Yes they are, according to an editorial in the recent publication of the “Annals of Internal Medicine.” You can read a summary of that article here, but basically, there have been three studies done that have not shown any beneficial effects of multivitamins on preventing heart disease or cancer, nor did those taking long-term multivitamins show any preservation of brain function in the elderly.

Of course supplements are necessary in patients with diseases that cause deficiencies, but for the general public, looks like your money can be better used elsewhere (perhaps in buying more fruits and vegetables?). Next time your relatives from overseas ask you to take home a luggage-load of some American-grade multivitamins, tell them they can put that money in a red pocket to give to you instead.