Multivitamin-mineral supplementation prevents acute upper respiratory tract infections.

Background and objectives: Large-scale studies on the role of multivitamin-mineral (MVM) supplementation in preventing and managing acute respiratory infections (AURIs) are limited in Chinese populations. This study evaluated the impact of routine MVM use on AURI prevalence and symptom severity in a community-based Chinese cohort.

Methods and study design: This retrospective study was conducted among community-based populations across China (n=3,415). Using a structured questionnaire, participants self-reported epi-sodes of AURIs over three months. Based on regular use of MVM for at least 3 months, eligible participants were categorized into the MVM group and the control group. The impact of MVM on the frequency and severity of AURIs was assessed. Rigorous methodological approaches were applied to minimize potential biases.

Results: The period prevalence of AURIs was significantly lower in the MVM group (29.9%) compared to controls (45.6%), odds ratio (OR) =0.508 (p<0.001). After propensity score matching, demographic and lifestyle factors were comparable between groups. The period prevalence of AURIs was 31.7% and 44.8% in the MVM and control groups (OR=0.572, p<0.001). Subgroup analysis indicated the protective effect of MVM supplementation was particularly significant among participants aged ≥45 years (OR=0.407, p<0.001). The MVM group reported lower prevalence of nasal congestion (OR=0.624, p<0.001), sore throat (OR=0.575, p<0.001), headache (OR=0.642, p<0.001), diarrhea (OR=0.718, 0.026), sneezing (OR=0.651, p=0.002), and fatigue (OR=0.694, p=0.004) relative to the control group.

Conclusions: Daily MVM supplementation for at least 3 months reduced the period prevalence of the common cold and influenza and may contribute to enhanced immune resilience in the Chinese population.