Effects of a nutritional supplement on the immune response and cytokine production in free-living Chilean elderly

Bunout, D; Barrera, G; Hirsch, S; Gattas, V; de la Maza, MP; Haschke, F; Steenhout, P; Klassen, P; Hager, C; Avendaño M.; Petermann, M; Munoz, C

Abstract

Background: Immune response is impaired in the elderly. Our aim was to study the effects of a special nutritional formula on the immune response and response to influenza and pneumococcal vaccination in elderly subjects. Methods: Sixty healthy subjects aged ?70 years, with a Mini Mental score ?22 were studied. Half of the subjects received a special nutritional formula (in addition to the regular diet) providing, among other nutrients, 480 kcal, 31 g proteins, 120 IU vitamin E, 3.8 ?g vitamin B12, 400 ?g folic acid, 109 cfu Lactobacillus paracasei (NCC 2461), and 6 g of fructo-oligosaccharides. At 4 months of follow-up, subjects were vaccinated against influenza and pneumococcus. Lymphokine production by mononuclear cells (PBMC), lymphocyte subpopulations, and natural killer cell (NK) activity were measured at baseline and 4 months of follow-up (before vaccination). Antibodies against influenza and pneumococcal antigens and flu-stimulated production of interferon ? and interleukin-2 by PBMC were measured at 4 and 6 months. Skin response to 7 recall antigens and body composition were assessed at baseline and at 4 and 12 months. All infections occurring during the study period were recorded. Results: NK activity increased in supplemented subjects and decreased in nonsupplemented individuals. Interleukin-2 production by PBMC and the proportion of T cells with NK activity decreased in controls and did not change in supplemented subjects. Supplemented subjects reported less infections than nonsupplemented individuals (in 13% and 22% of scheduled visits, respectively; p = .02). Conclusions: This nutritional supplement increased innate immunity and protection against infections in elderly people.

Más información

Título según WOS: Effects of a nutritional supplement on the immune response and cytokine production in free-living Chilean elderly
Título según SCOPUS: Effects of a nutritional supplement on the immune response and cytokine production in free-living Chilean elderly
Título de la Revista: JOURNAL OF PARENTERAL AND ENTERAL NUTRITION
Volumen: 28
Número: 5
Editorial: Wiley
Fecha de publicación: 2004
Página de inicio: 348
Página final: 354
Idioma: English
URL: http://pen.sagepub.com/cgi/doi/10.1177/0148607104028005348
DOI:

10.1177/0148607104028005348

Notas: ISI, SCOPUS