January 19, 2024, 3:28 pm | Read time: 4 minutes
Can a multivitamin supplement improve memory and delay cognitive aging? According to a study recently published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, it might be possible. However, the study has a significant caveat. FITBOOK editor Sophie Brünke discusses the study’s findings and why they should be approached with caution.
By 2060, nearly one in four Americans will be 65 or older, placing them in an age group at increased risk for cognitive decline, Alzheimer’s, and related dementias. Even minor cognitive deficits in older age are associated with a higher risk of dementia later in life. Therefore, the goal of preventive efforts is to maintain cognitive functions as long as possible—such as through dietary supplements. Previous studies have revealed a protective effect of Vitamin D and Omega-3 fatty acids. A new sub-study of the COSMOS (Cocoa Supplement and Multivitamin Outcomes Study) now concludes that a daily multivitamin supplement could prevent memory loss.1
Overview
Two Studies Preceded This Investigation
COSMOS is a large-scale cohort study in the U.S. examining the effects of cocoa extract and/or a daily multivitamin supplement on the prevention of cardiovascular diseases and cancer in 21,442 adults aged 60 and older. Sub-studies with fewer participants also investigate the supplement’s impact on cognition.
Participants Were Contacted by Phone and Web
In the two preceding sub-studies, an initial assessment of cognitive abilities took place. This was done by phone in COSMOS-Mind (2,262 participants) and computer-based in COSMOS-Web (3,960 participants). According to a press release, these studies indicated that multivitamin supplements have a positive impact on cognition and memory loss.2
What the scientists lacked was an additional neuropsychological examination on-site to measure subtle changes in various cognitive areas.
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This Time, Researchers Examined Participants On-Site
Accordingly, the researchers conducted a third cognition study, where participants underwent a personal examination in a clinic (COSMOS-Clinic, 573 participants). The participants’ global cognition (general cognitive abilities) and episodic memory were studied for two years. Of all participants, 492 completed all examinations.
After analyzing their data, the scientists found a “modest” but statistically significant benefit of the multivitamin supplement—at least regarding changes in episodic memory, but not in executive function or attention.
They then evaluated the combined results of all three sub-studies.
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Multivitamin Supplement Reduces Memory Loss and Improves Cognition
The meta-analysis of the three studies yields more tangible results.
It provides clear evidence that global cognition and episodic memory improved through the daily intake of a multivitamin supplement. According to estimates by the study authors, the supplement delayed cognitive aging by about two years compared to participants who received a placebo.
Study author Vyas stated in the press release: “The meta-analysis of three separate cognition studies provides strong and consistent evidence that daily intake of a multivitamin supplement containing more than 20 essential micronutrients helps prevent memory loss and slow cognitive aging.”
Olivia Okereke, the lead author, added: “These results will attract the attention of many older adults who are understandably very interested in maintaining brain health, as they provide evidence for the role of a daily multivitamin in supporting better cognitive aging.”
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Why the Results Should Be Approached with Caution
Study authors are required to disclose any potential conflicts of interest or funding. In this work, the list of supporters has become unusually long.
Grants from Pure Encapsulations, a major manufacturer of dietary supplements, are on this list. The study’s abstract notes that there is currently insufficient evidence in the U.S. for healthcare providers to recommend multivitamin supplements for the prevention of memory loss and a decline in global cognition. This could be in the interest of this company.
Additionally, the life sciences division of Mars Incorporated, a large American food company, and the pharmaceutical company Pfizer were involved.
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Start Taking a Multivitamin Daily?
The prevention of Alzheimer’s and other dementias is significant in the context of an aging population.
Based on these study results, it would be premature to say whether people should take a multivitamin supplement to prevent cognitive decline in old age—especially since both pharmaceutical and food companies acted as supporters.
If you wish to take dietary supplements, consult your doctor first.
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