Multiple Vitamin Strengthens Immune System and Memory In Seniors

 James Meschino DC, MS, ROHP

 In a year-long study involving 86 persons over the age of 65, Dr. Chandra, of Memorial University of Newfoundland, demonstrated that when given a daily supplement of 18 vitamins and minerals, patients responded by showing objective improvement in short-term memory, overall cognitive abilities and greatly-strengthened immune function. Dr. Chandra also suggests that supplements may prevent serious neurological damage and disorders such as Alzheimer’s Disease. In previous studies, Dr. Chandra and other researchers have shown that supplementation with antioxidants (Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Beta-Carotene), selenium and zinc can reverse the typical decline in immune function that accompanies the aging process. (Nutrition, Sept 2001)

As pointed out by Teresa Marshal, M.D. in the August 2001 edition of Nutrition, it appears that nutritional deficiencies increase with age. She found that 80% of seniors consumed inadequate amounts of four or more nutrients. Calcium, Vitamin D and folic acid were the most frequently neglected nutrients in her study of 420 persons over the age of 78. (Nutrition, August 2001)