LOS ANGELES (KABC) — With a focus on diet, exercise, and mental engagement, many are exploring additional methods to slow the aging process. But what else can help?
“Now we’ll add a multivitamin,” stated culinary medicine expert Dr. Terry Simpson from Dignity Health St. John’s Regional Medical Center.
For years, experts have expressed skepticism about the effectiveness of multivitamins containing essential vitamins A, C, D, E, and B, along with minerals such as zinc, selenium, and calcium. However, recent research is shifting this perspective.
“While multivitamins aren’t a cure-all, they may serve as a straightforward approach to promote healthy aging,” he noted.
A two-year study published in Nature Medicine found that taking a daily multivitamin appeared to reduce biological age by over two years when compared to chronological age. Nearly 1,000 older adults participated in this trial, using Centrum Silver.
Biological age is determined by surrogate markers in DNA, indicating that participants’ DNA showed less aging. This is an important measurement that should not be overlooked.
On a cellular level, this anti-aging effect translated to a reduction in biological aging of approximately 2.7 to 5.1 months after two years of multivitamin use.
“As people reach the age of 60 or 65, they should consider incorporating a multivitamin into their daily routine, in addition to maintaining a healthy diet and regular exercise,” Simpson advised.
While Centrum Silver was used in the trial, Simpson suggests that other similar products should yield comparable benefits. It’s essential to choose a multivitamin that works well for you, as different brands may contain various fillers.
However, a daily multivitamin is just one component of a holistic approach to healthy aging.
“Continuing to follow a balanced diet—such as the Mediterranean or DASH diets, rich in fruits, vegetables, and fish—is crucial. A multivitamin can serve as a supplement for extra assurance in maintaining health,” he added.
Simpson emphasized that while multivitamins are a convenient and affordable option, they are not a solution for reversing Alzheimer’s or cognitive decline. Those who stand to gain the most from multivitamins include older adults with cardiovascular conditions, nutritional deficiencies, and those experiencing accelerated biological aging.
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