The Claim

An 8-week daily multivitamin, mineral, and herbal supplement significantly increases serum vitamin B12 and folate levels and reduces homocysteine concentrations in sedentary men aged 50–74.

Source: Effects of a multivitamin, mineral and herbal supplement on cognition and blood biomarkers in older men: a randomised, placebo‐controlled trial

What the research says

Supports is higher

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

Supports
54score
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

In sedentary men aged 50–74, taking a daily multivitamin, mineral, and herbal supplement for 8 weeks raises blood levels of vitamin B12 and folate while lowering homocysteine levels.

See the scientific wording

An 8-week daily multivitamin, mineral, and herbal supplement significantly increases serum vitamin B12 and folate levels while reducing homocysteine concentrations in sedentary men aged 50–74, indicating a biochemical effect on established biomarkers linked to cognitive risk.

Why this might work

Taking a supplement with vitamin B12 and folate raises their levels in the blood. These vitamins activate an enzyme that converts homocysteine into methionine, lowering homocysteine in the blood. Lower homocysteine reduces damage to blood vessels in the brain and improves how brain cells communicate, which supports memory function.

Verified mechanismbased on 1 study

What the research says

1 study
  1. Study: Effects of a multivitamin, mineral and herbal supplement on cognition and blood biomarkers in older men: a randomised, placebo‐controlled trial

    This study gave older, inactive men a daily multivitamin for 8 weeks and found their B12 and folate levels went up, while homocysteine went down — exactly what the claim says. These changes are linked to lower risk of memory problems.

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.