Taking a daily multivitamin supplement could potentially slow the body's biological clock and promote a healthier ageing process, according to a significant new scientific study. Researchers have calculated that consistent multivitamin use over a two-year period might reduce biological ageing by approximately four months, meaning individuals could experience better health and functional capacity relative to their chronological age.
Measuring Ageing Through Epigenetic Clocks
The study, published in the prestigious journal Nature Medicine, focused on analysing biological ageing through microscopic changes in DNA known as epigenetic clocks. Scientists examined blood samples from 958 randomly selected healthy participants with an average chronological age of 70, tracking alterations at specific DNA sites that indicate ageing progression.
Research Methodology and Findings
Experts monitored five distinct DNA areas for changes at the beginning of the trial, then again after the first and second years. Compared to participants taking placebo medications, those in the multivitamin group demonstrated slowed ageing across all five measured areas. These changes translated to roughly four months less biological ageing over the two-year study period.
Lead author Dr Howard Sesso, associate director of preventive medicine at Mass General Brigham Department of Medicine in the United States, emphasised the importance of this research. "Many individuals take multivitamins without definitive knowledge of their benefits, so expanding our understanding of their potential health advantages is crucial," Dr Sesso explained. "This investigation opens pathways for exploring accessible, safe interventions that might contribute to healthier, higher-quality ageing experiences."
Expert Perspectives and Cautions
While numerous experts acknowledge the value of this research, they simultaneously stress that multivitamin supplementation cannot replace a nutritious, varied diet abundant in fruits and vegetables. Dr Laura Sinclair, lecturer in healthcare and postdoctoral researcher at the University of Exeter, noted that epigenetic clocks "represent powerful tools for measuring biological ageing, yet they constitute only one component of the ageing puzzle."
Dr Sinclair highlighted that factors including DNA damage, protein modifications, and cellular communication issues also significantly influence ageing processes. She specifically cautioned that the study does not recommend universal daily multivitamin use. "Individuals consuming nutritionally balanced diets would likely find many dietary supplements unnecessary for their personal requirements," Dr Sinclair stated. "However, since most UK adults do not maintain nutritionally balanced diets, they might benefit from multivitamin-multimineral supplementation. The UK government already advises adults to consider vitamin D supplements during autumn and winter months."
Interpreting the Modest Effects
Professor Luigi Fontana from the University of Sydney, who directs healthy longevity research, described the trial as well-conducted but urged cautious interpretation of results. "The effect magnitude remains extremely small, and outcomes weren't consistent across all ageing measures examined," Professor Fontana observed. "Overall, these findings present scientific interest but don't provide convincing evidence that daily multivitamin consumption meaningfully slows human ageing."
Context of Previous Research
This new study emerges amidst mixed scientific evidence regarding multivitamins and health outcomes. While many people take multivitamins to support immune function, energy levels, and general nutrition, a 2024 investigation found no benefits for preventing early mortality, though other studies suggest possible positive effects.
Additional research is currently underway to determine whether the observed anti-ageing effects prove long-lasting. The study received funding support from Mars Edge, a division of Mars Incorporated, which included donating multivitamins for research purposes.
