A common multivitamin may provide some protection against cognitive decline as we age. Findings of the COSMOS-Mind study has just been published in the journal Alzheimer’s and dementia. The results suggest that taking a multivitamin supplement every day could help us all stay alert.
COSMOS-Mind studied Cognitive Function:
COSMOS-Mind was part of a much larger trial called COSMOS (COcoa yescomplement and METERmultivitamin EITHERresults yesstudy). The entire study was large, with 21,442 volunteers. Each participant took either cocoa extract (supplied by Mars Edge and providing 500 mg of cocoa flavanols) or placebo pills. Additionally, each person in the study also took a daily multivitamin (Centrum Silver) or a similar placebo. The results of the primary study showed that people who took cocoa extract were less likely to die of heart disease or stroke.
A multivitamin to help you stay alert:
The 2,262 volunteers in the secondary COSMOS-Mind study also took cocoa flavanols or placebo along with a multivitamin or placebo (Alzheimer’s and dementiaSeptember 14, 2022). These individuals, all at least 65 years old, took cognitive tests at the start of the study and for each of the following three years. The researchers gave each participant a global cognitive score that included test results for word list, story recall, oral cueing, number span, digit order, and fluency. verbal. Reductions in the score measured cognitive decline.
Analysis of this data showed that people taking multivitamins were more likely to stay fit than those taking placebo. Volunteers with cardiovascular disease seemed to benefit the most. No significant differences were observed between those who took cocoa flavanols.
The researchers point to this as the first long-term randomized controlled trial of multivitamins and cocoa flavanols for cognition. However, they caution that scientists need to conduct more studies to confirm these findings.
A diet rich in vegetables could help you stay fit:
An epidemiological study from Cache County, Utah, hinted years ago that a diet rich in vegetables, whole grains, nuts, and legumes might help slow cognitive decline (American journal of clinical nutritiononline on September 18, 2013). This study of older people began in 1995 and lasted 11 years. The researchers assessed the participants’ eating habits four times during the study.
When the researchers looked at dietary patterns, they found that people who ate a diet similar to board diet (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) scored higher on a cognitive test. So did those whose diets followed a Mediterranean style eating pattern. The differences were constant over time and, although small, were statistically significant.
What were the people eating?
Both the DASH and Mediterranean diets are rich in vegetables and fruits and contain whole grains and legumes. The Mediterranean-style diet has more fat in the form of nuts and olive oil, while the DASH diet features more low-fat dairy. Both diets are low in red meat and contain minimal processed foods. In addition, moderate alcohol consumption is often included in the Mediterranean diet pattern score. However, since the vast majority of older people in Cache County are Mormon, they don’t drink. On the other hand, they also do not smoke, so neither alcohol nor tobacco use confounded the results. The researchers concluded that diets rich in whole grains, nuts, and legumes appear to offer long-lasting cognitive benefits.
Are vitamins a waste of time?
From time to time, we still hear health professionals express the opinion that taking vitamins is not necessary. Instead, they insist, you just need to eat a well-balanced diet. Data from Cache County may support that claim. On the other hand, relatively few Americans seem to follow a Mediterranean eating pattern or even a DASH diet. Instead of a plate full of whole grains, vegetables, and legumes, some of us are happier with a cheeseburger or bucket of fried chicken. Perhaps a multivitamin can help overcome the nutritional drawbacks of the standard American diet, at least in part.
Learn more:
Are you interested in following a DASH diet or following the Mediterranean plan, but don’t know how to do it? We have descriptions, practical recommendations and delicious recipes in our book, Quick and convenient home remedies from The People’s Pharmacyfrom National Geographic.
