Vitamin E Beneficial for Respiratory Tract Infections inElderly

Vitamin E Beneficial for Respiratory Tract Infections inElderly

BOSTONScientists studied theeffects of vitamin E supplementation on respiratory tract infections in elderlynursing home residents. Participants were found to have a lower incidence ofcommon cold and had fewer respiratory tract infections when taking a vitamin Esupplement, according to a study published in the August issue of the Journalof the American Medical Association (292 7:828- 836,2004) (www.jama.ama-assn.org).

A randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled trial wasconducted on 451 participants aged at least 65 years and living at one of 33long-term care facilities in the Boston area. Vitamin E (200 IU/d) or a placebocapsule was administered daily for one year and all participants received acapsule containing half the recommended daily allowance (RDA) of essentialvitamins and minerals. The incidence of respiratory tract infections, number ofpersons and number of days with respiratory tract infections (upper and lower),and number of new antibiotic prescriptions for respiratory tract infections werestudied.

The study found vitamin E had no significant effect onincidence or number of days of infection for all upper or lower respiratorytract infections. However, fewer participants receiving vitamin E acquired oneor more respiratory tract infections (65 percent versus 74 percent), or upperrespiratory tract infections (50 percent versus 62 percent).

When common colds were analyzed in a post hoc subgroupanalysis, the vitamin E group had a lower incidence of common cold (66 percentversus 83 percent per person, per year) and fewer participants in the vitamin Egroup acquired one or more colds (46 percent versus 57 percent). Vitamin E hadno significant effect on antibiotic use.

Scientists concluded supplementation with 200 IU/d of vitaminE did not have a statistically significant effect on lower respiratory tractinfections in elderly nursing home residents. However, a protective effect ofvitamin E supplementation on upper respiratory tract infections was observed,particularly with the common cold.

The Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN) issued a statementregarding the study, noting it further illuminates the importance of goodnutrition in supporting immune function. Some experts have advocated thatmultivitamins be provided to nursing home residents as a matter of policy toavoid the consequences of inadequate nutrient intakes, said AnnetteDickinson, Ph.D., president of CRN (www.crnusa.org). However, it is possiblethat the multivitamin attenuated the effects of the vitamin E supplement.

DSM Nutritional Products provided support for the vitamin Eand multivitamin supplements used in the trial. This study is very exciting,in that it suggests the elderly population could significantly reduce their riskof developing upper respiratory tract infection by using vitamin E supplements,said Lynda Doyle, director of business development for DSM Nutritional Products.Given the frequency of the common cold and its impact on the well-being ofthe elderly, the use of vitamin E supplements could lower health care costs andimprove the quality of life of elderly individuals. This research furthersupports the health benefits of vitamin E and we expect the findings to helpbolster vitamin E sales.

DSM Nutritional Products is exhibiting at SupplySide West. Formore information, visit www.nutraaccess.com or Booth #1522 at SupplySide West.