⏳ Study: this simple dietary supplement significantly reduces biological aging

A large-scale clinical study reports a particularly interesting observation: daily consumption of a specific supplement could positively alter the rate at which our bodies age.

This discovery, stemming from the analysis of molecular markers in older adults, indicates a modest but clearly measurable slowdown over two years. Furthermore, the researchers observed that this effect was more pronounced in participants whose biological age was initially higher than their chronological age.

Unlike chronological age, which simply counts the years, biological age reflects the actual state and function of our cells. To explore this phenomenon, scientists examined how regular multivitamin intake affects five specific indicators of this internal aging. They relied on data from a randomized trial involving adults around 70 years old.


The trial, named COSMOS, enrolled nearly 1000 healthy participants, randomly assigned. These volunteers were divided into several groups: some received a daily multivitamin supplement, others a cocoa extract, and others a placebo. Blood samples were taken at the start, then after one and two years, allowing for precise tracking of the evolution of epigenetic markers.

The results proved promising: compared to the placebo group, individuals taking multivitamins exhibited significantly slower biological aging. This difference equates to about four fewer months of aging over the course of the study. The benefits were particularly marked in people whose biological age was initially higher than their actual age, indicating a stronger impact on those who needed it most.

To assess these changes, researchers use advanced tools called epigenetic clocks. These methods measure subtle chemical alterations to DNA, such as methylation, which regulate the activation or deactivation of genes. These modifications naturally accumulate with age and are linked to the overall aging process and mortality risk, thus offering a glimpse into cellular health.

The authors of the study, published in Nature Medicine, are already planning further investigations. They aim to determine whether this observed slowdown persists after the end of the trial and whether it is linked to other potential benefits, such as improved cognition or a reduction in certain pathologies. Howard Sesso, a co-author, expressed optimism about exploring these avenues for quality aging.

This approach reveals simple and accessible interventions to promote healthier aging. Although the observed effects are modest, they pave the way for a finer understanding of how our daily habits can influence our internal biology. Additional research is needed to confirm these findings and understand the mechanisms, but the prospects seem positive.

Understanding DNA methylation

DNA methylation is a biochemical process where methyl groups attach to DNA, thereby influencing gene expression. These modifications act like switches, turning certain cellular functions on or off. With age, methylation patterns evolve, reflecting the accumulation of changes related to aging and the environment.

Scientists use these alterations to build epigenetic clocks, models that estimate biological age by analyzing specific DNA sites. Unlike chronological age, these clocks can reveal whether an organism is aging faster or slower than normal, offering valuable clues about overall health and future risks.

Methylation is influenced by various factors, including diet, stress, or exposure to toxins. Understanding its role allows for the identification of interventions, such as taking multivitamins, that could modulate these patterns and thus slow the cellular decline associated with aging.