Multivitamins are popular among older people, but researchers have disagreed for years about how much of a difference they actually make.
The large COSMOS study previously found that multivitamins did not reduce the risk of cancer or cardiovascular disease.
Other studies have also failed to find clear benefits in areas including longevity and vision, according to Health.
However, more recent research using data from COSMOS has pointed to potential benefits for older adults, including memory, cognitive function and biological aging.
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Over 21,000 participants
The new study is also based on COSMOS. More than 21,000 healthy older adults were randomly assigned to receive a daily multivitamin, a cocoa supplement, both, or a placebo over several years.
This time, the researchers examined the participants’ physical function and quality of life. The results are based in part on questionnaires in which participants assessed their own health.
This is an important limitation. According to geriatrician Liron Sinvani, objective physical measurements can provide more reliable information than participants’ own assessments.
In addition, the new research was presented at a conference in July 2026. However, as the study has not yet been peer-reviewed or published in a scientific journal, the findings should be interpreted with caution for now.
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A small benefit
After three years, the results showed that participants who took a multivitamin had slightly better functional health than those who received a placebo.
They reported fewer health symptoms and rated their physical function more positively.
However, the difference was modest and may be difficult for healthy people to notice, according to Health.
The study therefore does not change current recommendations. According to Health, the National Institute on Aging continues to recommend that vitamins and other essential nutrients should primarily come from regular food.
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Multivitamins may be appropriate in some cases, but they cannot replace a healthy diet, exercise, sleep and necessary medical care.
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This article is made and published by Ida-Marie Palm Varbæk, who may have used AI in the preparation.