Multivitamins do not protect against heart attacks, a major study has found.

Researchers analysed the results of studies and clinical trials undertaken since 1970, involving more than two million people.

Overall, they found “no association” between taking multivitamin and mineral supplements and the development of cardiovascular disease, coronary heart disease or strokes and their related deaths.

Joonseok Kim from the University of Alabama’s department of medicine, who led the study, said: "We meticulously evaluated the body of scientific evidence.

“We found no clinical benefit of multivitamin and mineral use to prevent heart attacks, strokes or cardiovascular death."

The study also found that there was no cardiovascular benefit to taking a “therapeutic” supplement of a vitamin due to deficiency, such as vitamin D.