Your daily dose of multivitamins may drive you to an early grave: While often advertised as the key to a longer, healthier life, multivitamins were proven to increase the mortality risk of individuals.

The data: A recent study published in medical journal JAMA Network involving some 400k US adults, found that those taking multivitamins daily showed a 4% higher mortality risk, suggesting that “multivitamin use to improve longevity is not supported.”

It’s all about consuming what your body needs: For example, something like beta-carotene — aka B-Carotene — is used to treat a disorder that causes sensitivity to light and prevent certain cancers… when consumed in moderation. But, “taking more than the recommended dosage increased the risk for developing both lung cancer and heart disease by 20%,” according to research conducted in 2015. Dosage is also crucial when consuming a supplement that includes iron, as an iron overdose is often associated with diabetes, heart failure, and arthritis. So, make sure you read the fine print and consult a medical professional before taking your daily or weekly pill.

Don’t dump them out just yet: Another 2024 study showed that “taking a daily multivitamin, containing more than 20 essential micronutrients, helps prevent memory loss and slow down cognitive aging.”

Tags: