Do Multivitamins Actually Help?

Exciting new research reveals that taking a daily multivitamin could be a simple way to help maintain mental sharpness as you age. Overview of the New Study A recent 3-year study found seniors who took multivitamins experienced 60% slower cognitive decline than those who didn’t take vitamins in this study. That’s like turning back the clock by 1.8 years! One group took a cocoa extract thought to benefit cognition. Another took a daily mineral and multivitamin supplement. A third received a placebo. Participants completed standardized cognitive tests annually. Key Findings The cocoa extract showed no benefit to cognition. But the multivitamin group declined 60% slower than the placebo on cognitive tests. This equates to 1.8 years of slowed decline over 3 years. Those with cardiovascular disease improved the most. Why Multivitamins Matter The brain needs various vitamins and minerals to function optimally. But many older adults are deficient in key nutrients. Multivitamins provide an insurance policy, filling nutrition gaps that could negatively impact cognition. They supply nutrients like: B vitamins for healthy nerves and blood flow. Vitamin E protects brain cell membranes. Vitamin...