ABSTRACT
A randomized double-blind trial was performed in 134 elderly long-term hospitalized subjects, comparing four groups receiving daily supplements of trace elements (zinc, 20 mg; selenium, 100 µg); vitamins (β-carotene, 6 mg; vitamin C, 120 mg; and vitamin E, 15 mg); trace elements associated with vitamins; or a placebo. Biological markers of trace elements and vitamin status, free radical parameters, and some immunological markers were measured initially and six months after the supplementation. Mean plasma levels of α-tocopherol, vitamin C, and β-carotene increased significantly after six months of supplementation in groups receiving vitamins alone or associated with minerals. Serum selenium concentrations were significantly increased at six months of supplementation only in the mineral treatment groups. Serum zinc levels were not significantly influenced by the mineral supplementation. A significant increase in glutathione peroxidase (GPX) levels was observed in groups receiving minerals (alone or associated with vitamins).
