Impact of Multivitamins on Biological Aging
Recent research indicates that taking a daily multivitamin for two years might slow some markers of biological aging. This finding emerges from a study involving over 900 healthy participants, with an average age of about 70. Participants were divided into four groups: those receiving a multivitamin and cocoa extract, those receiving cocoa extract and a placebo, those receiving a multivitamin and a placebo, and two groups receiving placebos.
Results showed that individuals who took a daily multivitamin exhibited a slowdown in biological aging for two of five epigenetic clocks. This slowdown equated to roughly four months less biological aging over the study’s duration. However, several large trials have previously failed to demonstrate meaningful mortality reduction from standard multivitamin supplementation in well-nourished populations.
The study, published in the journal Nature Medicine, received a grant from Mars Edge, which included the donation of multivitamins for research purposes. Despite the findings, experts remain skeptical about the necessity of multivitamins. Dr. Dorsa Jalaei stated, “The honest answer, supported by the weight of current evidence, is, for most healthy adults eating a reasonably varied diet, no.”
Furthermore, Professor Pilar Guallar Castillón advised, “My personal advice is to stop taking multivitamins, whether in pill or gummy form.” This skepticism is echoed by the fact that 41 percent of people who take supplements opt for multivitamins, according to research from the Food Standards Agency.
Experts believe that while the study suggests multivitamins may slow biological aging, they do not address the root causes of biological age acceleration. Dr. Howard Sesso noted, “This study opens the door to learning more about accessible, safe interventions that contribute to healthier, higher-quality ageing.” However, the magnitude of the effect observed is described as extremely small, and the results were not consistent across all aging measures tested, as highlighted by Professor Luigi Fontana.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding the long-term effects of multivitamin supplementation on biological aging. The study’s findings are not consistent across all aging measures tested, leaving room for further inquiry into the actual benefits of multivitamins.
