Study finds daily multivitamin use may delay aging at cellular level

A new study indicates that taking a daily multivitamin could modestly slow biological aging, offering fresh insight into how simple nutritional interventions may influence long-term health.

Published in Nature Medicine, the research found that consistent multivitamin use was associated with a small but measurable reduction in the pace of biological aging estimated at roughly two months per year.

Unlike chronological age, which increases steadily over time, biological age reflects how well the body is functioning at a cellular level.

Researchers assessed this using epigenetic clocks, tools that analyze changes in DNA to estimate aging.

The findings are based on data from the COSMOS trial, a large, long-term study involving nearly 1,000 healthy older adults.

Participants took either a daily multivitamin, cocoa extract, or a placebo over a two-year period.

Those who used multivitamins showed slower aging signals on certain biological markers, particularly among individuals whose biological age was initially higher than their actual age.

Researchers suggest the benefit may stem from correcting nutrient deficiencies, which are known to accelerate cellular aging if left unaddressed. By filling these gaps, multivitamins could support healthier aging processes.

However, experts caution that the results are not definitive. The study showed improvements in only some of the biological markers measured, and epigenetic clocks themselves are still evolving tools with limitations.

Additionally, the research focused on healthy older adults, meaning the findings may not apply to individuals with chronic health conditions.

Health professionals emphasize that while multivitamins are generally safe, they are not a substitute for a balanced diet. For most people, adequate nutrition can be achieved through whole foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins.

That said, certain groups, such as those with nutrient absorption issues, restricted diets, or specific medical conditions, may benefit from supplementation under medical guidance.

Researchers stress that more studies are needed to confirm the long-term anti-aging effects of multivitamins.

In the meantime, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including proper diet, exercise, and sleep, remains the most reliable approach to supporting overall well-being.