Effect of a multivitamin and mineral supplement on infection and quality of life. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.
BACKGROUND
Use of multivitamin and mineral supplements is common among U.S. adults, yet few well-designed trials have assessed the reputed benefits.


OBJECTIVE
To determine the effect of a daily multivitamin and mineral supplement on infection and well-being.


METHODS
Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.


METHODS
Primary care clinics at two medical centers in North Carolina.


METHODS
130 community-dwelling adults stratified by age (45 to 64 years or >or=65 years) and presence of type 2 diabetes mellitus.


METHODS
Multivitamin and mineral supplement or placebo taken daily for 1 year.


METHODS
Incidence of participant-reported symptoms of infection, incidence of infection-associated absenteeism, and scores on the physical and mental health subscales of the Medical Outcomes Study 12-Item Short Form.


RESULTS
More participants receiving placebo reported an infectious illness over the study year than did participants receiving multivitamin and mineral supplements (73% vs. 43%; P < 0.001). Infection-related absenteeism was also higher in the placebo group than in the treatment group (57% vs. 21%; P < 0.001). Participants with type 2 diabetes mellitus (n = 51) accounted for this finding. Among diabetic participants receiving placebo, 93% reported an infection compared with 17% of those receiving supplements (P < 0.001). Medical Outcomes Study 12-Item Short Form scores did not differ between the treatment and placebo groups.


CONCLUSIONS
A multivitamin and mineral supplement reduced the incidence of participant-reported infection and related absenteeism in a sample of participants with type 2 diabetes mellitus and a high prevalence of subclinical micronutrient deficiency. A larger clinical trial is needed to determine whether these findings can be replicated not only in diabetic persons but also in any population with a high rate of suboptimal nutrition or potential underlying disease impairment.
Barringer
Thomas A
TA
University of North Carolina School of Medicine at Carolinas Medical Center, Charlotte, North Carolina, USA. tbarringer@carolinas.org
Kirk
Julienne K
JK
Santaniello
Amy C
AC
Foley
Kristie Long
KL
Michielutte
Robert
R
D003924:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / Q000150:complications; D019587:Dietary Supplements; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D015438:Health Behavior; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D017053:Infection Control; D007239:Infections / Q000453:epidemiology*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008903:Minerals / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D009752:Nutritional Status; D011788:Quality of Life; D014815:Vitamins / Q000008:administration & dosage*
D008903:Minerals; D014815:Vitamins