Does regular multivitamin (MVT) use increase serum levels of vitamins in community healthy elderly?

T. S. Dharmarajan, M. Kanagala, R. Rajendran, E. P. Norkus

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Macronutrient and micronutrient deficiencies are common in the elderly living in North America. The present study examined the relationship between daily MVT use and serum levels of selected vitamins in cognitively normal, healthy elderly. Fasting blood samples were collected from 19 volunteers (63-88 yr). Group 1 elderly (6 males & 6 females, 75.4 ± 1.0 yr) did not consume MVT while group 2 elderly (5 males and 2 females, 77.3 ± 3.3 yr) consumed a standard MVT daily. Subjects in Group 1 and 2 did not differ significantly by age, race, marital status, or education level. Serum vitamin C and E values were significantly increased by daily MVT (P<0.0200 & P<0.0028, respectively) while serum vitamin B12, folate and β-carotene levels were unchanged by daily MVT. Regression analyses determined a significant positive relationship between daily MVT use and the increase in serum vitamin C (p<0.0401) and (P<0.0055), no relationship between daily MVT use and serum B12 and folate, and a significant negative relationship between daily MVT use and serum β-carotene (P<0.0007). Our study suggests that regular MVT use does not improve serum levels of all vitamins in healthy, cognitively normal elderly. Periodic assessment of vitamin status may be justified in this age group.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)A877
JournalFASEB Journal
Volume12
Issue number5
StatePublished - Mar 20 1998
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Biotechnology
  • Biochemistry
  • Molecular Biology
  • Genetics

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