Daily Multivitamin May Slow Aging, Study Finds

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Recent research published in Nature Medicine suggests that regular consumption of multivitamins may help decelerate biological aging—the process concerning how our bodies age internally. The study leveraged data from the Cocoa Supplement Multivitamins Outcomes Study (COSMOS), a substantial randomized trial investigating the potential benefits of multivitamin-multimineral supplements and cocoa flavanols on various age-related conditions among older adults.

In their investigation, the researchers specifically focused on blood tests from participants who consumed multivitamins, as cocoa flavanols did not seem to influence biological aging.

After observing older adults aged 60 and above for a period of two years, the findings revealed that those who took a daily multivitamin experienced a deceleration in biological aging equivalent to about four months. Interestingly, participants who started the study with an accelerated biological age enjoyed even more pronounced benefits.

“Our research group tested whether individuals randomized to take a typical daily multivitamin versus a placebo showed improvements in various aging-related outcomes. What we discovered is that taking a daily multivitamin could be a viable option for slowing biological aging,” explained senior study author Howard D. Sesso, ScD, MPH, who is the associate director of the Division of Preventive Medicine at Mass General Brigham in Boston, MA.

Aging Is More Than Just a Number

While you may appear youthful on the outside, the internal reality may tell a different story. Chronological age simply counts the years you have lived, whereas biological aging assesses how your body ages at a cellular level.

This concept is tied to individual epigenetic clocks, which estimate internal aging based on modifications in your DNA. As we age, our DNA undergoes changes through a process called DNA methylation, affecting how we naturally age.

Epigenetic clocks monitor specific DNA methylation sites, helping to track the rate of biological aging. “These sites in our DNA are responsible for efficiently managing bodily functions,” Sesso notes. “As individuals grow older, some of these sites may turn ‘off,’ impacting the aging process.”

These alterations in DNA methylation sites, particularly in defined epigenetic clocks, can signal unfavorable aging outcomes. Sesso highlights, “There are disease-specific epigenetic clocks linked to accelerated aging and increased risks of morbidity and mortality.”

What the Study Found

Sesso and his team analyzed data from the COSMOS trial, 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 primary objective was to examine the daily intake of a Centrum Silver supplement on five DNA methylation markers associated with biological aging. “These five clocks are commonly utilized to summarize our varied aging processes,” Sesso stated.

Changes in blood samples were evaluated after one year and two years. Compared to the placebo group, individuals taking the multivitamin exhibited a slowdown across all five epigenetic clocks, particularly in two clocks that predict mortality. In terms of time, those on multivitamins experienced a rate of increase in epigenetic clocks reduced by about 1.5 to 2 months per year, relative to the placebo group.

The exact mechanism behind this effect remains somewhat unclear, but one plausible explanation is the comprehensive daily nutrients derived from a single supplement. There’s a possibility that the combination of these nutrients contributes to the observed benefits, as Sesso elaborates: “A daily multivitamin is distinctive in that it encompasses essential vitamins and minerals, along with additional bioactive compounds for optimal nutrient interaction.”

While obtaining daily nutrients through a varied and wholesome diet is ideal, particularly including adequate amounts of lean proteins and colorful fruits and vegetables, a multivitamin can fill in nutritional gaps when dietary restrictions exist.

The Takeaway

The study indicates that a multivitamin may slow biological aging, which could elucidate why daily multivitamin intake has been associated with reduced risks of conditions such as lung cancer and cognitive decline, particularly as these issues predominantly affect those aged 65 and older.

While these findings are certainly encouraging, Sesso asserts that further research is necessary to unpack the exact role multivitamins play in delaying biological aging. In the meantime, integrating a multivitamin into your daily routine can be an easy and low-risk option for most individuals. “It’s a safe, cost-effective supplement that could aid in slowing down the aging process,” he affirms.

However, it’s essential to remember that multivitamins should not replace a healthy lifestyle. “Focusing on a nutritious diet, ensuring quality sleep, and maintaining physical and social activity is crucial,” Sesso emphasizes. “A multivitamin can complement these foundational habits but shouldn’t serve as a substitute.”

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