journal articles
THE ROLE OF MULTIVITAMINS AND MINERALS (MVM) SUPPLEMENTATION IN DEMENTIA RISK REDUCTION FOR OLDER PEOPLE IN TAIWAN: INSIGHTS FROM A POPULATION HEALTH AND ECONOMIC MODEL
Ker Ro Toh, Jas Min Tan, Khee Suan Bang, Sirinthip Petcharapiruch, Supitchaya Changsatja, Sheryl Tan, Jerry Lin, Vandana Garg, Shelby Lee, Melody Huang
J Aging Res & Lifestyle 2025;14
OBJECTIVES: To estimate the potential health and economic impact of regular multivitamin and mineral (MVM) supplementation in reducing dementia risk among Taiwanese adults aged ≥ 60 years old.
METHODS: A population-based health economic model was developed to project dementia-related health and economic outcomes over a 10-year period (2024–2033) under two scenarios: current lack of MVM use versus expanded regular use (≥3 times/week). Model inputs were derived from Taiwanese demographic, epidemiological, and cost data, supplemented by published trials and expert validation. Outcomes included dementia cases prevented, premature deaths averted, years of life lost (YLL) averted, years lived with disability (YLD) averted, quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) gained, and societal cost savings from reductions in direct medical, non-medical, and caregiver-related costs.
RESULTS: Regular MVM use was projected to prevent 204,250 dementia cases and 23,649 premature deaths, gain 407,910 QALYs, avert 115,943 YLL and 597,978 YLD. Total cost savings were estimated at NT$1.41 trillion, comprising NT$1.19 trillion in direct costs and NT$220 billion in indirect costs. Sensitivity analysis identified dementia risk reduction of MVM supplementation as the most influential parameter, but benefits remained robust under conservative assumptions.
CONCLUSION: Regular MVM supplementation among older Taiwanese adults without prior MVM use could meaningfully reduce dementia burden and generate substantial healthcare and societal cost savings. These findings highlight regular MVM use as a pragmatic strategy to support cognitive health in aging populations and provide a transferable modelling framework for other Asia-Pacific settings.
CITATION:
Ker Ro Toh ; Jas Min Tan ; Khee Suan Bang ; Sirinthip Petcharapiruch ; Supitchaya Changsatja ; Sheryl Tan ; Jerry Lin ; Vandana Garg ; Shelby Lee ; Melody Huang (2025): The role of multivitamins and minerals (MVM) supplementation in dementia risk reduction for older people in Taiwan: Insights from a population health and economic model. The Journal of Aging and Lifestyle (JARLife). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jarlif.2025.100026