Maintaining the ability to handle daily tasks without severe or limiting symptoms is an important part of the quality of life for older adults. New research suggests that taking a daily multivitamin may help support that independence.
After three years, adults who took a daily multivitamin had significantly better functional health scores than participants who took a placebo. Researchers say the results show that multivitamins may help older adults maintain their ability to function on a daily basis through benefits related to cognitive health, blood circulation, and physical endurance.
“What makes this study unique is that it focuses on functional health, how people actually feel and function in their daily lives, rather than just preventing major diseases,” said Bayu B. Bekele, Ph.D., a postdoctoral fellow at the Georgia Prevention Institute at the Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University. “For older adults, these findings suggest that while taking a daily multivitamin is not a substitute for a good diet and exercise, it may be a beneficial and low-risk addition to a healthy lifestyle to maintain physical health as we age.”
Large-scale study targeting adults over 60 years old
Bekele presented the results at NUTRITION 2026, the American Academy of Nutrition’s flagship annual meeting. He conducted the study with Yangbin Dong, MD, PhD, Regents Professor of Medicine and Director of the Georgia Prevention Institute at the Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University.
The analysis included data from more than 16,000 adults aged 60 and older who participated in the COcoa Supplement Multivitamins Outcomes Study (COSMOS).
As part of COSMOS, participants were randomly assigned to take a daily multivitamin, a cocoa extract supplement, both supplements, or neither supplement. A control group and participants who took only one of the two supplements received a placebo.
Multivitamins are associated with improved daily functioning
After three years of supplementation, participants assigned to the multivitamin group reported significantly better functional health than those assigned to the placebo group. The findings are based on responses to the Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire.
The most significant differences appeared in symptom burden and clinical summary scores. This summary score combines measures of symptom burden and physical performance.
These results may have practical importance because functional health reflects whether people are able to continue their daily activities without being hampered by fatigue or other symptoms.
“Taking a multivitamin that supports heart health and overall body function may help maintain the ability to perform daily activities such as dressing, bathing, walking, climbing stairs, jogging or brisk walking, and completing household chores. These benefits may be particularly relevant for people who experience fatigue, shortness of breath, and leg swelling that can limit daily function,” Bekele said.
Cacao extract results
Cocoa extract did not significantly improve functional health scores in the overall study population. However, a significant effect was seen in participants with congestive heart failure.
Although research results on multivitamins are encouraging, researchers stress that supplements should not be considered a substitute for a balanced diet or regular physical activity. You should also consult your doctor before starting any new supplements.
Preliminary findings require further consideration
Mr. Bekele presented the research (abstract) at the Vitamins and Minerals Oral Session on Monday, July 27, at the Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center.
This research was supported by grant HL157665 from the National Institutes of Health.
Abstracts presented at NUTRITION 2026 were reviewed and selected by a panel of experts. However, researchers typically do not complete the peer review process required before their research is published in a scientific journal. Therefore, results should be considered preliminary until published in a peer-reviewed publication.
