Forget the Mega-Multi-Vitamins

The verdict from three big new studies of vitamins and health is the same as all the other studies ever done:

Evidence involving tens of thousands of people randomly assigned in many clinical studies shows that Beta-carotene, vitamin E, and possibly high doses of vitamin A supplements increase mortality and that other antioxidants, folic acid, and B vitamins, and multivitamin and mineral supplements have no clear benefit. 

One of the new studies followed more than 5,000 elderly men for twelve years, half of whom were taking daily vitamin supplements, the other half placebos: no difference.

News that Beta-carotene and vitamin E supplements can increase cancer risks seems to have spread, and sales of them have gone down, but sales of other supplements continue to rise. Unless you have been diagnosed with a particular vitamin or mineral deficiency, save your money.