Can Daily Multivitamins Help Older Adults Manage High Blood Pressure?

A new study has examined whether daily multivitamins can help lower high blood pressure in older adults. The findings, published in the American Journal of Hypertension, suggest small benefits—but only for certain groups. With over a third of adults in the U.S. and Europe taking these supplements, the results provide fresh insight into their potential role in heart health.

Hypertension remains a global crisis, affecting an estimated 1.4 billion people in 2024. It is the leading risk factor for death worldwide, contributing to nearly half of all heart disease and stroke fatalities.

Researchers analysed long-term multivitamin use among older adults as part of the COSMOS study. While the supplements showed no major impact on overall blood pressure levels or hypertension risk, a closer look revealed modest improvements. Participants with poorer diets and normal blood pressure at the start saw slight reductions in their readings over time.

The study highlights that multivitamins may help fill nutrient gaps for those with lower-quality diets. Key nutrients like potassium, magnesium, calcium, and fibre—often lacking in processed foods—are known to support healthy blood pressure when consumed through a balanced diet. However, the effects of supplementation appeared most noticeable before chronic high blood pressure or severe vascular damage developed.

Experts stress that lifestyle changes remain the most effective way to prevent high blood pressure. Not smoking, staying physically active, eating well, and managing stress can all reduce risk. Still, the findings suggest that multivitamins might play a supportive role for individuals struggling to meet dietary recommendations.

Further research is needed to clarify how diet quality, specific nutrients, and supplements interact to influence blood pressure. The study did not track long-term trends in hypertension rates among older adults in the countries involved, leaving some questions unanswered.

The study offers limited but notable evidence that multivitamins could benefit older adults with nutrient-poor diets. For those already maintaining normal blood pressure, small improvements may be possible. However, the results do not support broad claims about multivitamins as a standalone solution for high blood pressure prevention.

High blood pressure continues to pose serious risks, including heart attack, stroke, and kidney disease. With hypertension affecting nearly one in five adults globally, the findings underscore the need for targeted strategies—including diet, lifestyle, and potentially supplements—to address this widespread health challenge.