A preliminary study found that older adults aged 60 and over who took a daily multivitamin for three years had a lower symptom burden and improved overall physical function. According to MedicalNewsToday (MNT), the results came from a secondary analysis of the large clinical trial COSMOS and showed that multivitamin and mineral supplements slightly improved cardiovascular-related functional health in older adults.

The findings were presented at the American Society for Nutrition’s annual meeting, Nutrition 2026. They should be seen as preliminary because they have not yet been published in a peer-reviewed journal. The researchers said multivitamins cannot replace a healthy diet and regular exercise.

The analysis included more than 16,000 COSMOS participants. Participants were randomly assigned to a multivitamin, a cocoa extract supplement, both supplements, or each placebo. After three years, the multivitamin group had higher functional health scores than the placebo group. Assessments used the Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire, which measures cardiovascular health-related symptoms, physical limitations and quality of life.

The biggest differences appeared in symptom burden and the clinical summary score. The effect was seen mainly in reduced symptom burden, such as fatigue, shortness of breath and swelling, rather than improved physical capacity itself. Such functional health is linked to independence in daily activities such as walking, climbing stairs, dressing, bathing and housework.

Jennifer Wong (제니퍼 웡) said multivitamin and mineral supplementation could help maintain functional health in older adults with heart failure. She said further research is needed to determine whether these benefits lead to improved long-term clinical outcomes.