NIH Panel Finds Limited Evidence to Support Publics Multivitamin Use

NIH Panel Finds Limited Evidence to Support Publics Multivitamin Use

WASHINGTON

An independent panel assembled by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Office of Medical Applications of Research and the Office of Dietary Supplements (ODS) to assess the available evidence on the safety and effectiveness of multivitamin/minerals (MVMs) concluded more rigorous scientific research is needed before strong recommendations can be made regarding MVM use to prevent chronic diseases.

Among their findings, the panel recommended combined calcium and vitamin D supplementation to protect bones in postmenopausal women; daily folate for women of childbearing age to prevent infant neural tube defects; and antioxidant and zinc supplementation in nonsmoking adults with early-stage, age-related macular degeneration (AMD). On the other hand, the panel found no evidence to recommend beta-carotene supplements for the general population, and cautioned smokers against taking them, citing strong evidence linking beta-carotene to an increase in lung cancer among smokers who took the vitamin regularly.

Half of American adults are taking MVMs and the bottom line is that we dont know for sure that theyre benefiting from them, said J. Michael McGinnis, M.D., M.P.P., senior scholar with the Institute of Medicine (IOM) of the National Academy of Sciences and chair of the NIH panel In fact, were concerned that some people may be getting too much of certain nutrients.

Based on these safety concerns and the limitations of the available evidence, the panel advocated changes in the regulation of dietary supplements, including MVMs, by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Specifically, the panel recommended Congress expand FDAs authority and resources to require manufacturers to disclose adverse events, to ensure quality production, and to facilitate consumer reporting of adverse events by including reporting information on dietary supplement labels.

The National Nutritional Foods Association (NNFA) took issue with many of the panels claims, saying they do not reflect the true nature of MVMs in the United States. Multivitamins do not pose a health risk as the panel theorizes and [NNFA] asserts that serious adverse health reactions would have long since been apparent, the NNFA stated.

Steven M. Mister, Esq., president and chief executive officer (CEO) of the Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN), noted daily MVM provides a safe, affordable and reliable means of filling nutrition gaps and promoting overall good health. FDA already regulates dietary supplements including multivitamins and has indicated on numerous occasions that it has the appropriate regulatory authority necessary to protect the public, he said, noting CRN supports mandatory reporting of serious adverse events by supplement companies to FDA. CRN agrees that more research examining the effects of multivitamins on the prevention of chronic diseases could provide valuable insights for consumers. However, consideration should also be given as to whether the drug model for clinical research is the appropriate way to assess the preventive benefits of nutrients.

The 13-member panel included experts in the fields of food science and human nutrition, biostatistics, biochemistry, toxicology, geriatric medicine, family medicine, pediatrics and pediatric endocrinology, cancer prevention, epidemiology, disease prevention and health promotion, and consumer protection. Their findings pertain to the generally healthy population, and do not include pregnant women, children, or those with disease. Full text of the panels draft state-of-the-science statement is available online at http://consensus.nih.gov.