Daily micronutrient supplements enhance delayed-hypersensitivity skin test responses in older people.
A placebo-controlled double-blind trial of the effects of daily micronutrient supplements on circulating vitamin and trace metal concentrations and delayed-hypersensitivity skin test (DHST) responses was conducted. Subjects, aged 59-85 y, were randomly assigned to placebo (n = 27) or micronutrient (n = 29) treatment groups. DHST and circulating concentrations of nine micronutrients were measured before and after 6 and 12 mo of micronutrient ingestion. For the micronutrient group, there were statistically significant increases at 6 and/or 12 mo in the mean serum concentrations of ascorbate, beta-carotene, folate, vitamin B-6, and alpha-tocopherol. There was a significant increase at 12 mo in the number of subjects in the placebo group with one or more low concentrations. DHST responses to a panel of seven recall antigens were significantly increased at 12 mo in the micronutrient group but not the placebo group. This study demonstrates that daily supplementation with low-to-moderate doses of micronutrients can prevent low concentrations of some micronutrients and can improve DHST responses in healthy, independently living older adults.
Bogden
J D
JD
Department of Preventive Medicine and Community Health, UMDNJ-New Jersey Medical School, Newark 07103-2714.
Bendich
A
A
Kemp
F W
FW
Bruening
K S
KS
Shurnick
J H
JH
Denny
T
T
Baker
H
H
Louria
D B
DB
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006968:Hypersensitivity, Delayed / Q000276:immunology*; D007111:Immunity, Cellular / Q000187:drug effects*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012882:Skin Tests; D014131:Trace Elements / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000097:blood / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D014815:Vitamins / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000097:blood / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D014131:Trace Elements; D014815:Vitamins