Three-Year Study Links Daily Multivitamin to Better Functional Health in Seniors

At the American Society for Nutrition’s 2026 conference, investigators reported that a daily multivitamin improved functional health among adults over 60 in the three-year COSMOS trial, which enrolled more than 16,000 volunteers. Participants receiving the vitamin scored significantly better on the Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire, with notable gains in symptom burden and overall physical capability, suggesting enhanced ability to perform everyday tasks.

The researchers attributed possible advantages to better cognitive function, circulation and stamina, while stressing that supplements cannot replace a balanced diet or regular activity. A cocoa extract supplement did not affect functional scores overall, though it helped a subgroup with congestive heart failure. The work was funded by an NIH grant and remains un-peer-reviewed, so conclusions should be considered provisional.