Multivitamins improve nutritional status

Multivitamin supplementation raised serum vitamin B12 and folate concentrations and increased serum 25(OH)D, which was accompanied by an apparent positive effect on bone density, according to a study published in the April issue of European Journal of Clinical Nutrition. The study’s design comprised two groups matched on mobility levels, randomized to receive a daily multivitamin or placebo tablet for six months. There was a greater increase in the MV versus P group for serum 25(OH)D, folate and vitamin B12. Adequate 25(OH)D concentrations were found among 77 percent of participants in the MV group versus 10 percent taking P. Adjusting for baseline levels, the increase in quantitative heel ultrasound was greater in the MV versus P group. There was a trend toward a 63-percent lower mean number of falls in the MV versus P group. Researchers also found a trend towards a reduction in falls and this could contribute to a reduction in fractures.