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Immunologic modulation by vitamin C in the elderly.

J C Delafuente, J M Prendergast, A Modigh

    International Journal of Immunopharmacology
    |January 1, 1986
    PubMed
    Summary

    Vitamin C enhanced immune cell function in elderly individuals in lab tests. However, daily oral vitamin C supplements did not improve immune responses in the elderly in real-world conditions.

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    Area of Science:

    • Immunology
    • Gerontology
    • Nutritional Science

    Background:

    • Aging leads to decreased immune function (humoral and cellular immunity), increasing illness and death risks in older adults.
    • Previous research indicated vitamin C boosts immune functions in younger individuals.
    • Investigating vitamin C's impact on the aging immune system is crucial for elderly health.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To assess the effects of vitamin C on immune parameters in an elderly population.
    • To determine if vitamin C can counteract age-related immune decline.

    Main Methods:

    • In vitro studies: Measured lymphocyte proliferation in elderly individuals' cells with and without vitamin C stimulation.
    • In vivo studies: Administered 2g of oral vitamin C daily to elderly participants for 3 weeks, comparing immune responses to a placebo group.
    • Assessed in vitro mitogen-stimulated lymphocyte proliferation and in vivo skin test reactivity.

    Main Results:

    • In vitro, vitamin C significantly improved lymphocyte proliferation in elderly cells, normalizing responses compared to young controls.
    • Oral vitamin C supplementation (2g/day for 3 weeks) did not alter in vitro lymphocyte proliferation or in vivo skin test reactivity in the elderly.
    • Significant in vitro immunoenhancement by vitamin C was observed, but not replicated with oral administration.

    Conclusions:

    • Vitamin C shows potential for modulating aberrant immune functions in the elderly, particularly in vitro.
    • The clinical effectiveness of oral vitamin C for enhancing immunity in the elderly requires further investigation.
    • While vitamin C demonstrates in vitro immune-boosting properties, its in vivo efficacy in older adults needs more research.

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