Multivitamins may not prevent infection among elderly

Reported by Susan Aldridge, PhD, medical journalist

A new review suggests there is little convincing evidence to support the routine use of vitamin and mineral supplements to prevent infection among older people.
We already know that older people are more prone to infection and sometimes the consequences can be serious. A team at Royal Hallamshire Hospital, Sheffield, England, has been looking at whether or not vitamins and minerals can help keep older people free of infection.

They looked at eight different studies. Three did show fewer days spent with an infection among older people. However, the evidence was - overall - weak and conflicting. The results don't support routine use of vitamins and minerals among older people purely to fight infection. But it may be time for larger studies to see what role supplements might play in preventing infection.

Source
BMJ Online First 31st March 2005