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# Multivitamins help prevent memory loss in elderly women
- URL: https://www.foodconsumer.org/multivitamin_memory_loss_0902120538/
- Published: 2012-09-02T18:36:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-09-22T15:59:25.000Z
- Description: Fifty-six elderly women who complained of memory loss took a multivitamin for 16 weeks. Helen Macpherson's team found faster responses on one measure of spatial working memory but no change in other cognitive processes, plus lower homocysteine and no sign of liver toxicity.
- Author: Food Consumer
- Tags: Vitamins, Nutrition, #vivvo-import

By David Liu, PHD

Sunday Sept 2, 2012 ([foodconsumer.org](http://www.foodconsumer.org/)) -- Multivitamin benefits are well known. Taking multivitamin supplements can improve working memory in the elderly who experience memory loss, a new study in Psychopharmacology confirms.

The study led by Helen Macpherson of Swinburne University of Technology in Melbourne, Australia and colleagues found elderly women who took a multivitamin for 16 weeks significantly improved their spatial working memory.

Participated in the study were 56 community dwelling elderly women who complained of memory loss. At the baseline and 16 weeks of multivitamin supplementation, cognition was assessed and also homocysteine, markers of inflammation, oxidative stress and blood safety parameters were tested as well.

It was found that the multivitamin called Swisse Women’s 50+ Ultivite ® improved speed of response on a measure of spatial working memory, but did not change other cognitive processes. 

Multivitamin supplementation biochemically decreased levels of homocysteine and increased levels of vitamin B6 and B12, with a increasing trend for vitamin E. 

Tests also indicated that the multivitamin formula did not cause any hepatotoxic effects, indicating this multivitamin supplement was safe for the elderly to use on a daily basis.

The researchers concluded "Sixteen weeks supplementation with a combined multivitamin, mineral and herbal formula may benefit working memory in elderly women at risk of cognitive decline."

Memory loss or cognitive decline is commonly seen in the elderly. Adequate nutrition like multivitamins is absolutely important for the normal memory. Multivitamins side effects are rarely reported.

It is advisable that people start taking multivitamins and other supplements like fish oil and some herbs at a young age to prevent memory loss. It is usually more difficult to prevent it at an older age when the damage has been likely done.

However, elderly people need to know that not all multivitamins are created equal. Some multivitamin supplements on the market are full of unhealthy ingredients such as die, artificial colorants and flavors, nanoparticles and other potentially harmful ingredients. Make a purchase only after you compare a few brands.