Vitamins and minerals are essential micronutrients that play critical roles in immune function, especially vitamins C and D and zinc, a mineral. Many older adults living in developed countries are at risk for micronutrient deficiency. Findings from a new study indicate that micronutrient supplementation may improve immune function in people over the age of 55 years.

The randomized controlled trial involved 42 healthy older adults (55 to 75 years old). Half of the participants took a commercial multivitamin supplement that was formulated to support immune function, and the other half took a placebo. The multivitamin provided 1 gram of vitamin C and 10 milligrams of zinc per day, and the intervention lasted 12 weeks. Before and after the intervention, the authors of the study took blood samples from the participants to assess their micronutrient status, immune function, and immune status. The participants provided self-reported assessments of their overall health.

At the end of the study, the authors found that multivitamin supplementation improved the participants' vitamin C and zinc status as well as their self-reported health status, but it didn’t change vitamin D status or measures of immune function or status. These findings demonstrate that healthy older adults may benefit from multivitamin supplementation, but larger studies are needed to confirm.

• Link to full study.

• Learn more about vitamin C and immune health in our overview article.

• Learn more about zinc and immune health in our overview article.