According to new research presented at NUTRITION 2026, taking a daily multivitamin helps older adults maintain functional health and preserve their independence in everyday activities over a three-year period. Adults aged 60 and older who received the supplement reported significantly better functional health scores than participants given a placebo, pointing to potential benefits for cognitive health, circulation, and physical endurance.
COSMOS Trial Data Tracks 16,000 Adults Over 60
The analysis examined data from more than 16,000 participants aged 60 and older enrolled in the COcoa Supplement Multivitamins Outcomes Study (COSMOS). Researchers randomly assigned participants to take a daily multivitamin, a daily cocoa extract supplement, both products, or matching placebos. Bayu B. Bekele, PhD, a postdoctoral fellow at the Georgia Prevention Institute of the Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, presented the findings during the Vitamins and Minerals Oral Session at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center.
Bekele conducted the research alongside Yanbin Dong, MD, PhD, Regents’ Professor of Medicine and Director of the Georgia Prevention Institute at the Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University. The work focuses on practical daily living rather than just disease prevention. “What makes this work unique is our focus on functional health, how people actually feel and function in their daily lives — rather than just the prevention of major diseases,” Bekele stated.
Did You Know?
The study utilized the Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire to measure changes in functional health, with the strongest positive differences appearing in symptom burden and overall clinical summary scores.
Impact on Routine Daily Activities and Symptom Burden
After three years of consistent supplementation, participants in the multivitamin group demonstrated significantly higher functional health scores compared to the control group. These scores combine physical ability measurements with symptom tracking. According to researchers, these outcomes carry practical importance for older individuals dealing with fatigue or physical limitations.
“Multivitamin use supporting heart health and overall physical function may help maintain the ability to perform everyday activities such as dressing, bathing, walking, climbing stairs, jogging or hurrying, and completing household chores,” Bekele explained. These benefits matter especially for individuals experiencing shortness of breath, swelling in the feet, or persistent fatigue.
Pro Tip:
Researchers emphasize that while a daily multivitamin offers a low-risk addition to support physical well-being, it remains a supplement and is not a substitute for a balanced diet or regular exercise. Always consult a physician before starting any new supplement regimen.
Cocoa Extract Results and Preliminary Status
In contrast to the multivitamin findings, the cocoa extract supplement did not generate a significant improvement in functional health scores across the entire study population. However, researchers noted that cocoa extract did provide a significant benefit for a specific subset of participants diagnosed with congestive heart failure.
Funding for the research came from National Institutes of Health grant HL157665. Because abstracts presented at NUTRITION 2026 are reviewed and selected by expert committees but have not yet completed standard peer-review requirements for scientific journals, researchers advise treating these results as preliminary until publication.
Frequently Asked Questions
What study did these multivitamin findings come from?
The findings are based on data from the COcoa Supplement Multivitamins Outcomes Study (COSMOS), which included more than 16,000 adults aged 60 and older.
Does a daily multivitamin replace diet and exercise?
No. Researchers explicitly state that multivitamins are not a substitute for a healthy diet or regular physical activity, but serve as a low-risk addition to a healthy lifestyle.
Are these research results finalized?
The findings are currently considered preliminary. They were presented at the NUTRITION 2026 meeting and have not yet completed the full peer-review process required for journal publication.
Did cocoa extract show the same benefits as the multivitamin?
Cocoa extract did not significantly improve functional health across the general study population, though it did show a significant benefit for participants with congestive heart failure.
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