Taking a daily multivitamin for two years could slow some markers of biological ageing by about four months, according to a study published in Nature Medicine. Researchers analysed blood samples from 958 healthy participants, average age 70, who were given either a multivitamin, cocoa extract, placebos, or a combination. They measured changes in five epigenetic clocks—DNA methylation patterns linked to ageing.
The study found that multivitamin use was associated with a slowdown in two of these clocks, particularly those estimating mortality risk. However, the effect was modest, and the clinical relevance remains unclear. The cocoa extract showed no benefit. The research was partly funded by Mars, a confectionery manufacturer.
Senior author Dr Howard Sesso of Mass General Brigham cautioned that the findings do not mean all older adults should take multivitamins. He noted that previous work suggested benefits for cognition and reductions in lung cancer and cataracts, but a large study last year found no effect on lifespan and a possible increase in early death risk.
Experts urged caution. Dr Marco Di Antonio of Imperial College London said the link between epigenetic clocks and practical ageing is unclear, and multivitamins are no substitute for a healthy lifestyle. Dr Pilar Guallar Castillón added that the clinical trial found no effect on major causes of illness.
