Daily multivitamins may slow brain aging by two years, study reveals

A daily multivitamin could slow brain ageing by around two years, according to new research. The findings come from a large-scale study tracking participants over three years. Scientists say the effect is modest but clinically meaningful for long-term cognitive health. The COcoa Supplement and Multivitamin Outcomes Study (COSMOS) compared adults taking a daily multivitamin to those given a placebo. Over three years, researchers measured changes in memory and overall mental sharpness. The multivitamin group showed clear improvements in episodic memory—recalling past events—and general cognition.

The supplement used in the trial contained over 20 essential micronutrients, including B vitamins, vitamin D, vitamin E, and minerals. Unlike pharmaceutical treatments for cognitive decline, multivitamins have a long-established safety record. This makes them a low-risk option for supporting brain health. Experts highlight the growing need for such interventions. By 2060, nearly a quarter of Americans may face an elevated risk of cognitive decline or Alzheimer’s disease. The study’s results suggest that a simple daily supplement could offer a practical way to help protect mental function.

The research provides healthcare providers with evidence to recommend multivitamins for brain health. The two-year cognitive benefit, though modest, represents a measurable difference in ageing-related decline. With no major safety concerns, this approach could become a widely accessible strategy for maintaining mental sharpness.