Vitamins: Does New Research Show Real Effects on Slowing Aging?

The COSMOS study highlighted a modest but noticeable effect of multivitamins on some signs of aging.

Multivitamins: Does a new study really show anti-aging effects?

Over time, our organism changes and this fact weighs on the balance of our societies.The issue of biological aging, far from being speculative, now occupies a central place in health problems.Recently, a team from the COSMOS project highlighted an interesting observation: taking a daily vitamin and mineral supplement seems to affect some indicators of cell aging, even modestly.Although preliminary, this discovery suggests new ways to advance and prevent the effects of time.

Multivitamins and Aging, COSMOS Study Finds Long-Term Effects

Dietary supplements that combine vitamins and minerals regularly attract scientific interest because of their potential effects on aging.To explore this pathway, the COSMOS study analyzed nearly a thousand adults, male and female, equally divided, who were asked to supplement their daily routine with a multivitamin complex (Centrum Silver), cocoa extract providing 500 mg of flavanols per day, or a placebo.Over two years, the goal was to determine the extent to which these supplements affect five epigenetic markers known to measure biological age in addition to chronological age.

We noticed a slight reduction of certain markers

In the different ways measured, multivitamin and multimineral supplementation resulted in a small but significant reduction in the speed of two epigenetic clocks (PCGrimAge and PCPhenoAge) related to longevity and physical health. Statistically, the mean age difference was -0.113 years for the first and -0.214 years for the second. This effect was most pronounced in theparticipants with accelerated premature aging but not in participants with biological aging.

Cocoa extract with no measurable effect on biological age

The second part of the study, which focused on the consumption of extracts concentrated in cocoa flavanols (specifically containing 80 mg (-)-epicatechin per day), showed no changes in all epigenetic markers monitored.The results therefore showed no association between cocoa consumption and changes in epigenetic aging, in contrast to the multimineral multivitamins tested.

Results that invite further investigation

If the observed effects on the epigenetic clock are based on relatively small quantitative differences, then the analysis suggests that taking a daily multivitamin may help slow down the biological aging process somewhat, at least in people who age easily.However, the clinical significance of this modification remains uncertain at this stage.The researchers stress that more research is needed to understand whether this epigenetic slowing will translate into real health benefits or protection against chronic diseases in old age.

Can multivitamins really slow down aging?

Some recent studies suggest that multivitamins may have beneficial effects on certain functions associated with aging, including memory or cellular health.However, results remain variable based on population studies.Experts emphasize that multivitamins are not a substitute for a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle.

Are multivitamins useful for healthy adults?

For people with a varied and balanced diet, multivitamins are not always necessary.On the other hand, they can be useful in cases of deficiencies, increased needs (pregnancy, aging) or limited diet.It is generally advisable to consult a health care professional before consuming it regularly.

Which nutrients are most important for healthy aging?

Certain nutrients play a key role in healthy aging, including vitamins D, B12, C, omega-3 and certain antioxidants.These nutrients contribute to brain, immune system and cellular health.They are found mainly in fruits, vegetables, fatty fish, nuts and dairy products.

My name is Soulef MOKANDO and I am an editor for PasseportSanté.With a passion for clear and useful information, I am committed to making healthy content accessible to all…

- Nature (journal) Link to COSMOS survey [online] available at: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41591-026-04239-3

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