Vitamin E has numerous beneficial effects, including improving immune function and cardiovascular health. A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (2004;292(7):828-836) shows that Vitamin E supplementation also has a protective effect against upper respiratory tract infections in the elderly, especially the common cold. Infections in the elderly are a major cause of morbidity and death.
A double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was conducted to determine the effect of vitamin E supplementation on respiratory infections in the elderly. Researchers enrolled 617 subjects who were over the age of 65 and residents at nursing homes in the greater Boston area. Vitamin E was administered one group of patients at a dosage level of 200 IU daily while the other group was given or placebo for 1 year.
The results showed that although vitamin E had no significant effect on incidence or number of days with infection for all, upper, or lower respiratory tract infections, there were fewer patients in the vitamin E group who had 1 or more upper respiratory tract infections, especially the common cold. The authors conclude that this study warrants further investigation. If the dosage level is increased, the results will likely be significant.
The results demonstrated in this study are quite exciting, because a major analysis has shown that vitamin E is safe up to 1600 IU daily in most adults. As well, there is no evidence of adverse effects with long-term supplementation or interactions with medications, especially at the level used in this trial. Long-term vitamin E supplementation should be considered in elderly patients.
Posted by Kristopher Foster on February 14, 2006 11:45 AM
