Heart Health
Daily multivitamins do not prevent heart disease
Taking a multivitamin every day does not prevent heart disease. That's the conclusion of the Physicians' Health Study II (PHS II), the second phase of a long-running Harvard study that evaluated the effects of multivitamins and supplements of vitamin E, vitamin C, and beta carotene on the prevention of cardiovascular disease, cancer, eye disease, and thinking and memory problems.
The researchers emphasized that substituting multivitamins for a healthy lifestyle will likely not prevent cardiovascular disease. However, those who took the multivitamin had an 8% lower risk of cancer, and since there is little risk from taking a multivitamin, many physicians recommend it.
To continue reading this article, you must log in.
Subscribe to Harvard Health Online for immediate access to health news and information from Harvard Medical School.
- Research health conditions
- Check your symptoms
- Prepare for a doctor's visit or test
- Find the best treatments and procedures for you
- Explore options for better nutrition and exercise
I'd like to receive access to Harvard Health Online for only $4.99 a month.
Sign Me UpAlready a member? Login ».
Disclaimer:
As a service to our readers, Harvard Health Publishing provides access to our library of archived content. Please note the date of last review or update on all articles.
No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.
