Memory improvements in elderly women following 16 weeks treatment with a combined multivitamin, mineral and herbal supplement: a randomized controlled trial

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Title: Memory improvements in elderly women following 16 weeks treatment with a combined multivitamin, mineral and herbal supplement: a randomized controlled trial
Author(s): Macpherson, Helen; Ellis, Kathryn A.; Sali, Avni; Pipingas, Andrew
Abstract: Rationale: There is potential for multivitamin supplementation to improve cognition in the elderly. This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was conducted to investigate the effects of 16 weeks multivitamin supplementation (Swisse Women's 50+ Ultivite ®) on cognition in elderly women. Methods: Participants in this study were 56 community dwelling, elderly women, with subjective complaints of memory loss. Cognition was assessed using a computerized battery of memory and attention tasks designed to be sensitive to age-related declines to fluid intelligence, and a measure of verbal recall. Biochemical measures of selected nutrients, homocysteine, markers of inflammation, oxidative stress, and blood safety parameters were also collected. All cognitive and haematological parameters were assessed at baseline and 16 weeks post-treatment. Results: The multivitamin improved speed of response on a measure of spatial working memory, however benefits to other cognitive processes were not observed. Multivitamin supplementation decreased levels of homocysteine and increased levels of vitamin B6 and B12, with a trend for vitamin E to increase. There were no hepatotoxic effects of the multivitamin formula indicating this supplement was safe for everyday usage in the elderly. Conclusion: Sixteen weeks ssupplementation with a combined multivitamin, mineral and herbal formula may benefit working memory in elderly women at risk of cognitive decline.
Publication type: Journal article
Research centre: Swinburne University of Technology. Faculty of Life and Social Sciences. Centre for Human Psychopharmacology
Source: Psychopharmacology, Vol. 220, no. 2 (Mar 2012), pp. 351-365
Publication year: 2012
FOR Code(s): 11 Medical and Health Sciences; 17 Psychology and Cognitive Sciences
Keyword(s): Blood safety; Cognition; Elderly people; Homocysteine; Inflammation; Memory; Multivitamins; Oxidative stress; Vitamins; Working memory
Publisher: Springer
ISSN: 0033-3158
Publisher URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00213-011-2481-3
Additional information: This work was supported by funding from Swisse Vitamins Pty Ltd. Swisse Vitamins Pty Ltd provided the multivitamin and placebo supplements used in this trial and randomly allocated the treatments. Swisse Vitamins Pty Ltd was not involved in any other aspects of the conduct of the trial, analysis, or interpretation of the trial findings.
Peer reviewed