Summary

The article discusses the role of multivitamins in maintaining cognitive function and overall health as we age, suggesting that the benefits are common sense and do not require extensive scientific studies to prove.

Abstract

The author reflects on a recent study linking multivitamin use to improved memory and cognition in aging individuals, expressing skepticism about the necessity of such research. They argue that the human body's reliance on biochemical processes to convert fuel into electricity for brain function is well-known, and that aging naturally impairs this electrical system. The article draws parallels between maintaining a car engine and caring for the human body, emphasizing that proper maintenance with quality fuel, regular check-ups, and supplements like multivitamins can enhance longevity and efficiency. The author concludes by questioning the value of expensive studies to prove what seems to be obvious, namely that multivitamins can support the body's electrical system, much like replacing worn spark plug cables in a vehicle.

Opinions

The author believes that the study on multivitamins and memory is unnecessary and expensive, proving something that is already common knowledge.
They hold that the human body functions similarly to an engine, with aging leading to wear and tear that can be mitigated by proper care and supplementation.
The article suggests that maintaining the body's electrical system with multivitamins is akin to replacing old wiring in a car, leading to better overall function.
The author is critical of the scientific process in this instance, implying that the funds for such studies could be better utilized, especially when the outcomes seem predictable.
There is an expectation that the institutions funding such research should recognize the apparent benefits of multivitamins without needing extensive studies, and perhaps support other endeavors, such as the author's writing career.

Much Ado About Something Obvious

The Human Body, Aging, and Vitamins

The Vitamin Experiment

I recently read an article touting the benefits of multivitamins for memory loss. It linked the daily use of vitamins to extend your memory and cognition as we age. I take vitamins every day and have been for years.

Proving a Theory is Science

I do not take them for memory cognition, but I found the study unnecessary. They spent a whole lot of money to tell you something obvious. I wonder why they did the study in the first place. Then, I realized that science is designed to prove a theory.

The Theory

The theory is simple: biochemistry, physiology, and electronics. The human body works on electricity. We convert biomass into electricity, which powers our central processing unit, commonly referred to as our brain.

The Process

Our CPU then sends signals to our body through our central nervous system. Our muscles react to electrical stimuli sent from our brain. As our body ages, our ability to process fuel into electricity decreases. We all know that our metabolism slows with age. Our arteries get clogged, our muscles and veins lose elasticity, and slowly but surely, our body deteriorates over time.

The Engine

Like any other engine, mechanical or chemical, systems wear down due to entropy, friction, and gravity. We know that changing the oil in a car engine increases the lifespan. Some cars die after a hundred thousand miles, and others survive a million miles. Why the difference?

Photograph by Author — Some of my Daily Vitamins, Minerals and Supplements

Living Longer

Some of this is due to technological advances, like synthetic oil and good maintenance. Better food, cleaner water, and going to the doctor’s office are our analogical counterparts. People who eat quality food, regularly exercise, get adequate sleep, and go to the doctor’s office live longer, healthier lives.

Electrical Stimuli

It is common sense that treating an engine and system well will increase its lifespan. So, back to the multivitamin study. As you age, your body sends electrical charges that meet resistance in the form of fatigued wiring. Multivitamins have antioxidants, minerals, and electrolytes in them. You do not need to be a doctor or auto mechanic to know that if your engine has broken, aged electrical wires, it will not run well.

Better Efficiency

I recently replaced the spark plug cables and wiring on my old truck. The engine is still in good condition, and insurance is minimal. It is nice to have a little truck around when you need one. Imagine my surprise when my fuel economy jumped by three miles per gallon.

Better Mileage

I really wasn’t surprised, but it proves my point. The engine does not run well if you have a broken, frayed, stretched, or impaired electrical system. If you flood the human body with more vitamins, minerals, and electrolytes, it is the same thing as replacing your wiring.

Extending Our Useful Life

As we age, our systems lose the ability to process electricity and send it to our muscles. The brain, our CPU, is one big muscle and is not immune to impaired electrical system fatigue. It stops working efficiently over time. We can extend its useful life considerably by treating it well. Multivitamins flood a biological system that needs minerals and electrolytes to function properly. Minerals and electrolytes are the electrical wiring in a biological engine.

Send Money

We did not need a multi-year study involving thousands of participants to predict this outcome. Did we prove a theory by testing the hypothesis? I certainly hope so, but will the people or institution that provided the financing for this test please send me some money so I can tell them their million-dollar study’s outcome before they test their next theory, which is obvious? I could use the support for my writing career, and I will remember your support for years to come. Thanks for reading another Much Ado About Something Obvious.