Does taking a multivitamin/mineral supplement help prevent or delay cognitive decline?  In 2012, Mayo Clinic Health Letter (March 2012) reviewed well-conducted research concluding that many vitamins and minerals that we used to think prevented diseases may not help after all.  Furthermore, there are consistent findings that under some circumstances vitamins and supplements may cause harm – even use of a multivitamin in those who are well nourished may slightly increase the risk of premature death.

A recent editorial, “Enough is enough: stop wasting money on vitamin and mineral supplements,”  in the Annals of Internal Medicine (2013, 59: 851) pushed the issue even further.  The journal published three articles presenting data that indicate no benefits from a multivitamin/mineral supplement in well-nourished adults.

A review of primary prevention studies focused on community dwelling adults with no nutritional deficiencies.  There was no clear evidence that a multivitamin had any benefit on mortality, cardiovascular disease, or cancer.

Another study explored the effects of high dose multivitamin use in 1708 men and women who had prior myocardial infarctions.  After a nearly 5 year follow up there were no benefits of vitamin or mineral supplements when compared to a placebo.

More to the point for memory, a large (5947 male physicians over age 65) randomized trial was undertaken comparing use of a multivitamin/mineral supplement to a placebo.  Cognitive tests were performed four times during the course of 12 years.  There was no difference in test scores for those taking the supplements than for those taking the placebo.  The conclusion is that taking a multivitamin/supplement has no long-term benefit on cognition.  It does not prevent dementia.  This finding is consistent with 12 other “good” studies indicating no cognitive benefit from a multivitamin, vitamins B, C, E or omega-3-fatty acids in healthy, well-nourished adults.  The data for supplemental vitamin D is not yet clear.

As is the case for supplementation with vitamin E (high doses may provide benefits when administered to mildly to moderately demented individuals), I am sure that this is not the final word.  Understanding and knowledge are a process that unfold, evolve slowly and incrementally.  I  am also sure that there will be a strong backlash from those with strong faith in supplements as well as those who make money on supplements – it is a 28 billion dollar industry.   My only hope is that they provide substantial evidence for their claims rather than rely on anecdotal testimonial and case studies.

Don’t forget to monitor your memory.  I have developed a focused, thorough short-term memory assessment that is brief and affordable.  Contact my office for details if you want to check out your memory.