Effect of vitamin C supplements on cell-mediated immunity in old people.
Both ageing and vitamin C (VC) deficiency result in immune defect. Since low serum and tissue levels of VC are found in the elderly, we have in a placebo-controlled study, tested the effect of VC supplements (500 mg/day i.m. for 1 month) on various immune parameters. Indeed, VC enhances the proliferative response of T lymphocytes in vitro, and the tuberculin skin hypersensitivity in vivo. Neither the serum concentrations of IgA, IgG and IgM, nor the proportion of E-rosette-forming cells were modified. No significant change was observed in the placebo-treated group.
D000368:Aged; D001205:Ascorbic Acid / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007111:Immunity, Cellular / Q000187:drug effects*; D007136:Immunoglobulins / Q000032:analysis; D007273:Injections, Intramuscular; D008213:Lymphocyte Activation / Q000187:drug effects*; D008297:Male; D008934:Mitogens / Q000494:pharmacology; D012397:Rosette Formation; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000187:drug effects; D014374:Tuberculin Test
D007136:Immunoglobulins; D008934:Mitogens; D001205:Ascorbic Acid