The Claim

Daily multivitamin-mineral supplementation for 2 years causes a statistically significant improvement in episodic memory in older adults, with a mean effect size of 0.12 standard deviation units compared to placebo in a clinic-based cohort of 573 participants, equivalent to a cognitive benefit corresponding to 4.8 years less aging.

Source: Effect of multivitamin-mineral supplementation versus placebo on cognitive function: Results from the clinic sub-cohort of the COSMOS randomized clinical trial and meta-analysis of three cognitive studies within COSMOS.

What the research says

Supports is higher

Support is ahead, but a single strong opposing study can change this.

Supports
95score
Challenges
0score

These are independent scores, not a percentage. Higher-grade studies count more, so a single strong opposing study can outweigh several weaker ones.

Cause and effect
1 study reviewed
In plain English

Taking a daily multivitamin and mineral supplement for two years results in a measurable improvement in episodic memory in older adults, equivalent to the memory performance of someone 4.8 years younger.

See the scientific wording

Daily multivitamin-mineral supplementation for 2 years leads to a statistically significant improvement in episodic memory in older adults, with a mean effect size of 0.12 standard deviation units in a clinic-based cohort of 573 participants, which corresponds to a cognitive benefit equivalent to 4.8 years less aging than placebo.

Why this might work

Daily vitamins and minerals reduce harmful molecules in brain cells, allowing nerve cells to communicate more efficiently and form stronger connections in the memory center of the brain.

Supported mechanismbased on 1 study

What the research says

1 study
  1. Study: Effect of multivitamin-mineral supplementation versus placebo on cognitive function: Results from the clinic sub-cohort of the COSMOS randomized clinical trial and meta-analysis of three cognitive studies within COSMOS.

    Taking a daily multivitamin for two years helped older adults remember things better than those who didn’t, according to a big study. The improvement was small but real and statistically significant.

Score breakdown, mechanism chain, raw evidence, ideal studies needed & 1 supporting studies

Fit Body Science verdict — we translate health claims into clear verdicts backed by peer-reviewed research.

Not medical advice. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making health decisions.