The Effect of Multi-Vitamin/Multi-Mineral Supplementation on Nutritional Status in Older Adults Receiving Drug Therapies: A Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial

Abstract

Polypharmacy regimens may increase the susceptibility of older adults to micronutrient inadequacy and deficiency via impairment of nutritional status. We hypothesized that a multi-vitamin-mineral supplement (MVMS) could improve nutritional status in older adults prescribed diuretics, metformin, and/or proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). We conducted a randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled, parallel clinical trial in which eligible subjects were instructed to consume either a MVMS or placebo for 16 wk. Fasting blood was collected at baseline, 8, and 16 wk and the status of selected vitamins and minerals determined. Thirty-five and 19 men and women aged 45-75 yrs in the in MVMS and placebo arms, respectively, completed the trial. The mean total number of medications among the three drug classes taken by participants did not differ between two groups. The status of vitamins B1, B12, C and folate and calcium, copper, magnesium and zinc at baseline were within normal ranges. The MVMS group had a greater change in nutrient status after 16 wk compared to the placebo group for serum folate (7.5 vs.-1.6 ng/mL, p < 0.0001), vitamin B12 (159.2 vs.-33.9 pg/mL, p ¼ 0.007), and plasma vitamin C (0.2 vs. 0.0 mg/dL, p ¼ 0.004). Other measured vitamins and minerals were not significantly changed during the intervention. In conclusion, the status of vitamins B12, C and folate improved with MVMS but remained within normal ranges in older adults taking diuretics, metformin, and/or PPIs.

Nutritional and lifestyle management of the aging journey: A narrative review

“…These interventions include serving smaller energy-enriched portions, favoring liquid versus solid textures (e.g., smoothies), or even improving the meal environment ( 110 ). Micronutrient supplementation as well have shown benefits in improving micronutrient status in older adults ( 111 , 112 ). Therefore, improving/supporting digestive comfort, ensuring adequate nutrient intake at all stages of aging, and increasing hunger in the elderly are relevant strategies to target a healthy nutrient intake in order to avoid age-associated nutrient deficiencies.…”

Trastornos electrolíticos inducidos por diuréticos de asa en los adultos mayores. Revisión sistemática

“…Los trastornos electrolíticos son recurrentes como consecuencia de la polifarmacia, como pasa en los adultos mayores y en pacientes con comorbilidades. Según datos estadísticos, el 24% de la población adulta mayor de 65 años y el 31,4% de los pacientes de 85 años sufren cuatro o más condiciones crónicas, debido a que el sistema inmunitario se vuelve más susceptible a enfermedades al envejecer (3,4,5).…”

Multivitamin/Multimineral Supplementation Prevents or Reverses Decline in Vitamin Biomarkers and Cellular Energy Metabolism in Healthy Older Men: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study

“…It is presumed that this is a result of changes in dietary habits, physiological changes, or a combination of these factors. For example, both food choices and changes in nutrient absorption may decline as a result of poor oral health, gastrointestinal pH changes, chronic low-grade inflammation of the gut (i.e., atrophic gastritis), co-morbid diseases, polypharmacy, or loss of taste and smell, and any combination of these factors [ 9 , 10 , 11 , 12 , 13 , 14 , 15 , 16 ]. There is also the possibility that advancing age may lead to heightened micronutrient utilization, making it more difficult for older adults to maintain blood nutrient levels.…”