A two-year study of nearly 1,000 older adults suggests that multivitamins and aging may be connected, as daily use of these supplements appeared to modestly slow biological aging when combined with a healthy diet and regular exercise.
Study Links Multivitamins To Slower Biological Aging
Researchers report that multivitamins and aging may be connected, as taking a daily multivitamin was found to slightly slow biological aging according to findings published in Nature Medicine.
The study followed nearly 1,000 adults aged 60 and older who took a daily dose of Centrum Silver over two years. Scientists compared participants’ biological age, measured using DNA markers, with their chronological age.
Results suggest participants who took the supplement experienced slower cellular aging than expected. Researchers estimate the effect equated to about 2.7 to 5.1 months less biological aging over the two years.
Biological age reflects changes in DNA and cellular health that may indicate how quickly the body is aging. Scientists often use these markers to measure how lifestyle factors affect long-term health.
Experts caution that the findings do not mean vitamins can stop aging. Instead, they suggest supplements may offer a small benefit when combined with other healthy habits.
Doctors Say Multivitamins May Support Healthy Aging
Terry Simpson, a culinary medicine specialist at Dignity Health St. John’s Regional Medical Center, said the research adds to growing evidence that multivitamins and aging may be linked, with supplements potentially playing a supportive role in the aging process.
“Multivitamins aren’t really magic pills, but they may be a simple way to support healthy aging,” Simpson said.
For years, many health experts questioned whether daily multivitamins provided meaningful benefits for people who already eat balanced diets. Earlier studies found little clear evidence that the supplements prevent disease.
The new research suggests they may help slow certain biological processes associated with aging, although the effect appears modest.
Simpson said older adults, particularly those over age 60, may consider multivitamins as part of a broader health routine.
“People, when they get to be 60 or 65, should think about maybe this should be a part of their daily regimen, along with a healthy diet and exercise,” he said.
Researchers note that while the study used a specific brand, similar supplements containing vitamins A, C, D, E, and B, as well as minerals such as zinc, selenium, and calcium, may produce comparable results.
Healthy Diet And Lifestyle Still Most Important
Health specialists emphasize that supplements alone cannot replace healthy lifestyle habits.
Simpson said that balanced eating patterns, such as the Mediterranean or DASH diets, remain key components of healthy aging. These diets focus on fruits, vegetables, fish, and whole foods.
“We want to continue to maintain a healthy diet,” Simpson said. “A multivitamin is just a little bit of extra insurance.”
Researchers also stress that multivitamins do not treat or reverse major neurological conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease or prevent cognitive decline.
Instead, supplements may offer the most benefit to people with nutritional gaps, cardiovascular disease, or those experiencing faster biological aging.
Multivitamins and aging remain closely connected, as these supplements are widely available and relatively inexpensive, making them an accessible option for many adults seeking to maintain long-term health.
Still, experts say individuals should consult healthcare providers before starting new supplements, particularly if they take prescription medications or have underlying medical conditions.
Researchers say further studies are needed to better understand the long-term effects of multivitamins and aging, particularly in relation to disease risk.
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