US Study Finds Daily Multivitamins Slightly Reduce Symptoms in Seniors

A large U.S. observational study involving 16,027 adults aged 60 and older evaluated the effect of daily multivitamin‑mineral supplements on functional health. Participants were randomly assigned to receive a multivitamin‑mineral product, a cocoa extract, both, or a placebo for three years. Researchers measured the ability to perform daily activities and recorded symptom burden. The multivitamin group showed a statistically significant but modest reduction in symptom scores compared with the other groups, while no measurable impact on physical performance was observed. The findings were presented at the Nutrition 2026 conference of the American Society for Nutrition. Lead investigator Bayu Bekele highlighted that the benefit relates to preserving functional independence in older adults, a growing concern as life expectancy rises.