All-cause mortality
Supplements studied for all-cause mortality.
Overview
SupplementDEX indexes 18 supplements related to all-cause mortality across 63 studies, with mixed and often null findings for most adults.
Vitamin A (WA 40; very low effect size, high evidence, medium trust) lowers death risk by roughly 12–26% in vitamin A–deficient children aged six months to five years and helps prevent serious illness, but does not reduce mortality in newborns or healthy adults. Potassium (WA 64; medium effect size, medium evidence, high trust) shows uncertain links to longer life in observational research.
Vitamin C, Calcium, and Vitamin E supplements (WA 40) generally do not reduce death risk; vitamin E supplements may slightly increase mortality in the best trials. See the heatmap and evidence reviews below for all indexed supplements.
Effect graph
Relevant supplements
Relevant supplements sorted by DEX Score.
| Potassium | ★★★★★ | Medium |
| Vitamin D | ★★★★★ | Low |
| Olive Oil | ★★★★★ | Low |
| Nattokinase | ★★★★★ | Low |
| Green Tea | ★★★★★ | Low |
| Alpha-Linolenic Acid | ★★★★★ | Low |
| Red Yeast Rice | ★★★★★ | Low |
| Vitamin K | ★★★★★ | Very Low / None |
| Vitamin E | ★★★★★ | Very Low / None |
| Vitamin C | ★★★★★ | Very Low / None |
| Vitamin B9 (Folate) | ★★★★★ | Low |
| Vitamin A | ★★★★★ | Very Low / None |
| Selenium | ★★★★★ | Very Low / None |
| Multivitamin | ★★★★★ | Very Low / None |
| Lycopene | ★★★★★ | Low |
| Calcium | ★★★★★ | Very Low / None |
| Branched Chain Amino Acids (BCAAs) | ★★★★★ | Low |
| Black Tea | ★★★★★ | Low |
Studies
Find individual evidence reviews for supplements sorted by DEX Score.
18 supplements for and rated at least stars. All purchase bands. No minimum star filter.
PotassiumView supplement →
Consider purchase·★★★★★
How we scored this▸
- It is not yet clear if eating more potassium affects the chances of living longer.
- One large study over 15 years suggested that women who eat the most potassium have a lower risk of dying overall and from heart disease, while men showed a smaller benefit.
- The study also found that eating more sodium compared to potassium increases the risk of death, especially for women.
- Another study found that eating up to about 3500 mg of potassium a day is linked to a lower risk of death, but eating more than that did not show extra benefits.
- More research is needed to understand how potassium affects lifespan.
Browse 2 studies·1 meta-analysis
MetaSex-specific associations between sodium and potassium intake and overall and cause-specific mortality: a large prospective U.S. cohort study, systematic review, and updated meta-analysis of cohort studies2024n=237,036
In 416,104 NIH-AARP participants, sodium ≥2000 mg/day raised overall and CVD mortality in men and women, while higher potassium and lower sodium-potassium ratio reduced mortality, with stronger effects in women.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Dose
- 2000 mg/day
- Population
- Adults
- Participants
- 237,036
ObservationalSodium, potassium intake, and all-cause mortality: confusion and new findings2024n=26,288
An NHANES analysis of 13,855 US adults (ages 40–80) found higher dietary sodium and potassium inversely associated with all-cause mortality in nonlinear dose-response patterns.
- Dose
- 3133 mg/day
- Population
- Older adults
- Participants
- 26,288
- Ages
- 40–80
Green TeaView supplement →
Reconsider purchase·★★★★★
How we scored this▸
- Drinking 5 or more cups of green tea daily is linked to a lower risk of death from all causes compared to drinking less than 1 cup daily.
- Each extra cup reduces this risk by about 3%.
- However, in people without a history of heart attack or stroke, drinking lots of green tea (up to 7 cups daily) did not lower the risk of death over nearly 19 years, though it did help those with previous heart problems.
Browse 3 studies·1 meta-analysis
ObservationalGreen Tea and Coffee Consumption and All-Cause Mortality Among Persons With and Without Stroke or Myocardial Infarction2021n=213
In the Japan Collaborative Cohort Study, green tea consumption was associated with lower all-cause mortality in stroke survivors but not clearly in MI survivors.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Participants
- 213
- Ages
- 40–79
MetaDose-Response Relation between Tea Consumption and Risk of Cardiovascular Disease and All-Cause Mortality: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Population-Based Studies2020
A meta-analysis of 39 cohort studies found each cup/day of tea associated with ~4% lower CVD mortality, ~2% lower CVD events, ~4% lower stroke risk, and ~1.5% lower all-cause mortality.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Dose
- 338 mg/day
- Population
- Healthy adults
ObservationalGreen tea consumption and mortality in Japanese men and women: a pooled analysis of eight population-based cohort studies in Japan2019
A pooled analysis of 8 Japanese cohorts (313,381 persons) found higher green tea consumption associated with lower all-cause and cardiovascular mortality.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Population
- Adults
NattokinaseView supplement →
Reconsider purchase·★★★★★
How we scored this▸
- Eating more soy foods like natto might help you live longer and lower the risk of heart disease and cancer.
Browse 3 studies·1 meta-analysis
ObservationalAssociation of soy food with cardiovascular outcomes and all-cause mortality in a Chinese population: a nationwide prospective cohort study2022n=97,930
A prospective cohort of 97,930 Chinese adults (≥40 years) found higher soy intake (≥60 g/day) associated with lower cardiovascular disease and all-cause mortality over follow-up.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Duration
- median 3.2 years follow-up
- Dose
- 60 g/day
- Population
- Adults
- Participants
- 97,930
- Ages
- 40+
ObservationalAssociation of soy and fermented soy product intake with total and cause specific mortality: prospective cohort study2020n=915
In 92,915 Japanese adults (ages 45–74), higher intake of soy and fermented soy foods was associated with lower all-cause and cause-specific mortality.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Population
- ALL patients
- Participants
- 915
- Ages
- 45–74
MetaSoy product consumption and the risk of all-cause, cardiovascular and cancer mortality: a systematic review and meta-analysis of cohort studies2018n=209
A meta-analysis of cohort studies found higher soy product intake associated with lower all-cause, cardiovascular, and cancer mortality.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Participants
- 209
Olive OilView supplement →
Reconsider purchase·★★★★★
How we scored this▸
- It is unclear whether eating olive oil helps people live longer.
- Some research suggests that eating more olive oil is linked to a lower risk of dying from any cause.
- A large review found that eating an extra 25 grams (about 2 tablespoons) of olive oil daily was associated with an 11% lower chance of death.
- But the studies varied a lot, so this result is uncertain.
Browse 3 studies·1 meta-analysis
ObservationalConsumption of Olive Oil and Risk of Total and Cause-Specific Mortality Among U.S. Adults2022n=60,582
In 92,383 US adults followed 28 years, olive oil intake >7 g/day was associated with 19% lower all-cause mortality (HR 0.81) vs rarely consuming olive oil.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Dose
- 7 g/day
- Population
- Adults
- Participants
- 60,582
MetaEffect of olive oil consumption on cardiovascular disease, cancer, type 2 diabetes, and all-cause mortality: A systematic review and meta-analysis2022n=806,203
A meta-analysis of 806,203 participants found each olive oil increment associated with 16% lower cardiovascular disease risk and reduced all-cause mortality.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Dose
- 25 g/day
- Participants
- 806,203
Olive oil intake and mortality within the Spanish population (EPIC-Spain)2012n=40,622
In 40,622 Spanish EPIC participants followed 13.4 years, highest olive oil intake quartile had 26% lower all-cause mortality and 44% lower cardiovascular mortality vs nonconsumers.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Dose
- 10 g/day
- Participants
- 40,622
- Ages
- 29–69
Vitamin DView supplement →
Reconsider purchase·★★★★★
How we scored this▸
- Taking vitamin D by itself doesn’t seem to lower the overall risk of death.
- Some studies show that combining vitamin D with calcium may offer a small benefit.
- Although people with higher vitamin D levels tend to have slightly lower death rates, research finds that supplements alone do not clearly help people live longer.
- When vitamin D and calcium are taken together, the risk of dying from any cause may be reduced by about 4% to 9%.
- The type of vitamin D also matters.
- Vitamin D3 (the form most often found in supplements) may slightly lower death risk, while other types like D2 or active prescription forms do not show the same benefit.
- For older adults, especially those aged 75 and above, taking modest daily amounts of vitamin D may help reduce the chance of dying from any cause.
- The Endocrine Society recommends getting vitamin D regularly from fortified foods or supplements rather than taking large, infrequent doses.
Browse 8 studies·7 meta-analyses
GuideVitamin D for the Prevention of Disease: An Endocrine Society Clinical Practice Guideline2024
The 2024 Endocrine Society guideline suggests empiric vitamin D for children, adults ≥75, pregnancy, and high-risk prediabetes, but not routine use in healthy younger adults.
- Population
- Pregnant women
- Ages
- 1–18
MetaVitamin D Supplementation and Its Impact on Mortality and Cardiovascular Outcomes: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of 80 Randomized Clinical Trials2023n=82,210
A meta-analysis of 80 RCTs (163,131 adults) found vitamin D associated with slightly lower all-cause mortality (OR 0.95) but no significant reduction in cardiovascular morbidity or mortality.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Population
- Adults
- Participants
- 82,210
- Ages
- 18+
MetaAssociation between vitamin D supplementation and mortality: systematic review and meta-analysis2019n=454
A meta-analysis of 52 RCTs (75,454 participants) found vitamin D not associated with all-cause mortality overall but reduced cancer mortality by 16% (RR 0.84).
- Effect
- No Benefit
- Population
- Adults
- Participants
- 454
MetaThe effect of vitamin D supplementation on skeletal, vascular, or cancer outcomes: a trial sequential meta-analysis2014n=3,853
Trial sequential meta-analysis concluded vitamin D supplementation is unlikely to reduce skeletal or non-skeletal outcomes by >15% in community-dwelling adults.
- Effect
- No Benefit
- Population
- Adults
- Participants
- 3,853
MetaVitamin D and risk of cause specific death: systematic review and meta-analysis of observational cohort and randomised intervention studies2014n=30,716
A meta-analysis of 73 cohort and 22 RCT studies found low 25(OH)D linked to higher cause-specific mortality; vitamin D3 supplementation reduced all-cause mortality (RR 0.89).
- Effect
- Benefit
- Population
- Older adults
- Participants
- 30,716
MetaVitamin D supplementation for prevention of mortality in adults (Meta-Analysis)2014n=95,286
A Cochrane meta-analysis found vitamin D3 supplementation decreased mortality (RR 0.94) across trials, mainly in elderly women, though evidence quality varied.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Dose
- 800 IU/day
- Population
- Postmenopausal women
- Participants
- 95,286
- Ages
- 70+
MetaVitamin D supplementation for prevention of mortality in adults (meta-analysis)2011n=94,148
A Cochrane meta-analysis of 50 RCTs (94,148 participants) found vitamin D3 decreased all-cause mortality (RR 0.94), while other vitamin D forms showed no significant benefit.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Population
- Women
- Participants
- 94,148
- Ages
- 70+
MetaVitamin D supplementation and total mortality: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials2007n=311
A meta-analysis of 18 RCTs (57,311 participants) found vitamin D supplementation associated with 7% lower total mortality (RR 0.93) over a mean 5.7 years.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Dose
- 2000 IU/day
- Population
- Adults
- Participants
- 311
Alpha-Linolenic AcidView supplement →
Reconsider purchase·★★★★★
How we scored this▸
- Research is mixed on whether eating more alpha-linolenic acid reduces the risk of dying from any cause.
- Some studies say higher intake lowers the risk by about 10%, while others found no clear link.
Browse 1 study·1 meta-analysis
MetaDietary intake and biomarkers of alpha linolenic acid and risk of all cause, cardiovascular, and cancer mortality: systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of cohort studies2021n=26
Meta-analysis of 41 cohort studies in 1.2 million participants linked higher ALA intake to lower all-cause, CVD, and CHD mortality, but slightly higher cancer mortality.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Dose
- 1 g/day
- Participants
- 26
Red Yeast RiceView supplement →
Reconsider purchase·★★★★★
How we scored this▸
- Taking red yeast rice (a specific product called Xuezhikang) for up to about 4 years might lower the chance of death and serious heart problems compared to not taking it.
- But because the studies were only done in China with different types of people, it is not clear if the same benefits apply everywhere.
- More research is needed to be sure.
Browse 1 study·1 meta-analysis
RCTRed Yeast Rice Preparations Reduce Mortality, Major Cardiovascular Adverse Events, and Risk Factors for Metabolic Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis2022
A meta-analysis of 30 RCTs found red yeast rice reduced mortality, major cardiovascular events, fasting glucose, HbA1c, and blood pressure in metabolic syndrome.
- Effect
- Benefit
Black TeaView supplement →
Reconsider purchase·★★★★★
How we scored this▸
- Drinking more than one cup of black tea daily may slightly lower the risk of death from any cause.
- Drinking more than 2-3 cups per day does not seem to add more benefit.
- This is based on a large long-term study of adults in the UK.
Browse 1 study
ObservationalTea Consumption and All-Cause and Cause-Specific Mortality in the UK Biobank: A Prospective Cohort Study2022n=43
In 498,043 UK Biobank adults followed 11.2 years, drinking ≥2 cups/day tea was modestly associated with lower all-cause mortality (HR 0.87–0.89 for 2–7 cups) and lower CVD, ischemic heart disease, and stroke mortality.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Population
- Adults
- Participants
- 43
- Ages
- 40–69
Branched Chain Amino Acids (BCAAs)View supplement →
Reconsider purchase·★★★★★
How we scored this▸
- It is unclear if consuming more branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) in the diet lowers the risk of death from any cause.
- Some studies found that people who ate more total BCAAs and the specific BCAA called isoleucine had a lower risk of death, especially if they had higher blood fat levels.
- But this link wasn’t seen for the other BCAAs, leucine and valine.
- These conclusions are based on low quality evidence so more high quality studies are needed to confirm these findings.
Browse 1 study
ObservationalAssociation of dietary intake of branched-chain amino acids with long-term risks of cardiovascular disease, cancer and all-cause mortality2021n=397
In 14,397 US adults from NHANES III, higher dietary BCAA and isoleucine intake in the highest quintile was linked to 32% lower all-cause mortality, especially in those with higher triglycerides.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Population
- Adults
- Participants
- 397
- Ages
- 18+
CalciumView supplement →
Reconsider purchase·★★★★★
How we scored this▸
- Taking calcium supplements on their own or with vitamin D does not help people live longer.
- Some studies of older women have shown that calcium and vitamin D together might slightly lower the risk of dying, but most research finds no difference in survival for people who take calcium compared with those who do not.
- Calcium supplements are not linked to living longer or shorter lives for most adults.
Browse 4 studies·2 meta-analyses
MetaNutritional therapy of older osteoporotic people with supplemental calcium and vitamin D: side effects, fracture rates, and survival - an internationalised meta-analysis2024n=69,234
A meta-analysis of 19 RCTs (69,234 older adults) found calcium plus vitamin D did not reduce mortality but lowered fracture incidence and raised bone density and 25(OH)D, with more GI adverse events.
- Effect
- No Benefit
- Population
- Older adults
- Participants
- 69,234
MetaSupplemental Vitamins and Minerals for CVD Prevention and Treatment2018
A systematic review found moderate evidence for folic acid/B-vitamin cardiovascular benefits but no clear preventive benefit from calcium, vitamin D, multivitamins, or selenium on CVD or all-cause mortality.
- Effect
- No Benefit
MetaThe effects of calcium supplementation on verified coronary heart disease hospitalization and death in postmenopausal women: a collaborative meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials2015n=63,563
A meta-analysis of 18 RCTs (63,563 postmenopausal women) found calcium with or without vitamin D did not increase CHD events (RR 1.02) or all-cause mortality (RR 0.96) vs placebo.
- Effect
- No Benefit
- Population
- Postmenopausal women
- Participants
- 63,563
MetaVitamin D with calcium reduces mortality: patient level pooled analysis of 70,528 patients from eight major vitamin D trials2012n=88,097
A patient-level pooled analysis of 70,528 participants in 8 vitamin D trials found vitamin D plus calcium reduced mortality 7% (HR 0.93) over ~3 years; vitamin D alone had no mortality effect.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Population
- Older adults
- Participants
- 88,097
- Ages
- 50+
LycopeneView supplement →
Reconsider purchase·★★★★★
How we scored this▸
- Early research suggests that people who get at least a moderate amount of lycopene from their diet may have a lower risk of dying from any cause, including heart disease, compared to those who get very little.
- Eating more than this moderate amount, however, does not appear to provide extra benefits.
Browse 1 study
ObservationalDietary Intake of Tomato and Lycopene and Risk of All-Cause and Cause-Specific Mortality: Results From a Prospective Study2021n=101,781
A prospective study of 101,781 US adults in the PLCO trial found higher raw tomato, tomato catsup, and moderate lycopene intake associated with lower all-cause and cardiovascular mortality over 1.67 million person-years of follow-up.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Population
- Adults
- Participants
- 101,781
- Ages
- 55–74
MultivitaminView supplement →
Reconsider purchase·★★★★★
How we scored this▸
- Most research shows that taking multivitamins every day does not lower the risk of death in healthy adults or children.
- A very large study following adults for 27 years found that using multivitamins did not help people live longer, and in the first 12 years there was a small increase (4%) in the risk of death—but this was not seen in the long run.
- Other studies up to 8 years also found no benefit for living longer.
- For children with severe anemia, taking a daily multivitamin for three months did not lower the chances of death or being hospitalized again compared to using folate and iron.
Browse 6 studies·1 meta-analysis
ObservationalMultivitamin use after diagnosis and prostate cancer survival among men with nonmetastatic prostate cancer2024n=4,756
A prospective study of 4,756 men with nonmetastatic prostate cancer found post-diagnosis multivitamin use was not associated with improved cancer-specific or overall survival.
- Effect
- No Benefit
- Population
- Men with prostate cancer
- Participants
- 4,756
ObservationalMultivitamin Use and Mortality Risk in 3 Prospective US Cohorts2024n=732
An analysis of three large U.S. cohorts (732 multivitamin users) found no significant association between multivitamin use and all-cause mortality.
- Effect
- No Benefit
- Population
- Adults
- Participants
- 732
- Ages
- 50–71
RCTMultivitamins in the prevention of cancer and cardiovascular disease: the COcoa Supplement and Multivitamin Outcomes Study (COSMOS) randomized clinical trial2022n=535
The COSMOS RCT of 535 older adults found daily multivitamin supplementation did not significantly reduce cancer or cardiovascular disease incidence versus placebo.
- Effect
- No Benefit
- Population
- Adults
- Participants
- 535
- Ages
- ≥60
Open-labelCo-trimoxazole or multivitamin multimineral supplement for post-discharge outcomes after severe anaemia in African children: a randomised controlled trial2019
A randomized TRACT trial found multivitamin-multimineral supplementation did not significantly improve survival or reduce rehospitalization after severe pediatric anemia in Africa.
- Effect
- No Benefit
- Duration
- 3 months
- Population
- Children/adolescents
- Ages
- 2 months–12 years
MetaSupplemental Vitamins and Minerals for CVD Prevention and Treatment2018
A systematic review found moderate evidence for folic acid/B-vitamin cardiovascular benefits but no clear preventive benefit from calcium, vitamin D, multivitamins, or selenium on CVD or all-cause mortality.
- Effect
- No Benefit
MetaMultivitamin-multimineral supplementation and mortality: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials2013n=91,074
A meta-analysis of 91,074 participants across randomized trials found multivitamin-multimineral supplementation did not reduce overall mortality.
- Effect
- No Benefit
- Population
- Adults
- Participants
- 91,074
SeleniumView supplement →
Reconsider purchase·★★★★★
How we scored this▸
- Taking selenium supplements does not generally reduce the risk of death in most people.
- Studies show selenium alone or with other vitamins usually does not change overall mortality.
- But in groups with poor nutrition, taking selenium with other nutrients like zinc, vitamins C, E, and beta-carotene may help lower the risk of death, especially in men.
- Some research in people with low nutrient intake shows selenium combined with these vitamins can reduce deaths from stroke, cancer, and overall causes.
Browse 6 studies·2 meta-analyses
MetaDietary Supplements and Risk of Cause-Specific Death, Cardiovascular Disease, and Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Primary Prevention Trials2017n=287,304
A meta-analysis of 49 primary-prevention trials found vitamin E reduced cardiovascular mortality, folic acid reduced CVD risk, and most other supplements including selenium showed no clear mortality benefit.
- Effect
- No Benefit
- Participants
- 287,304
- Ages
- 18+
RCTCardiovascular mortality and N-terminal-proBNP reduced after combined selenium and coenzyme Q10 supplementation: a 5-year prospective randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial among elderly Swedish citizens2013n=443
In 443 elderly Swedes over 5 years, combined selenium and coenzyme Q10 for 4 years significantly reduced cardiovascular mortality versus placebo.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Duration
- 4 years
- Population
- Older adults
- Participants
- 443
- Ages
- 70–88
MetaSelenium supplementation for the primary prevention of cardiovascular disease2013n=19,715
A Cochrane review found insufficient evidence that selenium supplementation alone prevents cardiovascular disease in the general population.
- Effect
- No Benefit
- Population
- Adults
- Participants
- 19,715
MetaMortality in randomized trials of antioxidant supplements for primary and secondary prevention: systematic review and meta-analysis2007n=938
A meta-analysis of 68 antioxidant trials (232,606 participants) found no overall mortality benefit; high-bias trials suggested possible harm with beta-carotene, vitamin A, and vitamin E.
- Effect
- No Benefit
- Population
- Adults
- Participants
- 938
RCTThe SU.VI.MAX Study: a randomized, placebo-controlled trial of the health effects of antioxidant vitamins and minerals2004n=7,876
In 13,017 French adults followed 7.5 years, daily antioxidant vitamins plus 100 mcg selenium did not reduce total cancer or ischemic cardiovascular disease versus placebo.
- Effect
- No Benefit
- Dose
- 20 mg
- Population
- Adults
- Participants
- 7,876
- Ages
- 35–60
RCTDo nutritional supplements lower the risk of stroke or hypertension?1998n=29,584
In 29,584 adults in Linxian, China, beta-carotene, vitamin E, and selenium supplementation for 5 years modestly reduced total and stroke mortality but did not lower hypertension prevalence.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Duration
- 5 years
- Population
- Adults
- Participants
- 29,584
Vitamin AView supplement →
Reconsider purchase·★★★★★
How we scored this▸
- Giving vitamin A by mouth to children aged 6 months to 5 years who are at risk of vitamin A deficiency lowers the risk of death by about 12% to 26%.
- It helps prevent serious illnesses like diarrhea and measles, which can be deadly, and stops eye problems like night blindness.
- Most health experts, including the World Health Organization, recommend giving vitamin A supplements to children in areas where deficiency is common.
- Vitamin A does not seem to reduce death in newborns or healthy adults and could even increase risks in some adults.
Browse 9 studies·7 meta-analyses
MetaEffects of primary or secondary prevention with vitamin A supplementation on clinically important outcomes: a systematic review of randomised clinical trials with meta-analysis and trial sequential analysis2024n=880
A systematic review of 120 RCTs (1.67 million participants) found vitamin A did not reduce mortality in individually randomized trials (RR 0.99) but showed reduced mortality in cluster trials (RR 0.84, very low certainty).
- Effect
- No Benefit
- Population
- Adults
- Participants
- 880
- Ages
- 5–18
MetaVitamin A supplementation for preventing morbidity and mortality in children from six months to five years of age2022
A Cochrane meta-analysis of 47 trials (~1.22 million children ages 6–59 months) found vitamin A supplementation reduced all-cause mortality by 12% (RR 0.88, 95% CI 0.83–0.93) and diarrhoea mortality by 12% versus control.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Duration
- 6–59 months
- Population
- Children/adolescents
- Ages
- 6–59
Should universal distribution of high dose vitamin A to children cease?2018
An editorial asking whether universal high-dose vitamin A distribution to children should cease was identified, but the available abstract contained insufficient detail to report specific outcomes.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Population
- Children/adolescents
MetaVitamin A supplementation for preventing morbidity and mortality in children from six months to five years of age2017n=77,946
A 2017 Cochrane meta-analysis of 47 trials (~1.22 million children) found vitamin A reduced all-cause mortality by 12% (RR 0.88, 95% CI 0.83–0.93) and diarrhoea incidence (RR 0.85) in children ages 6–59 months.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Duration
- 6–59 months
- Population
- Children/adolescents
- Participants
- 77,946
- Ages
- 6–59
MetaMeta-regression analyses, meta-analyses, and trial sequential analyses of the effects of supplementation with beta-carotene, vitamin A, and vitamin E singly or in different combinations on all-cause mortality: do we have evidence for lack of harm?2013n=241,883
A meta-analysis of 53 low-bias trials (241,883 adults) found beta-carotene above 9.6 mg/day increased mortality (RR 1.06) and vitamin E above 15 mg/day increased mortality (RR 1.03), while vitamin A above 800 µg showed no significant effect.
- Effect
- No Benefit
- Dose
- 9.6 mg/day
- Population
- Women
- Participants
- 241,883
- Ages
- 18–103
RCTVitamin A supplementation every 6 months with retinol in 1 million pre-school children in north India: DEVTA, a cluster-randomised trial2013n=2,584
The DEVTA cluster RCT in ~1 million Indian preschool children found 6-monthly vitamin A did not reduce mortality (RR 0.96, 95% CI 0.89–1.03), though pooled analysis with prior trials suggested an 11% mortality reduction.
- Effect
- No Benefit
- Duration
- 5 years
- Dose
- 200000 IU/day
- Population
- Children/adolescents
- Participants
- 2,584
- Ages
- 6–72
MetaAntioxidant supplements for prevention of mortality in healthy participants and patients with various diseases2012n=244,056
A meta-analysis of 78 antioxidant trials (296,707 participants) found no overall mortality effect (RR 1.02), but low-bias trials showed increased mortality with beta-carotene (RR 1.05) and vitamin E (RR 1.03).
- Effect
- No Benefit
- Population
- Women
- Participants
- 244,056
- Avg age
- ~63
MetaVitamin A supplements for preventing mortality, illness, and blindness in children aged under 5: systematic review and meta-analysis2011n=194,483
A meta-analysis of 43 trials found vitamin A supplementation in children under 5 reduced all-cause mortality by 24% (RR 0.76), diarrhoea mortality by 28%, and measles incidence (RR 0.50).
- Effect
- Benefit
- Population
- Children/adolescents
- Participants
- 194,483
- Ages
- 6 months–5 years
MetaMortality in randomized trials of antioxidant supplements for primary and secondary prevention: systematic review and meta-analysis2007n=938
A meta-analysis of 68 antioxidant trials (232,606 participants) found no overall mortality benefit; high-bias trials suggested possible harm with beta-carotene, vitamin A, and vitamin E.
- Effect
- No Benefit
- Population
- Adults
- Participants
- 938
Vitamin B9 (Folate)View supplement →
Reconsider purchase·★★★★★
How we scored this▸
- It is not clear whether taking folic acid by mouth reduces the risk of death from any cause.
- Research in US adults suggests that people who eat the most folic acid have a lower risk of dying from any cause and especially from heart disease compared to those who eat the least.
- However, clinical trials that give folic acid as a supplement have shown mixed results.
- More research is needed.
Browse 1 study
ObservationalIntakes of Folate, Vitamin B6, and Vitamin B12 in Relation to All-Cause and Cause-Specific Mortality: A National Population-Based Cohort2022n=55,569
An observational study of 55569 adults found that higher dietary intakes of folate and vitamin B6 were significantly associated with lower all-cause and cardiovascular mortality.
- Population
- Adults
- Participants
- 55,569
- Ages
- 20+
Vitamin CView supplement →
Reconsider purchase·★★★★★
How we scored this▸
- Taking vitamin C supplements does not help people live longer.
- Although people who eat more vitamin C-rich foods tend to have a lower risk of dying from any cause, studies show that taking vitamin C supplements doesn’t reduce the risk of death.
Browse 6 studies·3 meta-analyses
MetaAssociation of Oral or Intravenous Vitamin C Supplementation with Mortality: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis2023n=26,540
A meta-analysis of 44 RCTs (26,540 participants) found vitamin C reduced sepsis mortality 26% but overall mortality benefit was not confirmed by sequential trial analysis.
- Effect
- No Benefit
- Population
- Adults
- Participants
- 26,540
- Ages
- 18+
MetaDietary intake and blood concentrations of antioxidants and the risk of cardiovascular disease, total cancer, and all-cause mortality: a systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of prospective studies2018n=14
A dose-response meta-analysis of 69 prospective studies found higher dietary vitamin C intake and blood levels associated with lower cardiovascular disease, cancer, and all-cause mortality.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Participants
- 14
MetaAntioxidant supplements for prevention of mortality in healthy participants and patients with various diseases2012n=244,056
A meta-analysis of 78 antioxidant trials (296,707 participants) found no overall mortality effect (RR 1.02), but low-bias trials showed increased mortality with beta-carotene (RR 1.05) and vitamin E (RR 1.03).
- Effect
- No Benefit
- Population
- Women
- Participants
- 244,056
- Avg age
- ~63
RCTThe SU.VI.MAX Study: a randomized, placebo-controlled trial of the health effects of antioxidant vitamins and minerals2004n=7,876
In 13,017 French adults followed 7.5 years, daily antioxidant vitamins plus 100 mcg selenium did not reduce total cancer or ischemic cardiovascular disease versus placebo.
- Effect
- No Benefit
- Dose
- 20 mg
- Population
- Adults
- Participants
- 7,876
- Ages
- 35–60
RCTThe MRC/BHF Heart Protection Study: preliminary results2002n=20,500
The Heart Protection Study in 20,500 high-risk adults found simvastatin reduced vascular events but a cocktail of 650 mg vitamin E, 250 mg vitamin C, and 20 mg beta-carotene showed no benefit.
- Effect
- No Benefit
- Duration
- 5 years
- Dose
- 650 mg vitamin E + 250 mg vitamin C + 20 mg beta-carotene/day
- Population
- Women
- Participants
- 20,500
ObservationalRelation between plasma ascorbic acid and mortality in men and women in EPIC-Norfolk prospective study: a prospective population study. European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition2001n=496
In 19,496 adults followed 4 years in EPIC-Norfolk, higher plasma ascorbic acid was associated with ~20% lower all-cause and cardiovascular mortality per 20 µmol/L rise.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Duration
- 4 years
- Dose
- 50 g/day
- Population
- Adults
- Participants
- 496
- Ages
- 45–79
Vitamin EView supplement →
Reconsider purchase·★★★★★
How we scored this▸
- Taking vitamin E supplements does not lower the risk of dying from any cause and may increase risk.
- Some studies suggest eating more vitamin E in foods may help, but most research on vitamin E supplements shows no benefit.
- In reality, the best studies found a small increase in risk of death with vitamin E supplements.
Browse 4 studies·3 meta-analyses
ObservationalDietary Antioxidant Micronutrients and All-Cause Mortality: The Japan Collaborative Cohort Study for Evaluation of Cancer Risk2018n=35,539
A cohort of 35,539 Japanese adults found higher dietary vitamin C and E intake associated with lower all-cause mortality over long follow-up.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Population
- Adults
- Participants
- 35,539
- Ages
- 40–79
MetaAntioxidant supplements for prevention of mortality in healthy participants and patients with various diseases2012n=244,056
A meta-analysis of 78 antioxidant trials (296,707 participants) found no overall mortality effect (RR 1.02), but low-bias trials showed increased mortality with beta-carotene (RR 1.05) and vitamin E (RR 1.03).
- Effect
- No Benefit
- Population
- Women
- Participants
- 244,056
- Avg age
- ~63
MetaVitamin E and all-cause mortality: a meta-analysis2011n=57
A meta-analysis found high-dose vitamin E supplementation (≥400 IU/day) associated with increased all-cause mortality versus control.
- Effect
- No Benefit
- Dose
- 400 IU/day
- Population
- Adults
- Participants
- 57
MetaBayesian model averaging in meta-analysis: vitamin E supplementation and mortality2009
A Bayesian meta-analysis found vitamin E supplementation effects on mortality sensitive to statistical model choice, with high-dose trials showing increased mortality.
- Effect
- No Benefit
- Population
- Women
- Ages
- 18+
Vitamin KView supplement →
Reconsider purchase·★★★★★
How we scored this▸
- It is not clear if eating more vitamin K lowers the chance of death from any cause.
- Studies show that people with low blood vitamin K levels—about half the recommended intake—have a 19% higher risk of dying compared to those with higher levels.
- In a group of middle-aged adults in Denmark, people who ate the most vitamin K1 over many years had lower chances of dying from any cause, heart disease, and cancer (in smokers).
- But eating more than 100 micrograms daily did not provide added benefits.
Browse 3 studies·2 meta-analyses
ObservationalAssociation between vitamin K1 intake and mortality in the Danish Diet, Cancer, and Health cohort2021n=56,048
In an observational study of 56,048 participants, 192 µg/day, for 23 years, a moderate to high (87-192 µg/d) intake of vitamin K 1 was associated with a lower risk of all-cause [HR (95%CI) for quintile 5 vs quintile 1: 0.76 (0.72, 0.79)], cardiovascular disease (CVD)-related [quintile 5 vs quintile 1: 0.72 (0.66, 0.79)], and...
- Effect
- Benefit
- Duration
- 23 years
- Dose
- 192 mcg/day
- Population
- Adults
- Participants
- 56,048
- Ages
- 50–65
MetaVitamin K status, cardiovascular disease, and all-cause mortality: a participant-level meta-analysis of 3 US cohorts2020n=3,891
In a meta-analysis of 3,891 participants, the risk of CVD did not significantly differ according to circulating phylloquinone [fully adjusted HR (95% CI) relative to >1.0 nmol/L: ≤0.5 nmol/L, 1.12 (0.94, 1.33); >0.5-1.0 nmol/L, 1.02 (0.86, 1.20)].
- Effect
- No Benefit
- Population
- Women
- Participants
- 3,891
- Avg age
- ~65
MetaAssociation of vitamin K with cardiovascular events and all-cause mortality: a systematic review and meta-analysis2019n=222,592
In a meta-analysis of 222,592 participants, no significant association was observed between circulating total osteocalcin and all-cause mortality or total CVD.
- Participants
- 222,592
Evidence visualised
Same ratings as above, aggregated so you can see coverage and imbalance.
| Supplement | DEX | Studies | Meta-analyses | Share |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vitamin A | ★★★★★40% | 9 | 7 | 14% |
| Vitamin D | ★★★★★52% | 8 | 7 | 13% |
| Multivitamin | ★★★★★40% | 6 | 1 | 10% |
| Selenium | ★★★★★40% | 6 | 2 | 10% |
| Vitamin C | ★★★★★40% | 6 | 3 | 10% |
| Calcium | ★★★★★40% | 4 | 2 | 6% |
| Vitamin E | ★★★★★40% | 4 | 3 | 6% |
| Green Tea | ★★★★★52% | 3 | 1 | 5% |
| Nattokinase | ★★★★★52% | 3 | 1 | 5% |
| Olive Oil | ★★★★★52% | 3 | 1 | 5% |
| Vitamin K | ★★★★★40% | 3 | 2 | 5% |
| Potassium | ★★★★★64% | 2 | 1 | 3% |
| Alpha-Linolenic Acid | ★★★★★48% | 1 | 1 | 2% |
| Black Tea | ★★★★★40% | 1 | 0 | 2% |
| Branched Chain Amino Acids (BCAAs) | ★★★★★40% | 1 | 0 | 2% |
| Lycopene | ★★★★★40% | 1 | 0 | 2% |
| Red Yeast Rice | ★★★★★44% | 1 | 1 | 2% |
| Vitamin B9 (Folate) | ★★★★★40% | 1 | 0 | 2% |