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Micronutrient supplementation and infection in institutionalized elders
1Department of Foods and Nutrition, University of Georgia, Athens 30602, USA.
Nutrition Reviews
|January 8, 1998
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.
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.
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.