A study of over 16,000 adults aged 60 and older indicates that daily multivitamin use may help maintain independence in performing routine daily tasks.

New research presented at the NUTRITION 2026 meeting suggests that daily multivitamin supplementation may improve functional health in older adults. After three years, participants taking a daily multivitamin reported significantly better scores in symptom burden and physical ability compared to those taking a placebo. The findings were derived from data involving more than 16,000 individuals aged 60 and older who participated in the COcoa Supplement Multivitamins Outcomes Study (COSMOS).

Study Methodology and Findings

Participants in the COSMOS study were randomly assigned to receive a daily multivitamin, a cocoa extract supplement, both, or neither. Researchers measured functional health using the Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire, which assesses how symptoms like fatigue or shortness of breath impact an individual's ability to perform routine activities such as bathing, walking, or household chores. While multivitamins showed a significant benefit, cocoa extract did not improve functional health scores across the entire study population, though it did show benefits for participants with congestive heart failure.

Expert Perspective and Limitations

Bayu B. Bekele, a postdoctoral fellow at the Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, noted that the research focuses on how individuals function in daily life rather than just disease prevention. Researchers emphasize that these supplements are not a substitute for a healthy diet or regular exercise and advise consulting a doctor before starting any new supplement regimen. Because the findings were presented as an abstract at a conference, they are considered preliminary and have not yet undergone the full peer-review process required for journal publication.