Nutraceuticals and immune restoration in the elderly

Abstract

Nutraceuticals, including dietary supplements and functional foods, are a $152 billion world market. The percentage of those aged 65 years and older using nutraceutical products is higher than for any other age group and has doubled in recent years. Aging is associated with decreased immunity, increased morbidity and mortality resulting from infectious agents, and poor nutritional status. Deficiencies in vitamin E, vitamin B6, folate, zinc, and selenium, for example, are particularly common, and deficits in these micronutrients have been reported to negatively influence immunity. Thus, if nutraceutical products can improve micronutrient status, the regular use of nutraceuticals by the elderly population may provide an opportunity to enhance immunity in this at-risk population. Results from human clinical trials evaluating the use of nutraceuticals to support immune restoration in the elderly, however, have been largely inconsistent. Additional clinical trials using consistent outcome measures are needed, which will require a cooperative commitment from the nutraceutical industry and academia.