All articles tagged with #multivitamins
A large two-year randomized trial found that older adults taking a daily multivitamin slowed their biological aging clocks (GrimAge and PhenoAge) by about four months vs. placebo. The effect is small and its health implications are not yet clear, suggesting nutrients may help those with dietary gaps, but more research is needed before altering supplement habits.
A Nature Medicine study of 958 older adults (average age 70) found that taking a daily Centrum Silver multivitamin–mineral for two years slowed biological aging by about four months across five epigenetic clocks; cocoa extract had no effect. Researchers caution that these early biomarker findings have not yet shown impacts on clinical outcomes and do not prove reduced disease risk.
A two-year, randomized COSMOS trial found that taking a daily multivitamin slowed certain epigenetic clocks of ageing in people around 70, reducing biological age by about four months versus non-users; the effect was more pronounced in individuals with accelerated ageing and was observed in two of five DNA methylation clocks linked to mortality risk. While promising, the authors emphasize the effects are small and do not yet imply improved clinical outcomes.
In a two-year randomized trial of 958 healthy older adults, daily multivitamins slowed biological aging by about four months (aging 20 months biologically over 24 months) as measured by epigenetic clocks, with greater benefit for those who started with accelerated aging. Cocoa extract had no effect. The researchers caution the findings don’t imply lifespan extension and results may not generalize beyond a mostly white, healthy population.
An oncologist warns that daily synthetic multivitamins may increase the risk of various cancers by up to 30%, advocating for warning labels and reclassification of these supplements as drugs due to their potential to promote cancer cell growth by flooding the bloodstream with unnecessary nutrients.
Taking multivitamins, especially those containing B vitamins like B12 and B6, in the evening can disrupt sleep by increasing light sensitivity and causing vivid dreams or insomnia. The best time to take multivitamins is in the morning with food. For better sleep, supplements like magnesium, melatonin, and calcium are recommended in the evening, as they can promote relaxation and support healthy sleep cycles.
A UK GP warns against taking multivitamins daily, citing studies that link them to increased mortality risk and potential health issues like liver failure and bone problems, emphasizing that a balanced diet is the best way to obtain necessary nutrients.
Excessive intake of multivitamins and supplements can be harmful, leading to toxicity and adverse effects; experts recommend personalized, food-first approaches and careful label reading to ensure safe and effective supplementation.
Despite the popularity of multivitamins and supplements, especially among younger generations influenced by celebrities and social media, evidence suggests they offer little benefit for those with a balanced diet. Experts argue that most people can obtain necessary nutrients from food, and multivitamins often result in expensive waste. While specific supplements are beneficial for certain deficiencies or conditions, such as vitamin B12 for vegans or folate for pregnant women, the general population may not need them. Consumers are advised to consult healthcare providers for personalized advice.
UK GP Dr. Ahmed advises against taking multivitamin supplements, citing a study that associates them with a 4% higher mortality risk, though causation isn't proven. He warns that multivitamins often exceed daily vitamin needs, potentially leading to harmful effects, particularly with vitamins A and K. The NHS suggests a balanced diet should suffice for vitamin intake, and Dr. Ahmed recommends addressing specific deficiencies with targeted supplements rather than multivitamins.
Dr. A, a UK-based GP on TikTok, advises against taking multivitamins, citing studies that suggest they may increase mortality rates. He argues that multivitamins often contain more than 100% of the recommended daily allowances for vitamins and minerals, which can be dangerous, particularly for fat-soluble vitamins like A and K. Instead, he recommends obtaining necessary vitamins from a balanced diet and taking supplements only for specific needs. The NHS also advises that adults can typically meet their vitamin needs through diet alone.
The article debunks common nutrition myths with insights from Celeste Bouchaud, a registered dietitian. It discusses the limited necessity of multivitamins for most people, the potential benefits and drawbacks of intermittent fasting, and the timing of meals, including eating after 8 p.m. It also clarifies that drinking warm water before meals has no proven digestive benefits, emphasizing the importance of hydration. For credible nutrition information, consulting registered dietitians or verified blogs is recommended.
While there is some encouraging data on the benefits of multivitamins for healthy adults, the supplement isn't a cure-all, and the United States Preventive Services Task Force does not recommend it for healthy adults due to insufficient evidence of benefits. Studies have shown mixed results on the impact of multivitamins on important health outcomes, and it's generally better to focus on maintaining a healthy diet. However, there are scenarios where multivitamins are important, such as for people with specific nutritional deficits, those who have undergone bariatric surgery, and pregnant or breastfeeding women. When choosing a multivitamin, it's important to consider individual needs and avoid overdoing it on any nutrient.
Nurse practitioner Tiffanie France at Mercy Medical Center in Baltimore explains that whether a person should take a multivitamin depends on individual factors such as absorption issues, vitamin deficiencies, and dietary habits. While some people may not need a multivitamin, those with specific deficiencies or dietary restrictions, such as vegans or vegetarians, may benefit from supplements. It's important to consult with a doctor to determine whether taking a multivitamin is necessary.
A new study suggests that taking a daily multivitamin, such as Centrum Silver, could help delay cognitive brain decline associated with aging by as much as two years. The research, part of the COcoa Supplement and Multivitamin Outcomes Study, involved over 5,000 volunteers and found consistent and statistically significant benefits of a daily multivitamin for memory and global cognition. The Alzheimer’s Association estimates that by 2060, almost 14 million people in the US could be suffering from dementia, making the potential benefits of multivitamins in protecting cognitive health particularly significant for older adults.