Summary of Dietary Supplements Boosts Nutrition in Older Men:
A study conducted by Oregon State University found that daily multivitamin/multimineral supplementation improved key nutrition biomarkers and maintained cellular function in healthy older men. Participants who took the supplement showed improved biomarkers, while those who took a placebo showed no change and reduced cellular oxygen consumption. The research suggests that multivitamins can play a significant role in promoting health as people age. The study involved 35 healthy men aged 68 or older who were given either a multivitamin supplement or a placebo. After a six-month trial, the multivitamin group showed improved nutrition biomarkers, while those taking the placebo did not. The researchers also observed a connection between vitamin status and white blood cell function. The researchers believe this study marks the beginning of a new era for multivitamin research. Understanding who benefits the most from multivitamins will be necessary for future trials evaluating disease risk.
1. A study by Oregon State University found that daily multivitamin/multimineral supplementation improved key nutrition biomarkers and maintained cellular function in healthy older men.
2. The research suggests that multivitamins can play a significant role in promoting health as people age.
3. The study included 35 healthy men, half receiving a multivitamin and half receiving a placebo.
4. the multivitamin participants showed improved nutrition biomarkers, while those on the placebo did not.
5. The researchers believe this study marks the beginning of a new era in multivitamin research.
Dietary Supplements Boost Nutrition in Older Men
As we age, our nutritional needs change. Ensuring we get all the essential vitamins and minerals to maintain our health and well-being becomes even more critical. A recent study by Oregon State University sheds light on an effective way to boost nutrition in older men – daily multivitamin/multimineral supplementation.
The study, led by researchers Tory Hagen and Alexander Michels, aimed to determine whether multivitamins effectively change nutrition biomarkers in older adults. Previous studies have yielded mixed results, leaving much uncertainty about the benefits of these supplements. Hagen and Michels sought to clarify this issue and explore the potential connections between multivitamin use, nutrition levels, and cellular function.
The research team recruited 35 healthy men aged 68 or older to conduct the study. These participants were randomly divided into two groups – one group received a Centrum Silver multivitamin, while the other group received a placebo. The study participants did not know which group they belonged to, ensuring a double-blind experiment. Additionally, the participants were not allowed to take any other supplements during the study, except for vitamin D if prescribed by their doctor.
Upon analyzing the initial nutrition levels of the participants, the researchers found that many of the older men were not obtaining optimal levels of several vitamins. This provided an opportunity for improvement through supplementation.
After six months of daily multivitamin or placebo use, apparent differences emerged between the two groups. The participants who took the multivitamin showed improved nutrition biomarkers, while those on the placebo did not experience any significant changes. This finding suggests that food alone is not always enough to maintain optimal vitamin and carotenoid levels, which are crucial for overall health.
Carotenoids, yellow, orange, and red pigments synthesized by plants play multiple roles in human health. Some carotenoids, such as beta-carotene, serve as a source of vitamin A. Ensuring an adequate intake of carotenoids is vital for maintaining good health, especially as we age.
Apart from measuring changes in nutrition biomarkers, the researchers also examined the cellular function of the study participants’ white blood cells, a crucial component of the body’s immune system. To their surprise, they found that the placebo participants showed a reduction in cellular oxygen consumption. This reduction was not observed in the men who took the multivitamin, suggesting a potential connection between vitamin status and white blood cell function.
The researchers believe this study marks the beginning of a new era for multivitamin research. While previous studies have shown mixed results regarding the effectiveness of multivitamins in reducing disease risk, this study highlights the significant impact they can have on improving nutrition biomarkers and maintaining cellular function.
However, it is essential to note that individual responses to multivitamin supplementation may vary. Some participants may benefit more than others, and understanding the factors that influence these varying responses will be crucial for future multivitamin trials evaluating disease risk.
In conclusion, daily multivitamin/multimineral supplementation has been shown to boost nutrition biomarkers and maintain cellular function in healthy older men. This research provides valuable insights into the potential benefits of multivitamins as we age and emphasizes the importance of ensuring optimal nutrition levels for overall health and well-being. While further research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms and individual responses to supplementation, incorporating a daily multivitamin into your routine may help support your health as you navigate aging.
