Daily Multivitamins May Offer Blood Pressure Benefits for Those with Poor Diets, New Research Suggests
A recent study published in the American Journal of Hypertension indicates that a daily multivitamin may offer a modest benefit in reducing hypertension risk, but primarily for older adults with lower diet quality and those with already normal blood pressure. While not a universal solution, the findings add nuance to the ongoing discussion about preventative nutritional strategies for cardiovascular health.
For years, the role of multivitamins in preventing chronic disease has been debated.This latest research, stemming from the comprehensive COSMOS trial, doesn’t offer a blanket endorsement, but it does highlight a potential benefit for specific populations. The study, led by researchers at Mass General Brigham, suggests that multivitamins aren’t necessarily effective for everyone, but could be a valuable tool for individuals who aren’t consistently meeting their nutritional needs through diet alone.
Understanding the COSMOS Trial & Key Findings
The COSMOS (COcoa supplement and Multivitamin Outcomes Study) trial is a large, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial involving over 8,900 older adults in the United States. Participants were randomly assigned to receive either a daily Centrum Silver multivitamin or a placebo and followed for a median of 3.4 years. Researchers meticulously analyzed data, including self-reported hypertension incidence and blood pressure measurements taken both in clinical settings and at home.
Initially, the study found no significant difference in new-onset hypertension between the multivitamin and placebo groups across the entire study population. This finding aligns with previous research suggesting multivitamins aren’t a magic bullet for preventing high blood pressure.
However, a deeper dive into the data revealed a more complex picture. Researchers observed a statistically significant reduction in hypertension risk among participants who:
* Had poorer diet quality: This was assessed using established dietary scoring systems like the Alternative Healthy Eating Index (AHEI) and Alternate Mediterranean Diet (aMED). Individuals with lower scores – indicating less adherence to healthy dietary patterns – experienced a greater benefit from multivitamin supplementation.
* Started the study with normal blood pressure: These participants showed small, but significant, reductions in blood pressure measurements over a two-year period while taking a daily multivitamin.
Why This Matters: The Importance of Nutritional Context
“Nutrition is one of the cornerstones for controlling blood pressure and hypertension,” explains Dr. Rikuta Hamaya, MD, PhD, MS, the study’s corresponding author. “We found that a daily multivitamin might be useful for reducing the risk of hypertension in people with poorer nutritional intake.”
Senior author Dr. Howard sesso, ScD, MPH, emphasizes the nuanced nature of the findings.”Our findings suggest that a daily multivitamin may not be a one-size-fits-all solution for controlling blood pressure but could be beneficial for critically important subsets of older adults.”
This research underscores the critical importance of a holistic approach to health. A multivitamin isn’t a substitute for a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein. Though, for individuals who struggle to consistently achieve optimal nutrition, a daily multivitamin may help bridge the gap and provide essential nutrients that support healthy blood pressure.
Future Research & considerations
The researchers acknowledge that further inquiry is needed. specifically, they plan to explore:
* The effects of multivitamins on younger and middle-aged adults.
* The impact of supplementation in diverse populations with varying nutritional statuses.
* The optimal formulation and dosage of multivitamins for blood pressure management.
Expert Viewpoint & Openness
It’s critically important to note the funding sources for the COSMOS trial. The study received support from Mars Edge and Haleon (formerly Pfizer Consumer Healthcare), both companies involved in nutritional products. however, the authors explicitly state that these funders had no influence on the trial design, data analysis, or manuscript planning. This transparency is crucial for maintaining the integrity and credibility of the research. (Further details on funding and author disclosures are available at the end of this article.)
The Bottom Line
This study doesn’t advocate for universal multivitamin use for blood pressure control. Instead, it provides valuable insights into the potential benefits for specific subgroups - especially older adults with less-than-ideal diets. Prioritizing a healthy dietary pattern remains the foundation of cardiovascular health, but a daily multivitamin might potentially be a reasonable consideration for those who need additional nutritional support, in consultation with their healthcare provider.
Research Team & Disclosures:
Along with Hamaya and Sesso, Mass General Brigham authors include Sidong Li, Jessica Lau, Pamela M. Rist, and JoAnn E. Manson. Additional authors include Susanne Rautiainen, Bernhard Haring, Simin Liu, Aladdin H. Shadyab, Lisa Warsinger Martin
