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Expert Panel Splits on Benefit of Taking Multivitamins and Minerals

While more than half of all American adults take multivitamins and minerals in the hope of preventing disease, a federal panel concluded there is not enough evidence to recommend for or against them -- and added that some of the people taking them may be doing themselves more harm than good.

The panel convened by the National Institutes of Health Office of Medical Applications of Research and the Office of Dietary Supplements spent two days assessing evidence on the safety and effectiveness of multivitamin/minerals (MVMs).

"Half of American adults are taking MVMs and the bottom line is that we don't know for sure that they're benefiting from them," said Dr. J. Michael McGinnis, Senior Scholar with the Institute of Medicine who chaired the panel. "In fact, we're concerned that some people may be getting too much of certain nutrients."

While the panel ended the conference by making recommendations regarding certain specific supplements, members concluded that more rigorous scientific research is needed before strong recommendations can be made regarding MVM use to prevent chronic diseases.

The panel recommended the combined use of calcium and vitamin D supplementation for postmenopausal women to protect bone health, and also favored use of anti-oxidants and zinc e by non-smoking adults with early-stage, age-related macular degeneration.

On the other hand, the experts concluded there is no evidence to recommend beta carotene supplements, a form of vitamin A, for the general population, and strong evidence to caution smokers against taking them.

Interestingly, panel members observed that rates of MVM use are highest among people who engage in other positive health behaviors such as regular exercise and eating a healthier diet, making it difficult to determine whether the MVM alone is responsible for any improvement in health.

While most of the public assumes that the components of MVM supplements are safe, because many of the ingredients are found in everyday foods and the products are available over-the-counter, the panel expressed concern over the potential for overconsumption of certain nutrients, with the resulting possibility of adverse effects.

Source: Medical Week staff, May 17, 2006