Micronutrient supplementation and infection in institutionalized elders.
A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial was conducted to determine the effects of a low-dose (< 2 times the Recommended Dietary Allowance) micronutrient supplement containing trace minerals (zinc and selenium) and/or vitamins/provitamins (vitamin C, alpha-tocopherol, and beta-carotene) on the incidence of respiratory and urogenital infections in institutionalized elderly. After 2 years, there was a significant decrease in the mean number of infections in elders given trace elements (p < 0.01) but not vitamins.
Johnson
M A
MA
Department of Foods and Nutrition, University of Georgia, Athens 30602, USA.
Porter
K H
KH
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007326:Institutionalization; D008297:Male; D018977:Micronutrients; D012141:Respiratory Tract Infections / Q000517:prevention & control*; D014131:Trace Elements / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D014570:Urologic Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control*; D014815:Vitamins / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D018977:Micronutrients; D014131:Trace Elements; D014815:Vitamins