New Delhi: A daily intake of multivitamins may slow down memory loss in people aged 60 years and above, shows a study published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.
The findings of the study — with 3,562 participants aged 60 and above — published Wednesday have shown that those taking multivitamins showed memory loss that was 3.1 years lower than those compared with a placebo group.
In other words, the mental age of the multivitamin group was found to be 3.1 years younger in the context of their memory function, compared to the placebo group.
As part of the clinical trials by researchers associated with the US-based Columbia University and Brigham and Women’s Hospital, a group of older individuals received multivitamin with minerals and cocoa extract and and the other group was given placebo after randomisation over a period of three years.
“Daily multivitamin supplementation, compared to placebo, improves memory. Multivitamin supplementation holds promise as a safe and accessible approach towards maintaining cognitive health in older age,” the researchers noted in the study.
As part of the new study, participants were made to complete web-based assessments of memory and cognition annually for three years. The tasks included recalling words and identifying new objects and a measure of executive control, which includes the ability to carry out goal-directed behaviour using complex mental processes and cognitive abilities.
The latest study was the second such multivitamin clinical study within the COcoa Supplement and Multivitamin Outcomes Study (COSMOS) — a larger body of research examining the health effects of certain dietary supplements (multivitamins and cocoa supplements) — which has shown similar conclusions.
In India, some researchers and neurologists, however, pointed out that while the latest findings may offer some hope regarding the role of multivitamins in controlling memory loss, it should be seen in a nuanced manner.
Dr Rajeev Jayadevan, a Kerala-based clinician and medical researcher not associated with the study, explained that the researchers measured multiple parameters of memory over a period of three years, among which one parameter — word recall — was found to be better in the supplement group. “However there was no difference in 11 other parameters that they measured as part of this study, also called secondary outcome measures,” he pointed out.
There is no conclusive evidence so far that vitamin supplements make a difference in memory decline, and further trials are required before such a conclusion is made, he said.
“Multivitamins to otherwise healthy people cannot be recommended based on this study alone, especially as most of the memory parameters did not improve in this study,” Jayadevan stressed.
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‘Effects of multivitamins may vary depending on various factors’
Dr Kunal Bahrani, director, neurology, Fortis Escorts Hospital in Faridabad underlined that multivitamins are dietary supplements that contain a combination of vitamins and minerals.
“While they are commonly taken to support overall health and fill nutritional gaps, their impact on memory loss in older adults is a topic of ongoing research and debate,” he said.
According to Bahrani, several studies have examined the potential benefits of multivitamins in slowing memory decline and cognitive impairment in older adults but the findings have been mixed, and more research is needed to draw definitive conclusions.
It is important to note that the effects of multivitamins may vary depending on various factors, such as the individual’s nutritional status, overall health, and the specific formulation of the multivitamin, he said.
Bahrani also highlighted that some studies have suggested that certain vitamins and minerals, such as B group vitamins (including folate, vitamin B12, and vitamin B6), vitamin E, and vitamin D, may play a role in maintaining cognitive function and reducing the risk of cognitive decline.
“However, other studies have not consistently demonstrated these effects,” he said.
“While multivitamins may benefit individuals with specific nutrient deficiencies, obtaining essential nutrients through a balanced diet is generally recommended,” he added.
For those worried about memory loss or cognitive decline, it may be important to consult a healthcare professional who can assess the patient’s specific situation, conduct a thorough evaluation, and provide personalised recommendations, said the neurologist.
(Edited by Anumeha Saxena)
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