Effect of 6 month supplementation with different combinations of an association of antioxidant nutrients on biochemical parameters and markers of the antioxidant defence system in the elderly. The Geriatrie/Min.Vit.Aox Network.
OBJECTIVE
To study the effect of supplementation with an association of small physiological amounts of antioxidant nutrients upon biochemical parameters and indicators of oxidative stress and antioxidant enzymes.


METHODS
The study included a double-blind placebo-controlled design.


METHODS
Nursing homes in different areas in France.


METHODS
575 elderly long term hospitalized subjects aged 65-103 years.


METHODS
Four groups were compared. They received daily: (V) vitamins (vitamin E, 15 mg and vitamin C, 120 mg) and beta-carotene, 6 mg; (T) trace elements (zinc, 20 mg, selenium, 100 micrograms); (VT) vitamins associated with trace elements; or (P) a placebo. Biological markers of vitamin and trace element status, and free radical parameters were measured initially and after 6 months of supplementation.


RESULTS
An analysis of variance indicated a significant effect of vitamin supplementation on serum alpha-tocopherol, beta-carotene and vitamin C, a significant effect of trace element supplementation on serum zinc and both a significant trace element and a vitamin-trace element interaction on serum selenium. We observed significant effects of both trace element and vitamin supplementation on GPx activity (P < 0.01), an effect of vitamin supplementation on SOD activity (P < 0.05).


CONCLUSIONS
Our results indicate that short-term supplementation with moderate doses of antioxidant vitamins and trace elements in elderly subjects clearly improves both non-enzymatic (alpha-tocopherol, beta-carotene, vitamin C) levels and enzymatic antioxidant (GPx and SOD) activity.
Monget
A L
AL
Institut Scientifique et Technique de la Nutrition et de l' Alimentation, CNAM, Paris, France.
Richard
M J
MJ
Cournot
M P
MP
Arnaud
J
J
Galan
P
P
Preziosi
P
P
Herbeth
B
B
Favier
A
A
Hercberg
S
S
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D000975:Antioxidants / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000494:pharmacology*; D002851:Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D005527:Food, Fortified; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D008054:Lipid Peroxides / Q000097:blood; D008134:Long-Term Care; D008297:Male; D009735:Nursing Homes; D014131:Trace Elements / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000097:blood; D014815:Vitamins / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000097:blood*
D000975:Antioxidants; D008054:Lipid Peroxides; D014131:Trace Elements; D014815:Vitamins