Longevity and dietary supplements: their role in healthy ageing
STATE editorial team · Updated Oct 6, 2026
In this article
Maintaining energy, staying active and preserving independence: longevity is also about quality of life. Dietary supplements have become increasingly visible in this conversation. But what can they actually offer? A useful approach starts with a simple question: which nutritional need are you trying to address?
Lifespan and healthy ageing are different concepts
Lifespan describes the number of years lived. Healthy ageing concerns the ability to enjoy those years: moving comfortably, maintaining relationships, carrying out everyday activities and remaining independent. Making this distinction helps avoid confusing improvements in day-to-day wellbeing with a demonstrated increase in life expectancy.
An appropriately chosen supplement may help address inadequate nutrient intake. That does not mean it slows ageing or adds years to life. Establishing such a claim would require robust human clinical trials using meaningful outcomes and a sufficiently long follow-up.
What research tells us about multivitamins
A study published in 2024 followed 390,124 US adults across three cohorts. Daily multivitamin use was not associated with a lower risk of death. This was an observational study: it cannot establish cause and effect and does not answer every question about nutrient deficiencies [1].
The practical lesson is measured: taking a “complete” formula is not, on its own, a longevity strategy. Its relevance depends on the person, their diet and an identified need, rather than the number of ingredients listed.
Targeted supplementation rather than stacking products
Before choosing a formula, review your diet, the supplements you already use and any advice you have received. A restrictive diet, a change in appetite or an absorption problem deserves an individual assessment. A healthcare professional can determine whether testing or supplementation would be appropriate.
Avoid combining several products with overlapping ingredients. A multivitamin, a beauty formula and a seasonal supplement may contain the same nutrients. Compare amounts in the full daily serving, then add together the contributions from each product. A higher dose is not automatically more useful.
The habits that support a sustainable approach
WHO places physical activity and suitable dietary habits at the centre of healthy ageing [2]. Walking, active transport and strength exercises can gradually become part of everyday life, adapted to each person’s abilities. The aim is realistic consistency.
Build a routine you can maintain: varied meals, consistent daily patterns, movement and appropriate medical follow-up. Supplements may then complement that routine where needed. They do not make up for a persistently unbalanced lifestyle.
How should you assess an “anti-ageing” promise?
Laboratory experiments, animal research and human clinical trials provide different levels of evidence. A change in a biological marker does not necessarily demonstrate better independence or longer survival. Ask which formulation was studied, in whom and with what concrete outcome.
When comparing products, look for a clear ingredient list, precise amounts per serving, documented traceability and straightforward usage instructions. Health claims must remain within their authorised framework; a dietary supplement should not be presented as a treatment [3].
Frequently asked questions
Can dietary supplements help you live longer?
This cannot be claimed in general. Their most concrete role is to address an identified nutritional need through appropriate use.
Do you need several supplements to age well?
The number of products is not a goal. Start with your needs and check for overlapping ingredients.
What is a sensible first step?
Review your habits, diet and medicines with a healthcare professional before building a supplement routine.
To explore ingredient labels further, read our guide to magnesium forms and our vitamin C guide.
For information only. Supplement use should take account of your circumstances and medicines. Do not change prescribed treatment based on this article.
