That Daily Multivitamin May Do More Than You Think After 60
Vitamins can often complement healthy eating and regular physical activity. From boosting immune function to supporting digestion, vitamins can offer a range of benefits. For healthy aging, new research suggests that multivitamins may be associated with better functional health in older adults. Keep reading to learn more about the study’s findings and how they may apply to your health.
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A Daily Multivitamin May Help Older Adults Maintain Everyday Function
Before diving into the research, it’s important to understand what functional health means — and why it matters for older adults. Functional health is how well your health lets you carry out everyday activities and how much symptoms interfere with them. For older adults, that can mean:
- Walking
- Climbing stairs
- Cooking meals
- Dressing
- Bathing
- Cleaning
The study doesn’t show that multivitamins prevent loss of independence. Instead, the findings suggest multivitamin use may be associated with better functional health, which could have implications for older adults who want to maintain their independence.
What the Study Found
In the COSMO trial, researchers analyzed data from more than 16,000 older adults aged 60 and older who participated in the COcoa Supplement Multivitamins Outcomes Study (COSMOS). Participants were randomly assigned to receive a daily multivitamin, a cocoa extract supplement, both supplements, or neither. The control group and participants who received only one supplement received placebos.
After three years of supplementation, participants assigned to the multivitamin group reported significantly better functional health scores than those assigned to placebo. The biggest differences were in symptom burden and the clinical summary score, which combines participants’ symptom burden and physical ability. The researchers say these findings could have implications for older adults’ everyday activities.
“Multivitamin use supporting heart health and overall physical function may help maintain the ability to perform everyday activities such as dressing, bathing, walking, climbing stairs, jogging or hurrying, and completing household chores,” Dr. Bayu B. Bekele, PhD, one of the study’s authors, told ScienceDaily. “These benefits may be particularly relevant for individuals experiencing fatigue, shortness of breath, or swelling in the feet, which can limit daily functioning.”
The American Society for Nutrition (ASN) notes that the findings were presented at NUTRITION 2026 and have not yet undergone the typical peer review process required for publication in a scientific journal.
“Multivitamin use supporting heart health and overall physical function may help maintain the ability to perform everyday activities such as dressing, bathing, walking, climbing stairs, jogging or hurrying, and completing household chores.”
Dr. Bayu B. Bekele, PhD, one of the study’s authors
What Could Explain the Potential Benefits?
The new study suggested that several factors could help explain the association between daily multivitamins and better functional health. Previous studies have also found potential benefits of multivitamin use for improving cognitive function, cardiovascular health, and physical function.
- Cognitive health: Previous studies have found that daily multivitamin intake can significantly improve memory in seniors and reduce the risk of cognitive decline.
- Blood circulation: Previous research has linked certain vitamins and nutrients to cardiovascular and blood vessel health. Since cardiovascular health can affect physical stamina and daily functioning, these effects could potentially contribute to better functional health.
- Physical stamina: Nutritional deficiencies can contribute to fatigue and weakness in older adults. For those who aren’t getting enough essential nutrients in their diet, addressing those deficiencies may help support physical function and energy levels.
While the study’s results are promising, it doesn’t establish that every older adult needs a multivitamin. Supplements aren’t a replacement for a healthy, balanced diet or physical activity. Your nutritional needs can vary based on diet, age, medical conditions, and medications. A multivitamin may be useful in some cases, but it’s not necessarily appropriate for everyone.
Talk With Your Healthcare Provider Before Starting a Multivitamin
Before you head to your local grocery store or pharmacy to pick up daily multivitamins, speak with your healthcare provider or pharmacist first. Bring a complete list of medications and supplements to your appointment so your provider can review them before deciding whether a multivitamin is right for you. If it’s deemed safe, they can recommend the best formulation and dose.
Please note that existing health conditions and other medications can affect a supplement’s safety. With this in mind, ask your provider about potential interactions with your prescription and over-the-counter medications. While multivitamins are easily available over the counter, it doesn’t mean they’re appropriate for everyone. Some vitamins and minerals can interact with medications or be harmful in excessive amounts.
What Older Adults Should Take Away From the Research
A daily multivitamin isn’t a shortcut to healthy aging. Maintaining adequate nutrition in later life may help preserve the physical function that supports independence — something many older adults strive for.
What we do know is that eating a balanced diet, engaging in regular physical activity, and addressing nutritional deficiencies when necessary can support overall health. If you think you could benefit from a multivitamin, speak with your healthcare provider or pharmacist before adding it to your treatment plan.
