Multivitamin Supplementation Linked to Modest Slowdown in Biological Aging

A new study published in the journal Nature Medicine indicates that daily multivitamin supplementation may modestly slow specific markers of biological aging in older adults. The research, part of the COcoa Supplement and Multivitamin Outcomes Study (COSMOS), found that participants taking a daily multivitamin experienced a slight reduction in their biological age compared to their chronological age.

Study Design and Methodology

The randomized controlled trial involved nearly 1,000 participants over two years. Specifically, 958 healthy older adults, men aged 60 and older and women aged 65 and older, with an average chronological age of 70, were included.

Participants were divided into four groups, receiving daily pills of either:

Cocoa extract and a multivitamin
A multivitamin alone
Cocoa extract alone
Placebos

Blood samples were collected at the study's commencement and after 12 and 24 months. Biological aging was assessed using five epigenetic clocks, which analyze DNA methylation patterns—molecular tags on DNA that change predictably with age. These biomarkers estimate the body's wear and tear at a cellular level, distinct from chronological age. The multivitamin used in the study was a standard multivitamin-multimineral, identified as Centrum Silver or Centrum in some reports.

Key Findings

Compared to the placebo group, participants who took a daily multivitamin showed a modest slowdown in biological aging for two of the five epigenetic clocks: PCGrimAge and PCPhenoAge. This slowdown equated to approximately four months less biological aging over the two-year period, meaning their cellular aging progressed by approximately 20 months over 24 months.

Specifically:

The multivitamin group showed a slowing of about 1.4 months on the PCGrimAge clock.
They also showed about 2.6 months on the PCPhenoAge clock.

The observed effect was more pronounced in individuals who displayed signs of accelerated biological aging at the study's onset, suggesting a potential benefit for those with greater initial nutritional deficits. Conversely, daily cocoa extract consumption did not demonstrate an effect on any of the five biological aging measures.

Daily multivitamin supplementation was associated with a modest slowdown in biological aging, equivalent to approximately four months less aging over a two-year period.

Expert Perspectives and Limitations

While the findings suggest a potential benefit, experts have largely characterized the observed effect as modest or minimal. Daniel Belsky, an associate professor of epidemiology at Columbia University, noted the findings contribute to understanding biological aging but cautioned that epigenetic clocks can show temporary accelerations that may not reflect long-term aging biology. Dr. Marco Di Antonio of Imperial College London stated that the connection between these epigenetic clocks and practical aspects of aging remains undefined.

Researchers and independent experts emphasized several limitations and areas for further investigation:

Clinical Relevance: The direct clinical relevance of a four-month slowdown in biological aging over two years regarding tangible improvements in overall health or lifespan is not yet established.
Mechanism: The specific vitamin or mineral responsible for the observed changes within the multivitamin was not identified.
Participant Diversity: The study's participants were mostly white and healthy, limiting the generalizability of the findings to more diverse populations or those with pre-existing conditions.
Long-term Effects: Further long-term studies with larger sample sizes are needed to ascertain definitive clinical benefits and understand the sustained impact of multivitamin use on aging.

Senior author Howard Sesso, an epidemiologist at Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, stated that the results offer initial insights rather than a universal recommendation. He noted that the research focuses on methods for living better, though not necessarily extending lifespan, and advised consulting a healthcare provider regarding multivitamin use.

Funding and Context

The study received funding from the US National Institutes of Health. Multivitamins for the study were provided by Haleon (formerly Pfizer Consumer Healthcare) and Centrum, at no cost. Mars Inc. provided cocoa extract. Some study authors, including Howard Sesso, received funding from these companies, although they did not contribute to the research design. The research was conducted at independent universities.

Previous research cited in the articles has indicated slight improvements in memory test scores and a minor reduction in cancer and cataract risk for older adults taking daily multivitamins, though these are not direct findings of the current biological aging study.

Nutritional Considerations and Recommendations

Several experts, including registered dietitians, stressed that healthy aging is multifaceted and not solely dependent on supplements. They advocate for a "food first, supplements second, as necessary" approach, emphasizing that multivitamins cannot fully replicate the comprehensive benefits of whole foods, which provide nutrients, fiber, and bioactive compounds.

Key recommendations for healthy aging include:

Prioritizing a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and fish, such as those found in Mediterranean, DASH, or MIND diets.
Utilizing multivitamins to address potential nutrient gaps, particularly for older adults who may have unique nutritional challenges or difficulties absorbing certain nutrients like vitamin B12, vitamin D, and calcium.
When choosing a multivitamin, look for quality and transparency, selecting brands that undergo third-party testing (e.g., USP, NSF, ConsumerLab) to ensure ingredient quality and purity.
Avoiding products with unsubstantiated health claims or "megadoses."

Experts generally advise against immediate changes to supplement routines based solely on these findings and recommend that any decision to take supplements be made in consultation with a healthcare professional.