Vitamin E has been shown to help fight upper respiratory infections, particularly the common cold, in the elderly
Vitamin E supplementation has potential benefits in fighting upper respiratory tract infections like the common cold in the elderly, according to a study published in the Aug. 18 issue. According to the Council for Responsible Nutrition, one of the leading trade bodies in the dietary supplement industry, this is another positive study that adds to the mounting scientific evidence that vitamin E is beneficial for improved immune function in the elderly.
All patients received a multivitamin supplement containing 50 percent of the recommended daily allowance of essential 311 of the patients also received a daily capsule with 200 of vitamin E, while the control group of 306 received a placebo. Fewer people in the vitamin E group experienced one or more upper respiratory infections. The researchers also observed that those given the vitamin E supplement had a 20 percent lower risk of catching a cold than those given the placebo. There was no effect on lower respiratory tract infections.
The protective effect of vitamin E against upper respiratory tract infections, particularly the common cold, demonstrated in this study is very promising, especially given the prevalence of such conditions in the elderly and the potential that the common cold can lead to more serious illnesses. As the authors of the study explain, respiratory infections are common in older people, leading to increased morbidity, mortality and use of health services.
This study further sheds light on the importance of vitamin E supplementation for older people, who are generally at risk for nutrient deficiencies. It is recognized that diet has a major impact on disease resistance and the group has previously shown that vitamin E supplementation improves measures of immune response. The current study shows an influence on the actual incidence of the disease.
It found that all participants in both the placebo and vitamin E groups received a low-dose multivitamin because nursing home residents are known to be prone to under-supply. This was good practice and some experts have advocated giving nursing home residents multivitamins as a policy to avoid the consequences of nutrient deficiencies. However, it is possible that the multivitamin will reduce the effects of vitamin E supplementation.
In the article, the authors conclude that the study results indicate important effects on the well-being of older people and call for future studies to further evaluate the effect of vitamin E supplementation on colds, including a more detailed analysis of the effect of the nutrient to specific pathogens.
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