Daily Multivitamin May Slow Aging, Study Finds

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New research published in Nature Medicine has revealed that taking a daily multivitamin could potentially slow biological aging. This research was grounded in data from the Cocoa Supplement Multivitamins Outcomes Study (COSMOS), a comprehensive randomized trial investigating the effects of multivitamin and cocoa flavanol supplements on several chronic age-related conditions in older adults.

The study’s findings focused on the impact of multivitamins, as cocoa flavanols did not demonstrate any significant effects on biological aging. After tracking participants aged 60 and older over two years, scientists found that those who took a multivitamin daily experienced a deceleration in biological aging equivalent to roughly four months. Notably, individuals who began the study with a higher biological age gained even more benefits.

“Our research group sought to determine whether those assigned to take a standard daily multivitamin versus a placebo exhibited improvements in aging-related outcomes. Our findings suggest that a daily multivitamin may serve as an effective intervention to slow down the biological aging process,” explains senior study author Howard D. Sesso, ScD, MPH, who is an associate director at the Division of Preventive Medicine in the Mass General Brigham Department of Medicine in Boston, MA.

Aging is More Than Just a Number

While you might not appear your age externally, the internal reality can tell a different story. Your chronological age reflects the number of years you’ve lived, while biological aging assesses how your body ages at a cellular level.

This distinction relies on epigenetic clocks, which estimate internal aging based on genetic changes. Throughout life, DNA undergoes chemical modifications, known as DNA methylation, that can influence aging. Epigenetic clocks monitor these DNA methylation changes, tracking the aging process.

“These specific areas in our DNA turn ‘on’ or ‘off’ to maintain bodily functions,” says Sesso. “As individuals age, some of these DNA methylation sites may deactivate, thereby affecting the aging process.”

Changes in these sites may point to negative outcomes. Sesso remarks, “Certain disease-specific epigenetic clocks are linked with accelerated aging and increased morbidity and mortality.”

What the Study Found

Sesso and his team scrutinized data from the COSMOS trial, particularly focusing on blood samples from 958 healthy participants with an average chronological age of 70. Participants either received a daily multivitamin or a placebo.

The research aimed to determine how a daily multivitamin—specifically, a Centrum Silver supplement—affected five DNA methylation markers related to biological aging. According to Sesso, “These five clocks are widely recognized as common indicators of various aging processes.”

Blood samples were assessed after one and two years. Compared to the placebo group, those taking the multivitamin exhibited slower aging across all five epigenetic clocks, with notable deceleration in two clocks predictive of mortality. In practical terms, the multivitamin group’s epigenetic clock rate of increase slowed by about 1.5 to two months per year compared to the placebo group.

While the precise mechanisms remain unclear, one theory is that a daily multivitamin provides comprehensive daily nutrients in a single dose. “The combination of these nutrients may drive the observed effects,” suggests Sesso. “A multivitamin can mimic the benefits of a balanced diet, potentially enhancing health span.”

Although acquiring essential nutrients from a diverse and wholesome diet is the ideal approach, Sesso notes that if that is not feasible, a multivitamin can help meet nutritional needs.

The Takeaway

“The research indicates that a multivitamin could slow biological aging, offering insights into mechanisms that could decrease the risk of lung cancer and cognitive decline in older adults,” Sesso points out. This is particularly significant given that lung cancer is predominantly diagnosed in individuals aged 65 and older, with some cognitive decline being a common aspect of aging.

While the study’s findings are promising, Sesso acknowledges that further research is necessary to fully understand the exact role of multivitamins in delaying biological aging. In the interim, incorporating a multivitamin poses minimal risk and can be a cost-effective strategy to support the aging process. “It’s a safe and low-risk option that might contribute to slowing down aging,” Sesso adds.

However, it is crucial to remember that a multivitamin should not be the sole strategy for maintaining health. “Prioritizing a nutritious diet, ensuring quality sleep, and staying physically and socially active are vital,” Sesso emphasizes. “A multivitamin can enhance your daily routine, but it should not replace essential lifestyle practices.”