Effect of zinc supplementation on serum zinc concentration and T cell proliferation in nursing home elderly: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial
Barnett JB, Dao MC, Hamer DH, Kandel R, Brandeis G, Wu D
Published in American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Vol. 103 (3), pp. 942-51
Methodology
Randomized placebo-controlled trial of zinc gluconate in nursing home residents with low serum zinc, measuring immune cell counts and function.
Key Findings
Zinc raised serum zinc and increased T-cell numbers, but effects on innate cell function markers were limited.
Conclusions
Zinc repletion supports immune cell populations in deficient older adults, with modest functional change.
Limitations
Only zinc-deficient participants; short duration.
Supplements Studied
Zinc raised serum zinc and increased T-cell numbers in deficient older adults
Outcomes Measured
Zinc raised serum zinc and increased T-cell numbers, but effects on innate cell function markers were limited
Study Details
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