The Nutrient: Multivitamins, "Healthy" claim, Eliud Kipchoge

Research

Effects of cocoa extract and a multivitamin on cognitive function: A randomized clinical trial

Ignore the cocoa extract part for a minute because it was inconsequential in this study. What makes this research remarkable is the effect of a simple multivitamin on mental processing.

This research found that people over age 65 who took a multivitamin daily for 3 years slowed age-related cognitive decline by 60%. This preventative tool equates to about 1.8 years of added mental clarity.

Why is that a big deal? You probably don't want to lose your mind as you age, but 2 of 3 Americans will struggle with cognitive decline by age 70. Rates of Dementia and Alzheimer's are increasing, and there are no medications to treat them so many people are told there's nothing you can do avoid cognitive decline. This study suggests that a multivitamin would be an simple preventative tool.

Takeaway
A randomized controlled trial (gold standard of evidence) of 2,262 participants found that compared to placebo, just three years of multivitamin use improved global cognition, episodic memory, and executive function. My multivitamin-supported mind wonders about the possibility of additional cognitive benefits if the participants started taking a multivitamin years earlier, or took a multi that includes higher doses and better ingredients (they used Centrum Silver in the study).

News

FDA Proposes Updated Definition of ‘Healthy’ Claim on Food Packages to Help Improve Diet, Reduce Chronic Disease

In order to be labeled with the “healthy” claim on food packaging, the products would need to:

• Contain a certain meaningful amount of food from at least one of the food groups or subgroups (e.g., fruit, vegetable) recommended by the Dietary Guidelines.
• Adhere to specific limits for certain nutrients, such as saturated fat, sodium and added sugars.

Article

He’s Probably the Best Athlete Alive. Does Anyone Care?

"He is one of the most at-peace competitors on Earth, and through an era where many athletes have credited their success to a cutthroat, “win at all costs” mentality, he has simply bubbled along — zen, calm and in control."

Words of the week

"How we spend our days is, of course, how we spend our lives. What we do with this hour, and that one, is what we are doing. A schedule defends from chaos and whim. It is a net for catching days."
–Annie Dillard

Take care and enjoy your weekend.

Dr. Rondo