The UK currently has an ageing population, and the ageing process can lead to declines in physical functioning(Reference Amarya, Singh and Sabharwa1), physiological functioning(Reference Aw, Silva A and Palmer2) and cognitive functioning(Reference Boyle, Wilson and Yu3), which can result in worsened everyday functioning. As vitamins are essential for normal cell functioning(Reference Kennedy and Haskell4), playing ubiquitous roles in most biological processes(Reference Kennedy5) and being intrinsically involved in every aspect of brain function(Reference Kennedy and Haskell4).
Therefore, they may have the potential to address detriments associated with ageing and improve everyday functioning. Empirical research in the area has shown supplementing with multivitamins can improve mood or reduce depressive symptoms in older adults(Reference Gariballa and Forster6). As well as reduce depression, anxiety and stress and improve alertness and general daily functioning following 8 weeks of multivitamin supplementation in healthy older men(Reference Harris, Krik and Rowsell7). However, research in the area is sparse and conflicting. The current study aimed to investigate the effect of 12 weeks of multivitamin supplementation on wellbeing, health and everyday functioning in older adults. Ethical approval was granted by the Research and Ethics Committee at the University of Northumbria at Newcastle. The study employed a 12-week, double blind, placebo controlled parallel groups intervention, in older adults (aged 70 years and over), comparing the effects of a multivitamin (Wellman/woman 70+, Vitabiotics) and placebo on measures of wellbeing, mood and memory, physical health and activity and social interaction and loneliness. 228 participants completed the study in full (104 males), 119 were randomised to multivitamin (mean age = 73.91 years) and 109 to placebo (mean age = 74.31 years). Questionnaires were completed by participants, online at home, at baseline and following a 12-week intervention period. Data was split by sex and analysed using one-way independent groups ANCOVA, controlling for scores at baseline. In females there was significantly higher levels of friendliness on the Profile of Mood States(Reference McNair, Lorr and Droppleman8) in the multivitamin group compared to placebo (p =.045, mean difference = 1.68, SE = 0.83). In males on the Perceived Stress Reactivity Scale(Reference Schlotz, Yim and Zoccola9) there was significantly lower levels of prolonged stress reactivity following multivitamin compared to placebo (p = .007, mean difference = 1.08, SE = 0.39) and significantly lower overall perceived stress reactivity following multivitamin compared to placebo (p = .019, mean difference = 4.49, SE = .019). In males there was significantly lower levels of emotional loneliness on the De Jong-Gierveld Loneliness scale(Reference De Jong-Gierveld and Kamphuls10) following multivitamin compared to placebo (p = .042, mean difference = 0.72, SE = 0.35). These findings strengthen previous research in the area, replicating results that have shown multivitamin supplementation can reduced perceived stress in older adults. It is the first to show increased feelings of friendliness and reduced feelings of emotional loneliness following multivitamins. More work is needed in the area to investigate how diet at baseline may interact with multivitamin supplementation.
