Effects of Multivitamin and Mineral Supplementation on Immune Function and Health in Older Adults Essay

Overview of the Study

It is known that older individuals are at a higher risk of having insufficient vitamin and mineral levels, which in turn are associated with weakened immune systems. The study conducted by Fantacone et al. focuses on the effects of vitamins and supplements on one’s health.¹ It utilizes a double-blind, randomized, controlled design that aims to measure the effectiveness of the intervention.¹

Study Design and Participant Profile

The researchers investigated how a multivitamin and mineral (MVM) supplement affects the immune function of healthy older adults.¹ Namely, Redoxon® VI was used to evaluate its effects on human health.¹ The participants included 42 individuals aged 55-75 who had to undergo screening to meet certain criteria with regard to their medical conditions, procedures, lifestyle habits, and vitamin and mineral levels.¹

Furthermore, sufficient serum 25-(OH) vitamin D levels were crucial in this study. The volunteers were employed from the university campus, the community, and the Center for Healthy Aging Research.¹ During a 12-week period, measurements and tests were performed for participants in both study groups, Redoxon® VI and placebo.¹ The findings were compared before and after the MVM supplement treatment across the two groups.

Focus on Immune Function and Nutritional Markers

In this regard, the study focused on overall health status and different factors related to immune function. They involve the levels of vitamins and minerals, such as zinc, vitamins C and D, along with the indicators of immune function, including bacterial killing activity, reactive oxygen species production, and neutrophil phagocytic activity.¹ Furthermore, immune status markers comprising salivary IgA and plasma cytokine/chemokine levels were measured, as well as health status reported by the participants.¹

Key Findings of the MVM Supplement Intervention

Overall, the findings of the study revealed that multivitamins and mineral supplementation resulted in improvements in the levels of vitamin C and zinc in the participants’ blood.¹ In addition, better overall health was reported by the participants in the Redoxon® VI group.¹ Nonetheless, there were no significant changes with regard to vitamin D levels, immune function measures, and immune status markers.¹ Based on these findings, MVM supplementation may have a beneficial effect on older adults’ health without providing a significant impact on immune function.

Limitations of the Study

The study is characterized by several limitations that may have affected its results. In particular, the sample size of 42 individuals is relatively small, which affects the generalizability of the findings to a broader audience.¹ Moreover, the authors reported that 94% of the participants were Caucasian, which implies a lack of diversity within the intervention groups.¹ Finally, another limitation is the duration of the study, which was 12 weeks and may have been insufficient for evaluating the long-term effects of MVM supplements on the immune response.

Directions for Future Research and Comparative Studies

To address the limitations of the study, further research is needed. In particular, studies that utilize a larger sample size and have a longer duration may help support or disprove the findings of the study at hand. Other research reveals conflicting results, indicating the need for more studies. For instance, another trial that lasted three months and involved a course of nutritional supplements demonstrated that the elderly’s physical function and quality of life improved.²

In turn, another study emphasizes that the psychological aspect of life is improved, while social, physical, and other types are unaffected after the use of mineral supplements.³ Furthermore, recent research examines the issues of paraprobiotics and nutraceuticals.⁴ A follow-up study in this area could help achieve a better understanding of the relationship between the immune system and MVM supplementation in older adults.

References

1. Fantacone ML, Lowry MB, Uesugi SL, et al. The effect of a multivitamin and mineral supplement on immune function in healthy older adults: A double-blind, randomized, controlled trial. Nutrients. 2020;12(8):2447.
2. Zhang H, Qiu Y, Zhang J, et al. The effect of oral nutritional supplements on the nutritional status of community elderly people with malnutrition or risk of malnutrition. Asia Pacific Journal of Clinical Nutrition. 2021;30(3):415-423. Web.
3. Abolfathi M, Pasdar Y, Kheiri M, Irandoost SF, & Darabi F. The effect of consuming multivitamin/mineral supplements on elderly quality of life: Based on randomized control trial. Journal of Education and Health Promotion. 2021;10(63):1-8.
4. Siciliano RA., Reale A, Mazzeo MF, Morandi S, Silvetti T, & Brasca M. Paraprobiotics: A new perspective for functional foods and nutraceuticals. Nutrients. 2021;13(4):1-19.