The effect of zinc and vitamin A supplementation on immune response in an older population

Article Abstract:

Zinc supplements may enhance the immune system in older people. Researchers randomly assigned 118 elderly people to take zinc, vitamin A, both or a placebo. Zinc boosted the cell-mediated immune response by increasing the number of CD4+DR+ T cells and cytotoxic T-lymphocytes. Vitamin A seemed to have a negative effect, since it caused a reduction in the number of CD3+ and CD4+ T cells.

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Relation of colonic transit to functional bowel disease in older people: a population-based study

Article Abstract:

Slow colonic transit appears to be the most important cause of constipation in the elderly. This was determined by a study of 52 people with constipation, 55 with irritable bowel syndrome and 92 with neither condition. Colonic transit was significantly longer in the group with constipation compared to the other two groups. Regular laxative use was also associated with constipation.

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Immunologic response to a single dose of tetanus toxoid in older people

Article Abstract:

Doctors should ensure that all elderly people are vaccinated against tetanus. In a study of 115 residents of a retirement home, only 58% were immune to tetanus. A single tetanus shot effectively increased the percentage of people who were immune to tetanus.

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