Ancillary study of the COSMOS trial finds that long-term multivitamin and mineral supplementation supports cognition

Photo © iStockphoto.com/Jacob Wackerhausen

Results for the COSMOS-Mind study¹, an ancillary study of the COSMOS trial, have been published in Alzheimer’s & Dementia. In the large randomized two-by-two factorial three-year trial, over 2000 subjects had their cognition assessed by telephone at baselines, and annually. The primary outcome of global cognition was determined using mean standardized scores (relative to baseline) from individual tests that include the Telephone Interview of Cognitive Status, Word List and Story Recall, Oral Trail-Making, Verbal Fluency, Number Span, and Digit Ordering. The primary endpoint was the change in the composition of these scores after three years of supplementation with a cocoa extract, with the pre-specified secondary endpoint being the change after three years of multivitamin-mineral supplementation.

Results showed that supplementation with the cocoa extract did not have a significant effect on global cognition, but relative to placebo, MVM supplementation did provide significant benefit for global cognition, with the effect being most pronounced for those with a history of cardiovascular disease. MVM supplementation was also observed to benefit memory and executive function.

“This study adds to the body of evidence showing promise for various roles of multivitamins in health. Research has already established that multivitamins can help to fill nutrient gaps,” said Andrea Wong, PhD, senior vice president, scientific and regulatory affairs for the Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN; Washington, D.C.), in a press release. “Beyond this, the Physicians’ Health Study II, a large-scale clinical trial, showed an 8% reduction in overall cancer risk in older male physicians who took a daily multivitamin as well as a significant decrease in cataract risk. The COSMOS-Mind study provides evidence that daily multivitamin consumption may benefit cognitive function in older men and women. With further research, the full potential for multivitamins in protecting and enhancing health could be realized."

Learn more about the parent COSMOS study by listening to Episode 10 of The Nutritional Outlook Podcast.

Reference

1. Baker LD et al. “Effects of cocoa extract and a multivitamin on cognitive function: A randomized clinical trial.” Alzheimer’s & Dementia, Published online ahead of print on September 14, 2022