A randomized, double-blind trial reported in Nature Medicine found that daily multivitamin use modestly slowed markers of biological aging in adults 60 and older. The study followed 958 participants for two years and assessed cellular aging with five established epigenetic “clocks.”
Study design and key findings
Participants were randomized into four 24-month treatment groups: multivitamin plus cocoa extract, multivitamin plus placebo, cocoa extract plus placebo, or two placebos. Compared with placebo, multivitamin use was associated with a small slowing of biological aging—about four months—on two of the five epigenetic clocks. In practical terms, some epigenetic measures indicated roughly 20 months of cellular aging during the 24-month trial for people taking a multivitamin, versus about 24 months by chronological time. The largest apparent benefit was seen in participants who entered the trial with evidence of accelerated biological aging. Cocoa extract showed no effect on the measured aging markers.
Funding and interpretation
The trial received partial funding and product support from Haleon (formerly Pfizer Consumer Healthcare) and Mars Inc.; those companies supplied the study multivitamins and cocoa extract, and two authors reported funding from them. Investigators state funders did not design the study. The authors emphasize that the observed effect size is modest and limited to biomarker changes—this is not direct evidence that multivitamins reduce heart attacks, cancers, or extend lifespan.
Practical considerations
– Multivitamin products vary in formulation and are not regulated as strictly as prescription drugs, so actual doses can differ from labels. Typical formulas include a range of vitamins and essential minerals, with specific formulations often targeted by age and sex.
– Supplements can interact with medications; they are intended to complement, not replace, a nutrient-rich diet.
– Older adults commonly face deficiencies in vitamin B12, vitamin D, and calcium and may have different nutrient needs despite lower calorie requirements. Protein intake and overall dietary quality remain important for healthy aging.
Deciding whether to take a multivitamin
Clinicians recommend making supplement decisions based on individual diet, health status, current medications, and laboratory testing when appropriate. Lifestyle measures—balanced nutrition, regular physical activity, smoking avoidance, weight management, and adequate sleep—remain the strongest, proven ways to support healthy aging and likely have a greater effect than any single supplement.
Bottom line
This randomized trial shows a small, statistically detectable slowing of epigenetic aging markers in older adults taking a daily multivitamin over two years, with larger apparent effects in those already biologically older. The finding is encouraging but preliminary: it demonstrates biomarker changes, not proven reductions in disease or mortality. Individuals should discuss supplementation with their healthcare provider to assess potential benefits, interactions, and the most appropriate formulation for age and health status.
