An expert has revealed that those aged 60 and over are among the groups who will benefit the most from a specific type of vitamin. Millions of people take vitamins and supplements every day for various reasons, such as improving their immune systems and filling any dietary gaps.

According to a leading expert, individuals aged 60 and above stand to gain significantly from a particular type of vitamin. Every day, millions turn to vitamins and supplements with the aim of boosting their immune defenses and bridging nutritional gaps. However, while the health benefits of vitamins are well-documented, understanding the right dosage and frequency is crucial. Experts caution that consuming multiple supplements simultaneously can inadvertently lead to nutrient overdoses, posing potential health risks. Furthermore, some vitamins may not be as beneficial for certain individuals as often believed.

Take multivitamins, for instance. Despite their popularity, with data from The Grocer indicating that half of UK adults regularly consume them, research over the last ten years, including numerous “high-quality trials,” suggests these supplements might not deliver the results many anticipate.

Tim Spector, a professor specializing in genetic epidemiology at King’s College London, pointed out: “When scrutinized through high-quality trials, multivitamins fall short for most people, offering little beyond what a well-rounded diet already provides.”

This doesn’t hold true for everyone, though. Multivitamins can still offer advantages for certain demographics. Philip Calder, a professor of nutritional immunology at Southampton University, highlighted that individuals with low vitamin and mineral intake might find supplements beneficial, as reported by Mail Online.

JoAnn Manson, a professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School, emphasized, “Older adults appear to benefit the most from multivitamins.” Her insights suggest that while multivitamins may not be universally necessary, they play a crucial role in supporting the health of the elderly, making them a valuable consideration for this age group.

This is because nutrient absorption in the gut decreases due to various factors, such as reduced stomach acid, medication side effects, and a lower appetite.

The slower movement of food through the gut also means it sits in the small intestine for too long, leading to possible fermentation and bacterial overgrowth, with the bacteria consuming nutrients like calcium and vitamins B12 and D before the body has a chance to absorb them.

A trial involving 21,000 people, monitored for around three years after taking a multivitamin or a placebo, found that those who took the vitamins had significantly higher brain function and memory scores, with researchers concluding that taking a multivitamin could slow brain decline by two years.

The 2024 study was published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.

It is believed that multivitamins work in various stages. Vitamins A, C and E protect brain cells from age-related damage, and vitamin B increases cell function, while lowering levels of homocysteine, which is a protein in the blood that has been linked to dementia.

It is advised to look for multivitamins that contain 100% recommended daily amounts of vitamin B12 and D, magnesium and calcium, and to look out for ones with too much iron in them.

A 30-tablet tub of Centrum Advance 50+, used in the trial, can be bought for £5.25 at Boots, which is as little as 18p a tablet. Alternatively, Boots also sells its own branded multivitamins costing £1.49 for 30 tablets.

It is advised to speak to a pharmacist before taking any supplements.