Limited Memory Benefit from Multivitamin Supplements

A recent study suggests that taking a daily multivitamin and mineral supplement may provide a small improvement in memory for well-functioning elderly individuals. The study, part of a larger clinical trial, focused on immediate word recall as a measure of cognitive function. However, the results should not be generalized to the entire population or long-term memory benefits.
The study employed a well-designed double-blind randomized control trial, considered the gold standard in research. Participants were randomly assigned to receive either the multivitamin supplement or a placebo, without knowing which one they were taking. Cognitive tests were administered at the beginning of the study and yearly for three years.
The researchers found that immediate recall scores showed a significant effect at one year, but this effect diminished in the second and third years. The overall effect, calculated by averaging the results from all three years, remained significant but was very small. It’s worth noting that both the multivitamin and placebo groups showed higher immediate word recall scores compared to the baseline, with the multivitamin group showing a slightly larger increase.
The study has limitations, including the lack of adjustment for demographic characteristics and the sample’s advanced age, making it difficult to assess long-term effects for younger individuals. The participants also had poor baseline diet scores, raising the question of whether a healthier diet might be a more effective approach than multivitamin supplementation.
In conclusion, while the study suggests a minor benefit for immediate word recall among well-functioning elderly individuals, it does not support the widespread use of multivitamin supplements for memory improvement. A varied and nutritious diet remains the recommended approach, with targeted supplementation as necessary to address specific nutrient deficiencies.
Re-reported from the article originally published in The Conversation.