An analysis of the COSMOS randomized trial provides early evidence that taking a daily multivitamin may help support healthy aging at the cellular level

A new ancillary study published in Nature Medicine shows that Centrum Silver may slow biological aging markers.

The findings come from an analysis of data from a randomized clinical trial, the COcoa Supplement and Multivitamin Outcomes Study (COSMOS), designed to evaluate how daily multivitamin use may influence biological aging over time. Biological aging refers to how well the body is functioning at a cellular level and may add important information about health span than chronological age alone. Led by researchers at Mass General Brigham and Augusta University, this study looked at five DNA-based epigenetic clocks to see how a daily multivitamin might influence healthy aging in healthy older adults.

COSMOS represents the first and only reported, large-scale randomized controlled trial that examined the effect of a daily multivitamin and cocoa extract supplementation on biological aging using epigenetic clocks, which assess tiny changes in DNA that shift naturally as people age and can be used to estimate aging and age‑related risk patterns.

Key Findings from the COSMOS Ancillary Study

Compared to the placebo-only group, people in the multivitamin group had slowing in all five epigenetic clocks, including statistically significant slowing seen in the two clocks that are predictive of mortality. Study authors state that the changes equated to about four months less biological aging over the course of two years.
Effects were stronger among participants who had accelerated biological aging at baseline, suggesting that individuals with higher biological age may derive greater benefit.
Authors note further research is needed to determine how changes in biological aging measures relate to long‑term health outcomes.

Why This Matters

This COSMOS ancillary study offers new evidence that taking a daily multivitamin (Centrum Silver, which was used in the study) may help slow biological aging in older adults. This is the first reported evidence from a large-scale and long-term randomized controlled trial that a daily multivitamin is a safe, readily accessible, and low-cost intervention that may slow epigenetic aging.

Ancillary Study Highlights

Participants: Nearly 1,000 older men aged ≥60 years and women aged ≥65 years, followed for two years.
Intervention: The study participants were randomized to take a daily multivitamin and cocoa extract; daily multivitamin and placebo; daily cocoa extract and placebo; or placebo-only.
Measures: Five epigenetic clocks used as DNA markers that act like "aging clocks," showing how fast or slow someone's body is aging at a cellular level on the inside.

"These findings add to a growing body of evidence around multivitamin use and healthy aging," said Alpa V. Shah, Senior Director, Medical & Scientific Affairs, Haleon. "This COSMOS ancillary study provides new insight into how a daily multivitamin like Centrum Silver may relate to biological aging measures, complementing existing research on cognition and overall nutritional support."

A Haleon brand, Centrum has been a long-time champion of nutrition research, a commitment that has made Centrum the most clinically studied multivitamin brand in the world. Backed by over 40 years of nutritional science, Centrum delivered on this legacy by providing Centrum Silver product, placebo, and packaging for the COcoa Supplement and Multivitamin Outcomes Study (COSMOS) trials and continues to support other nutrition and multivitamin research. This research reinforces the credibility, efficacy and scientific rigor that underpins Haleon's portfolio of trusted, science-backed brands.

About Centrum

Centrum has spent decades listening to the human body and learning what it needs to thrive. As the most clinically studied multivitamin brand in the world, Centrum continues its long-standing commitment to advancing nutritional science and supporting healthy aging. For more information about Centrum and Centrum Silver, visit Centrum.com.

About Haleon US

Haleon (NYSE:HLN) is a leading global consumer health company with a purpose to deliver better everyday health with humanity. Haleon's product portfolio spans six major categories: Oral Health, Pain Relief, Respiratory Health, Digestive Health, Wellness, and Sexual Wellness. Built on trusted science, innovation, and deep human understanding, Haleon's U.S. brands include Abreva, Advil, Benefiber, Centrum, Emergen-C, Eroxon, Excedrin, Flonase, Gas-X, Nexium, Nicorette, Parodontax, Polident, Preparation H, Pronamel, Sensodyne, Robitussin, Theraflu, TUMS, Voltaren, and more. For more information on Haleon and its brands, please visit www.haleon.com or contact USMediaRelations@haleon.com.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is biological aging, and why does it matter?

Biological aging reflects how well the body is functioning, which can differ from chronological age.
It can be measured with biomarkers such as DNA methylation–based epigenetic clocks, which are an evolving scientific tool.

What is Centrum Silver?

Centrum Silver is a daily multivitamin formulated for adults 50+ and is the most clinically studied multivitamin brand in the world, having been included in, among other trials, in the main COSMOS trial and multiple ancillary analyses of the COSMOS trial.

What did this COSMOS ancillary study find?

Compared to the placebo-only group, people in the multivitamin group had slowing in all five epigenetic clocks, including statistically significant slowing seen in the two clocks that are predictive of mortality. Study authors state that the changes equated to about four months less biological aging over the course of two years. Additionally, people who were biologically older than their actual age at the start of the trial benefited more.
In the COSMOS trial, participants were randomized to receive a daily multivitamin, cocoa extract, both interventions, or placebo. The slowing in biological aging observed in this ancillary analysis was seen in the multivitamin group compared to placebo. The findings reported in this analysis are specific to the multivitamin intervention.

Can Centrum Silver help slow biological aging?

Yes. The results from this new analysis suggest that Centrum Silver may slow biological aging.

What are epigenetic clocks?

Epigenetic clocks are biomarkers based on DNA methylation patterns that estimate biological aging. They are an emerging tool and not a diagnostic measure.

Who conducted the research?

The ancillary study was led by independent academic researchers at Mass General Brigham and Augusta University as part of the broader COSMOS program.

Was Centrum involved in the study?

Yes. These independent academic researchers used Centrum Silver as the daily multivitamin tested in the ancillary study.

Where can I read the study?

The full Nature Medicine study can be found at https://www.nature.com/articles/s41591-026-04239-3.

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

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MEDIA CONTACT

Ellie Carone

Ellie.Carone@edelman.com

Study in Nature Medicine Finds Taking Centrum Silver Daily May Slow Biological Aging