Objectives: To assess the effectiveness of a multivitamin (MV) tablet on nutritional status, quantitative heel ultrasound (QUS), mobility, muscle strength and falls. The design comprised two groups matched on mobility levels, randomized to receive a daily MV or placebo (P) tablet for 6 months. The setting was an Australian residential care facility. Subjects: A total of 92 aged care residents. Serum micronutrients, body weight, QUS, rate of falls, hand grip strength, and the timed up and go test were assessed at baseline and 6 months. Results: A total of 49 participants consumed a MV and 43, a matched P for 6 months. There was a greater increase in the MV vs P group for serum 25(OH)D (mean difference ± standard error, 33.4 ± 2.6 nmol l À1 ), folate (13.4 ± 2.8 nmol l À1 ), and vitamin B12 (178.0±40.3 pmol l À1 ) (all Po0.001). Adequate 25(OH)D concentrations (X50 nmol l À1 ) were found among 77% of participants in the MV group vs 10% taking P (Po0.001). Adjusting for baseline levels, the increase in QUS was greater in the MV vs P group (3.0±2.0 dB MHz À1 vs À2.9±2.1 dB MHz À1 , respectively, P ¼ 0.041). There was a trend towards a 63% lower mean number of falls in the MV vs P group (0.3 ± 0.1 falls vs 0.8 ± 0.3 falls, P ¼ 0.078). Conclusions: MV supplementation raised serum vitamin B12 and folate concentrations and increased serum 25(OH)D, which was accompanied by an apparent positive effect on bone density. We also found a trend towards a reduction in falls and this could contribute to a reduction in fractures.

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