Scientists Discover Supplement That May Slow Aging
Despite around 75% of Americans taking supplements regularly, there’s ongoing debate about their real benefits. Recent research suggests that one particular supplement might help slow aging and possibly extend lifespan.
The study, published in Nature Medicine, examined how multivitamins affected older adults, linking their use to a few extra months of life. Researchers utilized data from the COcoa Supplement Multivitamin Outcomes Study (COSMOS), focusing on DNA methylation—an indicator of biological aging—from blood samples of 958 healthy participants, averaging 70 years old.
Participants were assigned randomly to various groups: daily cocoa extract and a multivitamin, daily cocoa with placebo, multivitamin with placebo, or two placebos. Over the course of two years, researchers monitored changes in five different epigenetic clocks, which measure biological age using specific biological markers.
Data analysis revealed that those taking multivitamins showed slower aging based on these epigenetic measurements, indicating around four months less biological aging over the study’s duration. Interestingly, participants who started the study biologically older than their actual age benefitted the most.
However, it’s worth noting that the study received partial funding from Mars Edge, dedicated to nutrition research, and Pfizer Consumer Healthcare (which is now Haleon) contributed the pills and packaging. Yet, neither company played a role in study design, analysis, or publishing.
Expert Opinions
Scott Keatley, R.D., co-owner of Keatley Medical Nutrition Therapy, explains that nutrition is key. “Filling gaps is a big part of how a multivitamin may help you,” he notes. This study found that daily multivitamins raised blood levels of carotenoids and vitamin E—antioxidants essential for cellular health. These improvements were evident from the first year and remained stable into the second.
Jessica Cording, R.D., author of The Little Book of Game-Changers, supports this view. “When we cover our nutritional bases—either through supplements or proper nutrition—it promotes efficient mitochondrial functioning. That’s crucial for aging,” she explains, while also emphasizing that older adults are more prone to nutrient deficiencies.
It’s important to highlight that research hasn’t conclusively shown that multivitamins lead to longer life. A 2024 JAMA Network Open study following nearly 400,000 healthy adults for over 20 years found no correlation between regular multivitamin use and reduced early death risk.
Can a Balanced Diet Provide Similar Benefits?
This specific study didn’t explore whether a balanced diet could yield the same results, but it’s a possibility. Sidong Li, M.D., lead author of the study, stresses the importance of a healthy diet for promoting optimal aging. “Prioritizing balanced and nutritious meals is essential,” he shares.
Eric Ascher, D.O., a family medicine physician, concurs, recommending fresh fruits and vegetables over multivitamins. He notes that supplements lack strong FDA regulation, raising doubts about their actual contents. Keatley adds that a well-rounded diet can supply necessary nutrients without the need for pills. Yet, many people struggle to follow such diets, as evidenced by the placebo group which didn’t achieve biological aging improvements during the trial.
Who Might Benefit from Taking a Multivitamin?
While multivitamins aren’t crucial for everyone, Cording points out that certain groups might find them beneficial:
- Individuals with higher nutrient requirements
- People with multiple food sensitivities
As Cording notes, it’s not unusual to require supplements as one ages.
Potential Drawbacks of Multivitamins
Taking a multivitamin daily can get pricey, and there’s no guarantee that the product matches its label claims.
Moreover, relying on a multivitamin may lead to a false sense of security, where individuals might neglect improving their overall diet. Keatley emphasizes that a supplement cannot replicate the wide array of nutrients found in whole foods.
There are also side effects; some may experience digestive issues if taken on an empty stomach. Cording warns against combining multiple supplements due to the risk of overdosing on certain nutrients.
Experts agree that further research is needed on the health implications of multivitamins. For now, Keatley advises viewing them as a sort of insurance policy—particularly valuable when dietary gaps are significant.
Dietary supplements are not medications and shouldn’t be used to treat, diagnose, prevent, or cure diseases. Caution is advised for pregnant or nursing individuals and when administering to children unless guided by a healthcare provider.
