Do Daily Multivitamins Protect Against Cognitive Decline?

Randomized trials have provided little evidence of benefit from taking daily multivitamins. However, results from two recent randomized trials argue that a daily multivitamin pill (that includes vitamins A, B₁₂, C, D, E, biotin, potassium, magnesium, and zinc) might protect against age-related cognitive decline in older adults.

The first trial involved 2262 people (mean age, 73) who were randomized to a daily multivitamin or placebo for 3 years. A prespecified combined score on tests of cognition was similar in the two groups at baseline but was significantly higher in the multivitamin group than the placebo group after 3 years, with benefit most pronounced in those with known cardiovascular disease. The results are expressed only in Z-score…