Frequently Asked Question
Health & Nutrition“Most people should take a multivitamin” (careful claim)
Last reviewed: January 9, 2026
Summary
Evidence does **not** strongly support universal multivitamin use for preventing cardiovascular disease or cancer, and recommendations vary. However, many people have nutrient shortfalls (e.g., vitamin D, iodine depending on salt use) and targeted supplementation can be appropriate—especially for vegans with B12.
Supported by 6 cited sources
Evidence Summary
- USPSTF finds insufficient evidence for broad multivitamin use to prevent major chronic diseases in general adults.
- Nutrient shortfalls exist; targeted supplementation may be reasonable based on risk, diet, labs, and clinician guidance. Evidence quality: Moderate–High Limitations / nuance: This is public-health guidance; individual needs vary. Bottom line: Don’t oversell universal multivitamins; do emphasize targeted supplementation where evidence supports it (notably B12 for
Supporting Evidence
USPSTF finds insufficient evidence for broad multivitamin use to prevent major chronic diseases in general adults.
Sources:
- NIH ODS. Dietary Supplement Use
- USPSTF. Vitamin, mineral, and multivitamin supplementation to prevent CVD and cancer (2022)
- USPSTF. Vitamin/mineral supplementation for prevention of CVD/cancer (2022)
- NIH Office of Dietary Supplements. NIH ODS: B12/Iodine/Vitamin D fact sheets.
- NIH Office of Dietary Supplements. NIH ODS nutrient fact sheets.
- NIH Office of Dietary Supplements. Vitamin B12 - Fact Sheet for Health Professionals (2024)
Sources:
- NIH ODS. Dietary Supplement Use
- USPSTF. Vitamin, mineral, and multivitamin supplementation to prevent CVD and cancer (2022)
- USPSTF. Vitamin/mineral supplementation for prevention of CVD/cancer (2022)
- NIH Office of Dietary Supplements. NIH ODS: B12/Iodine/Vitamin D fact sheets.
- NIH Office of Dietary Supplements. NIH ODS nutrient fact sheets.
- NIH Office of Dietary Supplements. Vitamin B12 - Fact Sheet for Health Professionals (2024)
Sources & Evidence
6 sources cited across 2 claims
1
Universal multivitamin benefits are not well-supported
Systematic ReviewVitamin B12 - Fact Sheet for Health Professionals — NIH Office of Dietary Supplements (2024)View source ↗
2
Targeted supplements are more appropriate than universal ones
GuidelineVitamin B12 - Fact Sheet for Health Professionals — NIH Office of Dietary Supplements (2024)View source ↗