Abstract
Supplementation with vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients may be beneficial for cognition, especially in older adults. The aim of this study was to assess the effects of multivitamin supplementation in older adults on cognitive function and associated blood biomarkers. In a randomised, double blind, placebo-controlled trial, healthy women (n = 68) and men (n = 48) aged 55–65 years were supplemented daily for 16 weeks with women’s and men’s formula multivitamin supplements. Assessments at baseline and post-supplementation included computerised cognitive tasks and blood biomarkers relevant to cognitive aging. No cognitive improvements were observed after supplementation with either formula; however, several significant improvements were observed in blood biomarkers including increased levels of vitamins B6 and B12 in women and men; reduced C-reactive protein in women; reduced homocysteine and marginally reduced oxidative stress in men; as well as improvements to the lipid profile in men. In healthy older people, multivitamin supplementation improved a number of blood biomarkers that are relevant to cognition, but these biomarker changes were not accompanied by improved cognitive function.
Highlights
Poor nutrition is a risk factor for cognitive decline in old age [1], which suggests that addressing nutritional insufficiencies may improve cognitive outcomes
The present study aimed to address these methodological issues in a randomized, controlled trial of two multivitamin supplements in older adults
The multivitamin and placebo groups were well matched on demographic variables as shown in
Summary
Poor nutrition is a risk factor for cognitive decline in old age [1], which suggests that addressing nutritional insufficiencies may improve cognitive outcomes. The various essential vitamins and minerals that are required in the diet to maintain general health have many functions in the brain. These include roles in neuroprotection, neurotransmission, homeostatic regulation, antioxidant activities, energy metabolism and DNA synthesis [2]. Various plant extracts have purported benefits to cognitive function, including Ginkgo biloba and Bacopa monnieri [3,4]. Individual requirements differ and the level required for sufficient reserves in the body and maintenance of optimal metabolic activity is unknown [6]
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