A new study suggests that taking a daily multivitamin could have a small but measurable effect on how the body ages.
Researchers found that older adults who took a daily multivitamin appeared to age slightly slower at a biological level compared with those who didn’t take one. The findings come from a large clinical trial that tracked participants over a two-year period.
The study followed 958 adults aged 60 and older, analyzing blood samples to measure biological aging using specialized tools known as “epigenetic clocks.” These tools estimate how quickly cells and tissues are aging by examining changes in DNA.
Results showed that people taking a daily multivitamin experienced a slowdown in biological aging equal to roughly four months over two years compared with those given a placebo.
Researchers noted that the benefits appeared strongest among individuals whose biological age was already higher than their chronological age when the study began.
However, experts say the results should be viewed with caution. The study measured changes in biological markers rather than direct outcomes such as longer lifespan or reduced risk of disease.
Health professionals also emphasize that supplements are not a replacement for healthy habits like balanced nutrition, exercise, and quality sleep — which still have the greatest impact on long-term health.
While the findings are promising, scientists say more research will be needed to determine whether multivitamins can consistently influence the aging process in broader populations.
