Supplement Found to Slow Aging, Say Scientists

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Despite the fact that approximately 75% of Americans regularly take dietary supplements, there remains considerable debate about their effectiveness. Recent studies suggest that one specific supplement may actually help slow the aging process and potentially extend lifespan.

A study detailed in the journal Nature Medicine, examined the effects of multivitamin supplementation among older adults, showing a correlation with extending life by several months. Researchers sourced their data from the COcoa Supplement Multivitamin Outcomes Study (COSMOS), analyzing DNA methylation—a marker of biological aging—from blood samples of 958 healthy participants averaging 70 years old.

Participants were randomized into four groups: one received a daily multivitamin with cocoa extract, another had cocoa extract with a placebo, the third took a multivitamin paired with a placebo, and the last group received two placebos. Throughout the two-year study, samples were examined for changes across five different epigenetic clocks, tools used to assess biological age.

Upon analyzing the results, researchers found that those taking the multivitamin exhibited slower biological aging, as evidenced by measurements from the five epigenetic clocks, which indicated roughly four months less biological aging over the two-year duration. Notably, individuals who initially showed biological ages exceeding their chronological years benefited the most from the supplement.

It is crucial to note that the study received partial funding from Mars Edge, a nutrition-focused segment of Mars, and Pfizer Consumer Healthcare (now Haleon) contributed the pills and packaging. However, these companies did not influence the study’s design, data analysis, or the final published results.

Meet the experts: Scott Keatley, R.D., co-owner of Keatley Medical Nutrition Therapy; Jessica Cording, R.D., author of The Little Book of Game-Changers; Eric Ascher, D.O., family medicine physician at Northwell’s Lenox Hill Hospital; and Sidong Li, M.D., lead study author and research fellow at Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School.

The cost of daily multivitamins can be significant, and the benefits of supplement use have been mixed, which raises questions about whether such a health strategy is worthwhile. Here’s what experts advise to consider.

Why might taking a multivitamin slow biological aging?

According to Scott Keatley, R.D., observed benefits may stem from nutritional support. He explains, “Addressing nutritional gaps is a significant way in which a multivitamin could be beneficial.”

In this specific research, the use of a daily multivitamin markedly increased the levels of carotenoids and vitamin E in participants’ blood. “These powerful antioxidants are essential in combatting cellular aging,” Keatley states. “The enhancements were observed after the first year and remained stable into the second year, indicating ongoing and meaningful nutritional support.”

Jessica Cording, R.D confirms this perspective, stating, “When we ensure our nutritional needs are met—either through supplements or a balanced diet—we enhance mitochondrial efficiency, a crucial aspect of aging. This also helps mitigate deficiencies that could hinder immune response and other aging-related processes.”

Cording highlights that the study targeted older adults, a demographic more susceptible to nutrient deficiencies. “That is a population that is more prone to nutrient deficiencies,” she indicates.

Importantly, research has not definitively established that taking a multivitamin will increase lifespan. A 2024 JAMA Network Open analysis evaluated nearly 400,000 healthy American adults over more than 20 years, finding no connection between regular multivitamin use and a reduced risk of early death.

Can you achieve the same benefits from a balanced diet?

The study didn’t specifically address this question, but the possibility exists, as suggested by Sidong Li, M.D.. He states, “A balanced and nutritious diet should always be the top priority for fostering healthy aging and enhancing quality of life.”

Eric Ascher, D.O.,, a family medicine physician at Northwell’s Lenox Hill Hospital, concurs. “I advise my patients to prioritize fresh fruits and vegetables and maintain a well-rounded diet instead of relying on multivitamins,” he asserts. (Dr. Ascher also emphasizes that dietary supplements lack rigorous FDA regulation, raising concerns about product contents.)

Keatley advocates for a food-first strategy as well. “A genuinely comprehensive diet—rich in tomatoes, leafy greens, colorful vegetables, nuts, and seeds—provides these nutrients naturally without the need for pills,” he argues. “The challenge lies in the fact that many individuals do not follow such a diet.” (He notes that the placebo group in the study likely consisted of health-conscious individuals who did not exhibit improvements in biological aging during the trial.)

Who may benefit from multivitamins?

While not everyone requires multivitamins for optimal health, Cording identifies certain groups that could find them beneficial:

• Individuals with increased nutrient requirements.

• Those with multiple food sensitivities.

“It’s not uncommon to need a supplement as you grow older,” notes Cording.

Are there any downsides to taking multivitamins?

Daily multivitamins can become a financial burden and, once again, there’s no assurance of their label accuracy.

Moreover, individuals consuming multivitamins might develop a sense of “false security,” suggesting they are meeting all their nutritional needs, warns Keatley. “Those who feel safeguarded by a pill often show less incentive to refine their actual eating habits, missing out on essential fiber, phytonutrients, proteins, and the food synergies that no supplement can duplicate,” he explains.

Cording adds that multivitamins can cause digestive discomfort if taken on an empty stomach. “If you are combining multivitamins with other supplements, there is a risk of exceeding recommended nutrient levels,” she mentions.

Experts agree that further research into the health impact of daily multivitamin use is essential. Currently, Keatley suggests viewing this supplement as a form of insurance. “It’s most beneficial when the gap between your nutritional intake and requirements is largest,” he advises.

Dietary supplements are intended to enhance the diet. They are not medicines and are not designed to treat, diagnose, prevent, or cure diseases. Exercise caution while taking dietary supplements if pregnant or breastfeeding, and consult a healthcare provider before giving them to children.

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