MVM supplementation may improve mood, lower loneliness in older adults

Twelve weeks of multivitamin-mineral (MVM) supplementation increases friendliness and reduces perceived stress reactivity and emotional loneliness in older adults, a study has shown.

“These findings support the exploration of broader functions pertinent to aspects of daily living in older adults,” the investigators said.

A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was conducted to examine the effects of MVM supplementation for 12 weeks on measures of wellbeing, mood, and memory; physical health and activity; and social interaction and loneliness. The investigators measured outcomes at baseline and after 12 weeks in 228 older adults aged >70 years (n=124 female).

MVM supplementation did not show any effect on wellbeing (males: p=0.29; females: p=0.421) but resulted in increased feelings of friendliness in women (p=0.045). In men, supplementation brought down the levels of prolonged stress reactivity (p=0.007), overall stress reactivity (p=0.019), and emotional loneliness (p=0.042). [Eur J Clin Nutr 2025;79:126-135]

“Sex differences in response highlight the importance of exploring effects in men and women separately and support a recommendation for the inclusion of diverse samples in future research that are representative of the population,” the investigators said.

Friendliness

The beneficial effect of MVM supplementation on friendliness is consistent with the findings of previous studies, which showed improvements to subjective feelings of mood and specific improvement to mood among women. [Nutrients 2013;5:3589-3604; Neuropsychobiology 1995;32:98-105; Psychosom Med 2013;75:144-153]

An earlier study suggests that greater sensitivity to mood improvements following supplementation may have been driven by the higher risk for depression in women. [J Psychiatry Neurosci 2015;40:219-221]

“This is supported by the lower wellbeing scores reported at baseline in the current study, suggesting that females have greater capacity to improve facets of their wellbeing,” the investigators said.

No improvement

It must be noted that several outcome measures in the present study, including wellbeing, did not improve following MVM supplementation. This could be explained by issues with MVM absorption and bioavailability, particularly in older adults. [Am J Clin Nutr 2007;85:269S-276S]

The inclusion of biomarkers of vitamin and mineral status before and after supplementation was not possible in the current study because of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the investigators stressed its importance in future studies to determine whether MVMs do have the intended effects on nutritional status.

“Furthermore, although acute effects of MVMs have been observed, longer than 12 weeks’ supplementation may be needed to see any improvements in certain outcomes, particularly self-reported health, and physical activity,” they added.

Randomized controlled trials done for more than 1 year are needed to establish the true efficacy of MVM supplementation, according to studies. [Am J Clin Nutr 2013;97:437-444; Am J Clin Nutr 2007;85:257S-264S]

“Based on the results of [the current] study, it is suggested future work should encompass a wider range of outcome measures, moving away from the traditional cognitive testing models, consider sex differences in response to supplementation, and target specific demographics who will benefit the greatest from supplementation,” the investigators said.