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USPSTF 2022 recommends against beta-carotene or vitamin E to prevent cardiovascular disease or cancer
Clinical Question
Should primary care clinicians recommend vitamin supplementation for the prevention of cardiovascular disease or cancer?
Bottom line
In this updated review, the USPSTF recommends against the use of beta-carotene or vitamin E supplements for the prevention of CVD or cancer (D recommendation). The task force also concludes that the evidence is insufficient to assess the balance of benefits and harms of the use of multivitamin supplements or single- or paired-nutrient supplements (other than beta carotene and vitamin E; I statement). These recommendations do not apply to children, to persons who are pregnant or may become pregnant, or to those with a known nutritional deficiency. These recommendations are consistent with the 2014 USPSTF recommendations on vitamin use. 1a
Reference
Study design: Practice guideline
Funding: Foundation
Setting: Population-based
Synopsis
The US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) found adequate evidence, including evidence from multiple randomized trials, that supplementation with beta-carotene or vitamin E provides no benefit in preventing cardiovascular disease (CVD) or cancer. In addition, beta-carotene supplementation increases the risk of lung cancer in persons at increased risk; vitamin E causes, at most, small harms. The task force recommends against the use of both beta-carotene and vitamin E (D recommendation). The task force found inadequate evidence on the benefits of supplementation with multivitamins or single- or paired-nutrient supplements (other than beta-carotene and vitamin E) to prevent CVD or cancer. The task force also found that the harms of supplementation with multivitamins or single- or-paired-nutrient vitamins are minimal, leading to an overall I statement. The American Heart Association recommends adequate nutrient intake through healthy foods rather than via supplements.
Reviewer
David C. Slawson, MD
Professor and Vice Chair of Family Medicine for Education and Scholarship
Atrium Health
Professor of Family Medicine, UNC Chapel Hill
Charlotte, NC
Comments
Any benefit from Vitamin D supplementation for adults in Can
I am uncertain about recommending Vitamin D to my patients.