A study published in the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease (Volume 29, no.3, pp.561-569) in 2012 by Grima et al. from Monash University & Swinburne University of Technology systematically reviewed the evidence for multivitamin supplementation for cognitive performance. This meta-analysis examined 10 randomized controlled trials with 3,200 subjects focused on the question of whether multivitamins would improve memory, verbal fluency, and other cognitive abilities.

Do Multivitamins Improve Cognitive Performance? A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Interesting News . Apr 03, 2025

A study published in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease (Volume 29, no.3, pp.561-569) in 2012 by Grima et al. from Monash University & Swinburne University of Technology systematically reviewed the evidence for multivitamin supplementation for cognitive performance. This meta-analysis examined 10 randomized controlled trials with 3,200 subjects focused on the question of whether multivitamins would improve memory, verbal fluency, and other cognitive abilities.

Major Findings

Multivitamins improved immediate free recall memory (SMD = 0.32; 95% CI: 0.09-0.56, p < 0.01), indicating some short-term cognitive benefits.
No significant effects were found on delayed recall memory (SMD = -0.14, p = 0.33) or verbal fluency (SMD = 0.06, p = 0.26).
There was no evidence of publication bias or heterogeneity of the studies indicating the reliability of the findings.

Other cognitive domains, such as executive function and visuospatial skills, were under-researched making results not widely applicable.

What Vitamins May Enhance the Brain?

If you are in the market for multi vitamin using supplements that target brain health, here are a few vitamins and minerals you should look for among cognitive-sustaining vitamins:

B-vitamin(s) (B6, B9, B12)- These provide support for brain function, nerve health, and reduction of homocysteine levels that contribute to cognitive decline.
Vitamin D-makes the biologically possible to neuroprotective effects and possible to reduce risk for said decline of cognitive ability.
Vitamin C-functions as an antioxidant, which protects brain cells from oxidative stress.
Vitamin E-help to fight oxidative damage-both could be beneficial for memory and cognitive function.
Magnesium-nervous function and brain plasticity are important for learning and memory.
Zinc-this is involved in neurotransmission and cognitive function.
Omega 3 Fatty Acids (DHA & EPA)-not exactly a vitamin, but omega 3s nevertheless are important for the maintenance of healthy brain function and memory.
Iron-is essential for the transport of oxygen to the brain; iron deficiency impairs cognitive functioning.

Evidence Level: How Strong is the Science?

This research is on:

Ten randomized controlled trials (RCTs)→ Level 1B (high quality individual studies)
Meta-analysis of RCTs → Level 1A (highest strength in evidence)

As meta-analysis of the RCTs provides the best evidence, this research study sounds impressive. However, the results were limited to the improvement in short-term memory only without affecting other cognitive functions.

Final Verdict: Does Science Really Support It?

According to the findings, the multivitamin regime may enhance the immediate recall in memory but does not produce convincing evidence of wider cognitive benefits such as those of verbal fluency or long-term memory. Additionally, much evidence is deficient on the influence on executive function and visuospatial abilities.

What’s Next?

Future studies should address the possibility of:

bigger, more extended duration RCTs exploring permanent cognitive benefits.
the impact of multivitamins on executive and visuospatial functions since they are important areas for cognitive decline and Alzheimer’s disease.
Optimal doses, nutrient combinations, and interaction with lifestyle factors such as diet, physical activity, etc.

For now, while multivitamins may have small effects on memory, they should not be considered a prima facie treatment for cognitive decline. A diet replete with the best vitamins and nutrients possible remains the best strategy for brain health.