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Despite the theoretical appeal of giving vitamin and mineral supplements to elderly people, convincing proof that supplements are beneficial is lacking. In this study from Toronto, 763 residents (mean age, 85) of 21 nursing homes were randomized to receive either a multivitamin/mineral supplement or placebo. People with immunosuppression, cancer, or severe malnutrition were excluded. Because micronutrient deficiencies are thought to be associated with impaired immunity, the researchers chose infections (i.e., respiratory, urinary, skin, soft tissue, gastrointestinal, and bloodstream) as the primary outcome.
During 18 months of follow-up, the multivitamin/mineral and the placebo groups did not differ in the numbers of infections per subject, …