Vitamin supplementation and nutritional status in homeless men

Homeless men and women are both physically and socially disadvantaged. Their nutritional status is also often compromised. In this sample of 107 homeless men in Sydney, about half reported taking vitamin supplements (with varying duration and regularity), usually a regimen consisting of thiamin, vitamin C, folic acid and a multivitamin-B-complex capsule. In this cross-sectional study, little effect could be seen on clinical health between those reporting taking vitamin supplementation and those not doing so. However, biochemical measurements showed significant differences. The numbers of men classified as deficient were higher by about 20 per cent for those reporting not taking vitamins. The mean biochemical levels were significantly better for the supplemented group for thiamin, as assessed by TPP per cent effect (P = 0.04), vitamin B6, as assessed by P5'P per cent effect (P = 0.002), vitamin C (P < 0.001) and blood folate (P < 0.02). Consequently, on the basis of mean biochemical levels of vitamin status, the supplemented group were better off and it is reasonable to presume that in the long term this would be reflected in improved clinical status.