Vitamins May Not Prevent Infections in Elderly

[HuckleB]

Vitamins May Not Prevent Infections in Elderly -- Study Shows Multivitamins for a Year Had Little Effect on Infections

http://my.webmd.com/content/Article/109/109360.htm?z=1728_00000_1000_tn_05

"A daily multivitamin appears to do little to prevent infections in people 65 and over.

Older people are more likely to be deficient in vitamins and minerals. Lower nutrient levels can affect the immune system and make it harder to fight off infection.

Thus, it makes sense that a low-cost daily vitamin may help boost nutrient levels and help prevent infections.

But in a study by researchers at Aberdeen University in Scotland - reported in the August edition of the British Medical Journal -- a daily multivitamin did not help fend off infections in elderly people.

..."

[jody]

1. Thank goodness because under CAFTA the elderly may need prescriptions. n/t

[no_hypocrisy]

2. Partially true. People of all ages need a well-balanced diet with more

than a single multivitamin (i.e., several nutritional supplements) in order to have a strong immune system that will fight infections. Swallowing a capsule/pill while neglecting a diet replete with essential nutrients, vitamins, minerals, fiber, etc. is not going to strengthen your immunity.

[Celebration]

3. what multivitamin?

I like the lower dose kind in gelatin capsules. I haven't a clue how the elderly are supposed to break down those hard coated things like Centrum Silver. A good diet is the most important thing and vitamins can't make up for that or exercise.