Remember Your Multi!

Multivitamins were in the news recently, and in a good way for a change. In a study published by the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition and performed by the Mass General Hospital, 573 older U.S. adults (average age 73) were given either a daily multi or a placebo for two years.  They were then examined in person for cognitive issues   The main author of the paper, Dr. Chirag Vyas, noted that small changes in brain function were easier to pick up in person, as opposed to phone or web evaluations. 

The study showed a clear improvement in memory in the multi group, and a slowing of cognitive decline generally.   This finding was consistent with two earlier studies, which also showed an improvement in cognitive health with multivitamins.  Episodic memory (such as the ability to recall details of something within 10 minutes) was particularly improved, as well as a lessening of global cognitive decline.   The authors stated that “the magnitude of effect on global cognition was equivalent to reducing cognitive aging by 2 years.”  The results were particularly pronounced in people with pre-existing cardiovascular disease. 

I know there’s a lot of confusion over whether a multivitamin is good for your health, and that your PCP is just as likely to tell you that it’s unnecessary, or worse, that it can be harmful.  But they’re wrong, the research supports taking a good-quality Multivitamin as part of a supplement program.