In a nutshell
This study looked at whether taking multivitamins was protective against different types of stroke. The results suggest that regular multivitamin use and high fruit and vegetable intake lead to a reduced risk of ischemic stroke.
Some background
Studies describing the benefits of multivitamins are controversial. Some studies suggest multivitamins lead to a lower risk of cardiovascular disease. Others say they lead to a higher risk of cancer. It has been shown that people who consume a lot of fruit and vegetables, rich in vitamins and anti-oxidants, have a reduced risk of stroke. Whether artificial multivitamin use is also beneficial for stroke prevention is unknown.
Methods & findings
A database with information on 72180 people without cancer or cardiovascular disease was used for this study. People underwent follow-ups for roughly 19 years. 13.1% of these people took multivitamins.
In total, 2087 patients died from stroke. 1148 of these were ischemic stroke (blocked artery stopping blood flow to the brain) and 877 were hemorrhagic stroke (burst blood vessel). 62 were unidentified.
Overall, multivitamin use was associated with a 13% decrease in the risk of death from stroke. This was only true for ischemic stroke however. There was no protective benefit from hemorrhagic stroke.
Furthermore, people who took regular multivitamins and had a low intake of fruit or vegetables (less than 3 a day) had a 33% decrease in the risk of death from ischemic stroke compared to people who did not use multivitamins.
The bottom line
The authors concluded that regular multivitamin use was associated with a reduced risk of ischemic stroke mortality for people who have a low intake of fruit and vegetables.
The fine print
This study was carried out using data that is now more than ten years old, and therefore may need to be updated.
What’s next?
Before starting any type of supplement, discuss the options with your doctor.
Published By :
Stroke
Date :
Mar 31, 2015
