Aging cannot be stopped. However, a simple daily habit may slow it down considerably. New research led by Mass General Brigham in Boston reveals that taking a daily multivitamin slows biological aging by about four months over two years. The study, published in the journal Nature Medicine, offers fresh hope for millions of older adults seeking accessible, science-backed ways to support healthy aging.
What the Study Found
The results are both notable and encouraging. Participants who took a daily multivitamin showed a measurable slowdown in biological aging across all five DNA biomarkers tracked during the study. Importantly, this benefit extended to the two biomarkers most closely linked to longevity. Moreover, those who already had a biological age older than their actual chronological age gained the greatest benefit from the supplement.
Biological Age vs. Chronological Age
Biological aging refers to how fast the body ages at a cellular level. This differs from chronological age, which simply counts the years since birth. Cellular aging moves faster in some people than others. Therefore, two people of the same age may show very different biological aging profiles. This distinction is critical — it explains why some people feel and appear younger or older than their actual age.
How the Trial Was Conducted
Researchers conducted a large randomized clinical trial involving nearly 1,000 healthy older adults. Participants averaged 70 years of age. The researchers divided them into four groups:
- Group 1 received a daily multivitamin-multimineral supplement plus a cocoa extract.
- Group 2 received a daily cocoa extract and a placebo.
- Group 3 received a placebo and a multivitamin.
- Group 4 received only a placebo.
Tracking DNA Biomarkers Over Two Years
Throughout the two-year trial, researchers collected blood samples from participants at three separate time points. They examined five biomarkers called “epigenetic clocks.” These clocks measure age-related changes to DNA and help scientists gauge how quickly the body ages at a molecular level. The use of multiple biomarkers strengthened the credibility of the findings considerably.
What Are Epigenetic Clocks?
Epigenetic clocks track chemical changes to DNA that accumulate with age. Specifically, they measure DNA methylation — a process in which certain genes are switched on or off as the body ages. Fox News senior medical analyst Dr. Marc Siegel explained it clearly: “Aging at the cellular level can be marked by DNA methylation, where in some cells it decreases and in some it increases.” Furthermore, he noted these changes are also described as epigenetic changes or DNA expression.
Who Benefits the Most?
The data revealed a meaningful pattern. Participants whose biological age already exceeded their chronological age gained the most benefit from daily multivitamin use. This suggests the supplement may offer a corrective effect — helping those who are aging faster than expected to slow down that process. Additionally, all five epigenetic biomarkers showed improvement among multivitamin users, not just some of them.
Expert Reactions to the Findings
Dr. Howard Sesso, senior author of the study and associate director of the Division of Preventive Medicine at Mass General Brigham, expressed enthusiasm about the results. He stated that the goal today extends beyond simply living longer — scientists want to help people live better. Consequently, seeing measurable benefits from a common supplement linked to biological aging markers was exciting for his team.
Independent Expert Weighs In
Dr. Siegel, who did not participate in the study, described the results as “scientific and significant.” He agreed further research is warranted. However, he noted the specific ingredient responsible for the aging slowdown remains unclear. Several nutrients could play a role, including vitamins B, C, and D, zinc, calcium, magnesium, copper, biotin, niacin, riboflavin, and thiamine. He added that he personally favors riboflavin, thiamine, and vitamin D — though a definitive cause-effect relationship requires more investigation.
Study Limitations to Keep in Mind
Despite the promising results, the research carries several important limitations. First, the observed aging effects were relatively small. Second, researchers have not yet established how these cellular changes translate into real-world health outcomes. Third, the study population consisted mostly of older adults of European ancestry. As a result, the findings may not apply broadly to younger populations or other ethnic groups. Finally, the trial did not examine the relationship between epigenetic clock changes and actual outcomes such as disease risk or lifespan extension.
What Comes Next for Research?
Researchers plan several follow-up studies. First, they will investigate whether the biological aging slowdown continued after the trial concluded. Second, they aim to examine how these cellular improvements affect clinical health outcomes over time. Additionally, future studies will explore other potential benefits of daily multivitamins — including cognitive function and reduced cancer risk. The study received funding from the National Institutes of Health, underscoring its scientific credibility and scope.
