10.01.04
Indication: Respiratory tract infections
Source: JAMA, August 18, 2004;292(7):828-836.
Research: In this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, researchers assessed the impact of 200 IU of vitamin E per day on the incidence of respiratory tract infections (upper and lower) and on the number of days with the infection in elderly nursing home residents (at least 65 years old). The study included 600 patients who were followed for one year. Nursing home residents had very similar intakes of micronutrients, and both the placebo and supplemented groups received multivitamins.
Results: The study found vitamin E had no significant effect on incidence or number of days of infection for all upper or lower respiratory tract infections. However, fewer participants receiving vitamin E acquired one or more respiratory tract infections (65% vs. 74%), or upper respiratory tract infections (50% vs. 62%). When common colds were analyzed in a post hoc subgroup analysis, the vitamin E group had a lower incidence of common cold (66% vs. 83% per person, per year) and fewer participants in the vitamin E group acquired one or more colds (46% vs. 57%). Vitamin E had no significant effect on antibiotic use.
Source: JAMA, August 18, 2004;292(7):828-836.
Research: In this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, researchers assessed the impact of 200 IU of vitamin E per day on the incidence of respiratory tract infections (upper and lower) and on the number of days with the infection in elderly nursing home residents (at least 65 years old). The study included 600 patients who were followed for one year. Nursing home residents had very similar intakes of micronutrients, and both the placebo and supplemented groups received multivitamins.
Results: The study found vitamin E had no significant effect on incidence or number of days of infection for all upper or lower respiratory tract infections. However, fewer participants receiving vitamin E acquired one or more respiratory tract infections (65% vs. 74%), or upper respiratory tract infections (50% vs. 62%). When common colds were analyzed in a post hoc subgroup analysis, the vitamin E group had a lower incidence of common cold (66% vs. 83% per person, per year) and fewer participants in the vitamin E group acquired one or more colds (46% vs. 57%). Vitamin E had no significant effect on antibiotic use.