-26
- How we research
- We started from our existing summary of this product type, then re-read PubMed abstracts for every trial, review and lab study cited, and read the FDA and NHS pages named. Only abstracts were read, not full texts. NIH Office of Dietary Supplements and NCCIH pages could not be read and are marked unverified.
- How we rate evidence
- See "How we rate evidence" in the Evidence tab.
- Independence
- No product or brand is promoted on this page. No affiliate links are shown. Some trials were funded or supplied in part by vitamin makers; this is flagged where the abstracts show it.
Sources 26
Each source was opened and checked. Where we read only the abstract, it says so. The small numbers in the text point here.
- Anderson BD, Turchen SG, Manoguerra AS, Clark RF. Retrospective analysis of ingestions of iron containing products in the united states: are there differences between chewable vitamins and adult preparations?. J Emerg Med. 2000. PMID 11033271. DOI 10.1016/s0736-4679(00)00234-1. (abstract)
- Andrews KW, Roseland JM, Gusev PA, Palachuvattil J, Dang PT, Savarala S, Han F, Pehrsson PR, Douglass LW, Dwyer JT, Betz JM, Saldanha LG. Analytical ingredient content and variability of adult multivitamin/mineral products: national estimates for the Dietary Supplement Ingredient Database.. Am J Clin Nutr. 2017. PMID 27974309. DOI 10.3945/ajcn.116.134544. (abstract)
- Baker LD, Manson JE, Rapp SR, Sesso HD, Gaussoin SA, Shumaker SA, Espeland MA. Effects of cocoa extract and a multivitamin on cognitive function: A randomized clinical trial.. Alzheimers Dement. 2023. PMID 36102337. DOI 10.1002/alz.12767. (abstract)
- Bateman DN, Eagling V, Sandilands EA, Jackson G, Crawford C, Hawkins L, Cheung T, Cooper G, Bradberry SM, Thompson JP, Thomas SHL, Eddleston M. Iron overdose epidemiology, clinical features and iron concentration-effect relationships: the UK experience 2008-2017.. Clin Toxicol (Phila). 2018. PMID 29587543. DOI 10.1080/15563650.2018.1455978. (abstract)
- Christen WG, Glynn RJ, Manson JE, MacFadyen J, Bubes V, Schvartz M, Buring JE, Sesso HD, Gaziano JM. Effects of multivitamin supplement on cataract and age-related macular degeneration in a randomized trial of male physicians.. Ophthalmology. 2014. PMID 24268861. DOI 10.1016/j.ophtha.2013.09.038. (abstract)
- Gaziano JM, Sesso HD, Christen WG, Bubes V, Smith JP, MacFadyen J, Schvartz M, Manson JE, Glynn RJ, Buring JE. Multivitamins in the prevention of cancer in men: the Physicians' Health Study II randomized controlled trial.. JAMA. 2012. PMID 23162860. DOI 10.1001/jama.2012.14641. (abstract)
- Grima NA, Pase MP, Macpherson H, Pipingas A. The effects of multivitamins on cognitive performance: a systematic review and meta-analysis.. J Alzheimers Dis. 2012. PMID 22330823. DOI 10.3233/JAD-2011-111751. (abstract)
- Grodstein F, O'Brien J, Kang JH, Dushkes R, Cook NR, Okereke O, Manson JE, Glynn RJ, Buring JE, Gaziano M, Sesso HD. Long-term multivitamin supplementation and cognitive function in men: a randomized trial.. Ann Intern Med. 2013. PMID 24490265. DOI 10.7326/0003-4819-159-12-201312170-00006. (abstract)
- Loftfield E, O'Connell CP, Abnet CC, Graubard BI, Liao LM, Beane Freeman LE, Hofmann JN, Freedman ND, Sinha R. Multivitamin Use and Mortality Risk in 3 Prospective US Cohorts.. JAMA Netw Open. 2024. PMID 38922615. DOI 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.18729. (abstract)
- Macpherson H, Rowsell R, Cox KH, Reddan J, Meyer D, Scholey A, Pipingas A. The Effects of Four-Week Multivitamin Supplementation on Mood in Healthy Older Women: A Randomized Controlled Trial.. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2016. PMID 27974902. DOI 10.1155/2016/3092828. (abstract)
- Michaelsson K, Lithell H, Vessby B, Melhus H. Serum retinol levels and the risk of fracture.. N Engl J Med. 2003. PMID 12540641. DOI 10.1056/NEJMoa021171. (abstract)
- Neuhouser ML, Wassertheil-Smoller S, Thomson C, Aragaki A, Anderson GL, Manson JE, Patterson RE, Rohan TE, van Horn L, Shikany JM, Thomas A, LaCroix A. Multivitamin use and risk of cancer and cardiovascular disease in the Women's Health Initiative cohorts.. Arch Intern Med. 2009. PMID 19204221. DOI 10.1001/archinternmed.2008.540. (abstract)
- O'Connor EA, Evans CV, Ivlev I, Rushkin MC, Thomas RG, Martin A, Lin JS. 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. 2022. PMID 35727272. DOI 10.1001/jama.2021.15650. (abstract)
- Pipingas A, Camfield DA, Stough C, Cox KH, Fogg E, Tiplady B, Sarris J, White DJ, Sali A, Wetherell MA, Scholey AB. The effects of multivitamin supplementation on mood and general well-being in healthy young adults. A laboratory and at-home mobile phone assessment.. Appetite. 2013. PMID 23727255. DOI 10.1016/j.appet.2013.05.016. (abstract)
- Selb J, Cvetko F, Deutsch L, Bedrac L, Kuscer E, Maier AB. Personalization matters: the effect of sex in multivitamin-multimineral-based cancer prevention.. Geroscience. 2024. PMID 37561385. DOI 10.1007/s11357-023-00882-7. (abstract)
- Sesso HD, Christen WG, Bubes V, Smith JP, MacFadyen J, Schvartz M, Manson JE, Glynn RJ, Buring JE, Gaziano JM. Multivitamins in the prevention of cardiovascular disease in men: the Physicians' Health Study II randomized controlled trial.. JAMA. 2012. PMID 23117775. DOI 10.1001/jama.2012.14805. (abstract)
- Sesso HD, Rist PM, Aragaki AK, Rautiainen S, Johnson LG, Friedenberg G, et al.. Multivitamins in the prevention of cancer and cardiovascular disease: the COcoa Supplement and Multivitamin Outcomes Study (COSMOS) randomized clinical trial.. Am J Clin Nutr. 2022. PMID 35294969. DOI 10.1093/ajcn/nqac056. (abstract)
- US Preventive Services Task Force; Mangione CM, Barry MJ, Nicholson WK, et al.. Vitamin, Mineral, and Multivitamin Supplementation to Prevent Cardiovascular Disease and Cancer: US Preventive Services Task Force Recommendation Statement.. JAMA. 2022. PMID 35727271. DOI 10.1001/jama.2022.8970. (abstract)
- Vyas CM, Manson JE, Sesso HD, Cook NR, Rist PM, Weinberg A, Moorthy MV, Baker LD, Espeland MA, Yeung LK, Brickman AM, Okereke OI. Effect of multivitamin-mineral supplementation versus placebo on cognitive function: results from the clinic subcohort of the COcoa Supplement and Multivitamin Outcomes Study (COSMOS) randomized clinical trial and meta-analysis of 3 cognitive studies within COSMOS.. Am J Clin Nutr. 2024. PMID 38244989. DOI 10.1016/j.ajcnut.2023.12.011. (abstract)
- Wallace TC, Frankenfeld CL, Frei B, Shah AV, Yu CR, van Klinken BJ, Adeleke M. Multivitamin/Multimineral Supplement Use is Associated with Increased Micronutrient Intakes and Biomarkers and Decreased Prevalence of Inadequacies and Deficiencies in Middle-Aged and Older Adults in the United States.. J Nutr Gerontol Geriatr. 2019. PMID 31502930. DOI 10.1080/21551197.2019.1656135. (abstract)
- Zinn GM, Rahman GM, Faber S, Wolle MM, Pamuku M, Kingston HM. Evaluation of Dietary Supplement Contamination by Xenobiotic and Essential Elements Using Microwave-Enhanced Sample Digestion and Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry.. J Diet Suppl. 2016. PMID 25730528. DOI 10.3109/19390211.2015.1008610. (abstract)
- . FDA: Daily Value on the Nutrition and Supplement Facts Labels (content current as of 5 March 2024). . . (page text)
- . FDA: Information for Consumers on Using Dietary Supplements (content current as of 21 October 2022). . . (page text)
- . NHS: Vitamins and minerals - Iron (page last reviewed 3 August 2020). . . (page text)
- . NHS: Vitamins and minerals - Vitamin A (page last reviewed 3 August 2020). . . (page text)
- . Existing AlternativeMed summary of women's and men's multivitamins (read 2026-10-26). . . (summary-only)
Where to buy
Check the label first. Whatever you buy, look for these:
- The amount of the active ingredient per serving, not just the front-label claim
- A third-party testing mark (USP, NSF or ConsumerLab)
- Other ingredients and allergens
- Ask a pharmacist about interactions with your medicines
Talk to a pharmacist or doctor before you start any supplement, especially if you take medicines. See the Safety tab for interactions.
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