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Micronutrient supplementation and infection in institutionalized elders

M A Johnson1, K H Porter

  • 1Department of Foods and Nutrition, University of Georgia, Athens 30602, USA.

Nutrition Reviews
|January 8, 1998
PubMed
Summary

Trace elements like zinc and selenium significantly reduced infections in elderly individuals living in institutions. Vitamins did not show a similar effect in this 2-year study.

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Area of Science:

  • Gerontology
  • Nutritional Immunology
  • Infectious Disease Epidemiology

Background:

  • Elderly individuals, particularly those in institutional settings, are susceptible to infections.
  • Micronutrient deficiencies can impair immune function and increase infection risk.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the impact of low-dose trace mineral and/or vitamin supplementation on infection incidence in institutionalized elderly.
  • To differentiate the effects of trace elements versus vitamins on respiratory and urogenital infections.

Main Methods:

  • A 2-year randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial.
  • Participants received low-dose micronutrients: trace minerals (zinc, selenium) and/or vitamins (C, alpha-tocopherol, beta-carotene).
  • Incidence of respiratory and urogenital infections was monitored.

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Main Results:

  • Supplementation with trace elements (zinc and selenium) led to a statistically significant decrease in the mean number of infections (p < 0.01).
  • Vitamins (C, alpha-tocopherol, beta-carotene) did not show a significant effect on infection rates.
  • No significant difference was observed in the vitamin-only or combined trace element and vitamin groups compared to placebo.

Conclusions:

  • Low-dose trace mineral supplementation, specifically zinc and selenium, is effective in reducing the incidence of infections in institutionalized elderly.
  • Vitamins included in the study did not demonstrate a significant protective effect against respiratory or urogenital infections in this population.