Best multivitamin for senior women
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Best Multivitamin for Senior Women: A Research Synthesis
Cognitive Benefits of Multivitamin Supplementation
Memory and Cognitive Function
Research indicates that multivitamin supplementation can have varying effects on cognitive function in elderly women. A study on Swisse Women’s 50+ Ultivite® found that 16 weeks of supplementation improved the speed of response in spatial working memory tasks, although other cognitive processes did not show significant improvement1. Another study involving a 6-month multivitamin regimen reported no significant differences in pattern-recognition and intelligence scores but did observe better performance in the Symbol Search test, suggesting some cognitive benefits2. However, a different trial found no cognitive improvements after 16 weeks of supplementation, despite positive changes in blood biomarkers relevant to cognitive aging3.
Brain Activity
Multivitamin supplementation may also influence brain activity. A study using the steady state visually evoked potential (SSVEP) measure found that 16 weeks of supplementation delayed SSVEP latency during memory retrieval tasks, indicating enhanced neural efficiency, although this did not translate to improved behavioral performance4.
Mood and Emotional Well-being
Mood Improvements
Multivitamin supplementation has shown potential benefits for mood and emotional well-being in older women. A 12-week study found that women taking multivitamins reported significantly higher levels of friendliness compared to a placebo group5. Another study focusing on a shorter, four-week supplementation period found that while there were no significant changes in mood when assessed in a laboratory setting, in-home assessments revealed reduced stress and a trend towards reduced mental fatigue6.
Everyday Functioning
In addition to mood, multivitamins may improve everyday functioning. A study involving older adults found that multivitamin supplementation reduced perceived stress and emotional loneliness, particularly in males, although the study also noted increased feelings of friendliness in females5.
Cardiovascular Health
Blood Pressure and Hypertension
The impact of multivitamins on cardiovascular health, particularly blood pressure, appears to be minimal. A long-term study involving over 28,000 women found no association between multivitamin use and the risk of developing hypertension7. Similarly, a 16-week trial reported no significant effects of multivitamin supplementation on central blood pressure measures in healthy older adults8.
Conclusion
While multivitamin supplementation can offer some cognitive and mood-related benefits for senior women, the effects on cognitive function are mixed and may depend on the duration and specific formulation of the supplement. Improvements in mood and emotional well-being are more consistently observed, particularly in reducing stress and enhancing feelings of friendliness. However, multivitamins do not appear to significantly impact cardiovascular health, specifically blood pressure. Therefore, senior women considering multivitamin supplements should weigh these potential benefits and consult healthcare providers for personalized advice.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic
Memory improvements in elderly women following 16 weeks treatment with a combined multivitamin, mineral and herbal supplement
16 weeks of multivitamin supplementation may improve working memory in elderly women at risk of cognitive decline, but other cognitive processes were not observed.
RCT
Rigorous JournalCognitive performance in relation to vitamin status in healthy elderly German women-the effect of 6-month multivitamin supplementation.
A 6-month multivitamin supplementation showed no significant effect on cognitive performance in healthy, well-nourished female seniors.
RCTImproved Blood Biomarkers but No Cognitive Effects from 16 Weeks of Multivitamin Supplementation in Healthy Older Adults
Multivitamin supplementation in healthy older adults improved blood biomarkers related to cognition, but did not improve cognitive function.
RCT
Very Rigorous JournalNeurocognitive effects of multivitamin supplementation on the steady state visually evoked potential (SSVEP) measure of brain activity in elderly women
Multivitamin supplementation may enhance neural efficiency during memory retrieval in elderly women, but does not improve behavioral performance.
RCTThe effect of a 12-week multivitamin supplement on everyday functioning in older adults: a double blind, placebo controlled, parallel groups trial
A 12-week multivitamin supplementation significantly improved mood, reduced perceived stress, and reduced emotional loneliness in older adults compared to placebo.
RCTThe Effects of Four-Week Multivitamin Supplementation on Mood in Healthy Older Women: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Four-week multivitamin supplementation in healthy older women may improve stress ratings, but its effects may not be detectable in laboratory mood assessments.
RCTRigorous JournalMultivitamin use and the risk of hypertension in a prospective cohort study of women
Multivitamin use in middle-aged and older women is not associated with the risk of developing hypertension.
Observational StudyVery Rigorous JournalNo effect of multivitamin supplementation on central blood pressure in healthy older people: A randomized controlled trial.
Multivitamin supplementation for four months does not show any benefit in reducing central blood pressure in healthy older individuals.
RCTAbstract P020: Multivitamin Use and Risk of Hypertension in Prospective Cohort Study of Women
Multivitamin use is associated with an increased risk of hypertension in middle-aged and older women.
Observational StudyRigorous JournalVitamin, mineral, and multivitamin supplements for the primary prevention of cardiovascular disease and cancer: U.S. Preventive services Task Force recommendation statement.
The USPSTF recommends against multivitamin supplements for prevention of cardiovascular disease and cancer, as current evidence is insufficient to assess benefits and harms.
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