The Claim

Daily multivitamin-mineral supplementation for 2 to 3 years is associated with a modest but statistically significant improvement in global cognition and episodic memory in adults aged 60 and older, with effect sizes equivalent to reducing cognitive aging by approximately 2 years, based on pooled data from over 5,000 participants across three randomized controlled sub-studies.

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.

Correlation
1 study reviewed
In plain English

Adults aged 60 and older who take a daily multivitamin-mineral supplement for 2 to 3 years show a measurable improvement in overall thinking skills and memory compared to those who do not, with the improvement equivalent to slowing cognitive aging by about two years.

See the scientific wording

Daily multivitamin-mineral supplementation for 2 to 3 years is associated with a modest but statistically significant improvement in global cognition and episodic memory in adults aged 60 and older, with effect sizes equivalent to reducing cognitive aging by approximately 2 years, based on pooled data from over 5,000 participants across three randomized controlled sub-studies.

Why this might work

Taking daily vitamins and minerals gives the brain more of the nutrients it needs to make energy and clean up harmful byproducts, which lets brain cells connect better and store memories more effectively.

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 a couple of years helped older adults think and remember slightly better—like their brains were two years younger. The study tested this directly and found a real, measurable benefit.

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.