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Vitamin E and respiratory infection in the elderly
Simin Nikbin Meydani1, Sung Nim Han, Davidson H Hamer
1Nutritional Immunology Laboratory, Jean Mayer USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging at Tufts University, 711 Washington Street, Boston, MA 02111, USA. simin.meydani@tufts.edu
Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences
|March 9, 2005
Summary
Vitamin E supplementation significantly reduced the incidence of common colds in elderly nursing home residents. This finding suggests vitamin E may improve immune function and reduce respiratory infections in older adults.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Immunology
- Nutritional Science
Background:
- Elderly individuals experience increased susceptibility to respiratory infections due to age-related immune decline.
- Impaired immune responses, such as diminished delayed-type hypersensitivity skin test responses, correlate with higher morbidity and mortality from various illnesses.
- Nutritional status is a key factor influencing immune function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of one-year vitamin E supplementation on the incidence and duration of respiratory infections in elderly nursing home residents.
- To build upon previous findings suggesting vitamin E improves immune response and reduces infectious disease incidence.
- To address limitations of prior studies, including sample size and reliance on self-reported infections.
Main Methods:
- A double-blind, placebo-controlled trial involving 617 elderly residents in nursing homes.
- Participants received either 200 IU/day of vitamin E or a placebo for one year.
- Data collected focused on the incidence and duration of respiratory infections, specifically common colds.
Main Results:
- Vitamin E supplementation significantly reduced the incidence rate of common colds in the elderly participants.
- A significant decrease was observed in the number of subjects acquiring a cold in the vitamin E group compared to placebo.
- A trend towards a nonsignificant reduction in the duration of colds was noted.
Conclusions:
- One-year supplementation with vitamin E (200 IU/day) effectively reduces the incidence of common colds among elderly nursing home residents.
- These findings highlight the potential of vitamin E in enhancing immune defense against respiratory infections in the geriatric population.
- The results have significant implications for improving the well-being of the elderly and mitigating the economic burden of healthcare associated with respiratory illnesses.