BMJ  2005;331:304-305 (6 August), doi:10.1136/bmj.331.7512.304

Editorial

Vitamin and mineral supplements for preventing infections in older people

May have a place for some, but improved diet and physical activity will do more good

The first 150 words of the full text of this article appear below.

The number of older people is growing rapidly worldwide. In England alone the number of people older than 65 has more than doubled since the 1930s, and one fifth of the population is now aged 60 or more.¹ Ageing, disease, lifestyle, and environmental factors may all impair in older people the acquisition of food and its intake, processing, and metabolism, all leading to poor nutritional status.² Ageing is also associated with decreases in physical activity and lean body mass and an increase in body fat. The accompanying reductions in energy requirements and intake of food lead to lower intakes of macronutrients and micronutrients.²

Many older people exhibit poor immune responses and are at a high risk of infection.³ Although the mechanisms leading to the age related decline in innate and adaptive immunity are poorly understood, several studies have shown a beneficial effect on the immune system of supplementing vitamins . . . [Full text of this article]

Sheffield Institute for Studies on Ageing, University of Sheffield, Northern General Hospital, Sheffield, S5 7AU
(s.e.gariballa@sheffield.ac.uk)

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Rapid Responses:

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Not an easy decision

Seema Vasisht
bmj.com, 9 Aug 2005 [Full text]

multivitamins! any disadvantages?

girish chawla
bmj.com, 9 Aug 2005 [Full text]

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