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Three studies show dietary supplements improve
health of seniors
The recent clinical studies showed that dietary supplements can
treat nutritional deficiencies in the elderly, boost their immune
systems, combat short-term memory loss, reduce risks of Alzheimer's,
and improve seniors' overall health. The first, conducted at Memorial
University of Newfoundland, concluded that supplementation with
moderate amounts of 18 vitamins, minerals, and trace elements
improved short-term memory and overall cognitive abilities and
strengthened immune system function in 86 elderly people treated
over the course of one year. A separate study published in the
May 2001 issue of Neurology found that seniors with low
levels of folate and vitamin B12 have an increased risk of developing
Alzheimer's disease. A third study, published in the August 2001
issue of Nutrition, showed that nutritional deficiencies
greatly increase with age, and that supplement use helps eliminate
these deficiencies in the elderly. However, a recent survey conducted
by Harris Interactive found that the age group over 65 is least
likely to discuss dietary supplements with doctors. PRNewswire,
September 10, 2001.
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