Multivitamin Supplements Improve Nutrition Biomarkers and Cellular Function in Healthy Older Men, Study Finds
A recent study conducted by Oregon State University found that daily multivitamin/multimineral supplementation had a positive effect on key nutrition biomarkers and maintained cellular function in healthy older men. The research, published in the journal Nutrients, suggests that multivitamins can play a significant role in promoting health as people age.
The Study
The six-month double-blind study recruited 35 healthy men aged 68 or older, half of whom received a Centrum Silver supplement while the other half received a placebo. Participants were not aware of which group they were in, and were not allowed to take any other supplements during the study, except for vitamin D if prescribed by their doctor.
The Findings
After the six-month trial, differences in the supplement and placebo groups became apparent. While those taking the multivitamin showed improved biomarkers of nutrition, those on the placebo did not. The changes in nutrition status could have direct connections to cellular function, measured by the oxygen consumption of the study participants’ blood cells.
“Several of the participants assigned to the placebo group had blood nutrition biomarkers fall during the study,” said principal investigator Tory Hagen, a professor of biochemistry and biophysics at OSU. “It suggests that food alone was not enough to keep their vitamin and carotenoid levels up.”
Carotenoids are yellow, orange and red pigments synthesized by plants, and they play multiple roles in human health. Some carotenoids like beta-carotene can provide the body with an extra source of vitamin A.
Although the researchers did not measure disease risk, they did test white blood cells, part of the body’s immune system. “We were amazed to find that the men who took the placebo showed reduction in cellular oxygen consumption,” Hagen added, noting that oxygen consumption is an indicator of cell function. “This was not observed in men who took the multivitamin, suggesting a connection between vitamin status and white blood cell function that we are eager to explore further.”
The Implications
The researchers believe the study is the beginning of a new era for multivitamin research. “Our evidence indicates that many older men could benefit from a daily multivitamin, but the response did vary from individual to individual,” said research associate Alexander Michels. “Knowing who benefits the most and why will be key for multivitamin trials that evaluate disease risk in the future.”
Key Takeaways
– Daily multivitamin/multimineral supplementation had a positive effect on key nutrition biomarkers and maintained cellular function in healthy older men.
– The changes in nutrition status could have direct connections to cellular function, measured by the oxygen consumption of the study participants’ blood cells.
– The researchers believe the study is the beginning of a new era for multivitamin research.
– Knowing who benefits the most and why will be key for multivitamin trials that evaluate disease risk in the future.
