The rate at which our bodies age may be influenced by daily multivitamin intake, according to recent research from the United States. This finding is particularly relevant as interest grows in the field of longevity – the science of extending lifespan.
Researchers investigated the impact of multivitamins on what’s known as biological aging, which differs from chronological age and reflects the health of cells and organs. The study focused on “epigenetic clocks,” which measure chemical changes in DNA and serve as indicators of cellular aging rates.
The research involved analyzing data from 958 individuals in their 70s who were assigned to receive either a multivitamin, cocoa extract, or a placebo daily for two years. By comparing blood samples taken at the beginning and end of the study, scientists observed differences in two out of five epigenetic clocks examined.
“The biological clock appeared to tick a little slower for those who took the multivitamin,” said Sara Hägg, a docent in molecular epidemiology at Karolinska Institutet, after reviewing the study. Yet, the difference observed was modest, equating to roughly two to four months over the two-year study period. The effect appeared more pronounced among participants who initially exhibited a faster rate of biological aging.
Understanding biological aging is a growing area of scientific inquiry, with researchers exploring the underlying mechanisms that drive the aging process. Epigenetic changes are increasingly recognized as key factors in this process, potentially offering new avenues for interventions aimed at promoting healthy aging. More information about epigenetic clocks and their role in aging can be found here.
The study, published in Nature Medicine, adds to the growing body of evidence suggesting that nutritional interventions may play a role in modulating the aging process. Further details about the research are available here. Additional reporting on the study can be found here.
