Haleon and A*STAR Launch Clinical Study on Multivitamin Supplementation and Metabolic Health in Midlife Asian Women

Haleon, the consumer health company behind the Centrum multivitamin brand, and the Agency for Science, Technology and Research's Institute for Human Development and Potential (A*STAR IHDP) in Singapore have announced a new clinical study examining the role of multivitamin and mineral (MVM) supplementation in the metabolic health of midlife Asian women.¹

The study, called the Impact of Multivitamin and Mineral Supplementation on Metabolic Health in Midlife Women (ISMOS), will evaluate Centrum specifically and is intended to build evidence in a population the companies describe as underrepresented in global nutrition research. The partnership expands an existing collaboration between Haleon and A*STAR IHDP.

"Our collaboration with A*STAR IHDP marks an important step in addressing the evolving health needs of midlife women across Asia, thus bringing our purpose to deliver better everyday health with humanity to life," stated Keith Choy, president of Asia Pacific, Haleon. "As more people are diagnosed with conditions linked to metabolic health, we are strengthening our focus on prevention and healthy ageing by further establishing the role of Centrum in supporting women through midlife."

What is the ISMOS study building on?

ISMOS follows an earlier analysis by the two organizations of data from the Growing Up in Singapore Towards Healthy Outcomes (GUSTO) study, described as one of Singapore's largest birth cohort studies. That research, published in Scientific Reports in February 2026, examined plasma vitamin concentrations in 662 women from GUSTO's Chinese, Malay, and Indian participants at a mean age of 39.9 years, and assessed associations with metabolic markers such as fasting glucose, insulin, HDL cholesterol, and a composite metabolic syndrome (MetS) score.²

Findings were mixed by vitamin category. Higher levels of a B1 metabolite (thiamine monophosphate), active B6 (pyridoxal-5'-phosphate), and vitamin D₃ were associated with more favorable metabolic markers, including lower fasting insulin and higher HDL cholesterol.

By contrast, higher levels of vitamin A, vitamin E, and vitamin K were associated with less favorable MetS scores, though this weakened once triglycerides were factored in. Folate was linked to lower perceived stress. Notably, the inverse associations between B-vitamins, vitamin D, and MetS scores were only significant in women with a BMI of 23 kg/m² or higher. The authors also noted the study's cross-sectional design is limited in establishing causality, and that the vitamin-outcome associations may partly reflect broader dietary patterns rather than vitamins' direct effects.

“These findings provide evidence to devise interventions for personalized balanced nutrition and appropriate supplementation in Asian women,” the study authors concluded. “Such intervention is important for women to reduce the risk of mobidity and related risk of chronic diseases due to insufficiency or deficiency in these vitamins especially when they approach to midlife and menopause transition.”

What Are the Anticipated Impacts of the Study?

Metabolic syndrome — encompassing elevated blood pressure, dyslipidemia, and impaired blood glucose regulation — is highlighted in the release as a growing concern in Asia, compounded by physiological changes women experience during the menopausal transition.

Alicia Ng, the company's APAC & ISC R&D Lead, described the aim as translating the earlier observational findings into evidence for a specific formulated product. "ISMOS is an important next step in strengthening evidence in a population that is often under-represented in global nutrition research," stated Ng. "By building on insights from prior research, we are deepening our understanding of how Centrum, as a scientifically formulated multivitamin, supports key aspects of metabolic health in midlife women. This study allows us to translate scientific understanding into practical, accessible solutions that can help women better manage their health through this life stage."

A*STAR IHDP Executive Director Professor Johan Eriksson further explained the goal of the partnership. "This collaboration reflects A*STAR's commitment to research that supports healthier lives and human potential in Singapore,” he explained. “Through the ISMOS study, we hope to generate locally and regionally relevant evidence on metabolic health in midlife Asian women, contributing to a better understanding of preventive health and healthier ageing in our population.”

References

1. Haleon. Haleon and Singapore's Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) launch new clinical study on women's metabolic health in Asia. PR Newswire. August 11, 2026. Accessed August 17, 2026. https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/haleon-and-singapores-agency-for-science-technology-and-research-astar-launch-new-clinical-study-on-womens-metabolic-health-in-asia-302847780.html
2. Tan KML, Tint MT, Cabral RM, et al. Plasma vitamin profiles and their associations with metabolic health and mental wellbeing in midlife Asian women. Sci Rep. 2026;16:8248. doi:10.1038/s41598-026-38390-1