Multivitamins and dietary supplements are a complete waste of money, according to the authors of a medical journal editorial who say their research shows that the substances did not have an effect on “all-cause-mortality, cardiovascular disease or cancer.”

The findings were presented in a medical journal editorial released by the Annals of Medicine titled, “Enough is Enough: Stop Wasting Money on Vitamin and Mineral Supplements.”

According to the research, the doctors say there’s enough evidence to advise against dietary supplementation. “The message is simple: Most supplements do not prevent chronic disease or death, their use is not justified, and they should be avoided. This message is especially true for the general population with no clear evidence of micronutrient deficiencies, who represent most supplement users in the United States and in other countries.”

Multivitamin Use in the U.S. is Common

A report on supplement use issued by the Center for Disease Control (CDC) shows that dietary supplement use in America is high. The CDC says that more than 40 percent of adults used one or more dietary supplement from 1988 to 1994 and that that number increased to more than 50 percent of adults using supplements between 2003 to 2006.

The researchers reviewed trial evidence in an effort to update the U.S. Preventative Task Force’s recommendations on the effectiveness of vitamin supplements in “community-dwelling adults with no nutritional deficiencies.” They reviewed 3 trials using multivitamins and 24 trials of single or paired vitamins, which brought the number to 400,000 participants.

The authors of the report end by writing, “In conclusion, β-carotene, vitamin E, and possibly high doses of vitamin A supplements are harmful. Other antioxidants, folic acid and B vitamins, and multivitamin and mineral supplements are ineffective for preventing mortality or morbidity due to major chronic diseases.”

However, not everyone agrees that multivitamins are useless.

In response to the editorial, Irvine Mason, board-certified neurologist disagreed vehemently, writing, “The authors purported their opinions as facts.”

Dr. Mason continues, referencing a 2012 American Medical Association (AMA) study which Dr. Mason said indicated that men taking Centrum silver multivitamin experienced reduced risk of cancer.

“If the authors are correct in their assumptions then every ophthalmologist in the free world who prescribes anti-oxidant vitamins with lutein to treat macular-degeneration is wrong,” Mason writes, continuing, “If the authors are correct then every OB/GYN in the free world who prescribe prenatal vitamins to prevent spina-bifida, meningomylocele and other neural-tube defects in the neonate are wrong. This regimen is factual and proven. If the authors are correct the the vast majority of urologists that prescribe time release vitamin C to their patients for recurrent UTI’s are wrong. This protocol obviates the need for chronic antibiotic use, which creates drug resisitant bacterial strains. Bacteria have a very difficult time living in a acid environment ergo the vitamin C.”

What does the U.S. Food and Drug Administration recommend when it comes to multivitamins or vitamin supplements?

Dr. Vasilios Frankos, Director of FDA’s Division of Dietary Supplement Programs urges consumers to be savvy.

“Check with your health care providers before combining or substituting them with other foods or medicines.” Frankos continues, “Do not self-diagnose any health condition. Work with your health care providers to determine how best to achieve optimal health.”

Frankos offers the following tips: think twice before following the latest headlines when it comes to multivitamins. More isn’t always better, some products are harmful when consumed in high amounts and learn to spot false claims.