Micronutrient treatment reduces cold symptoms[Dietary efficacy of a micronutrient combination in patients with recurrent upper respiratory tract infections. Results of a placebo-controlled double-blind study].
High relevance for common colds.
We evaluated how a specific mix of vitamins and minerals, including selenium, influences recurrent colds in a group of 192 patients over 16 weeks. This randomized, placebo-controlled study showed that those receiving the micronutrient combination experienced a greater improvement in cold symptoms compared to the placebo group.
Notably, individuals below 45 reported fewer job absences due to colds. Overall, vitamin and mineral levels increased significantly for those on the treatment, suggesting that micronutrients may enhance immune defense and reduce the severity of common colds. However, the specific role of selenium in these improvements needs more exploration.
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Micronutrient benefits on colds[Dietary efficacy of a micronutrient combination in patients with recurrent upper respiratory tract infections. Results of a placebo-controlled doubleblind study.].
High relevance for immune support
We explored how a combination of vitamins and minerals, including selenium, impacts the frequency and severity of common colds in patients prone to upper respiratory infections. In a rigorous 16-week trial involving 192 participants, we found that those receiving the micronutrient blend reported significant improvements in their cold symptoms compared to the placebo group.
Specifically, symptoms improved more in individuals with severe colds, and younger patients had fewer work absences due to illness. Overall, the study supports the beneficial role of micronutrients like selenium in boosting immune defenses against recurrent colds.
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We examined how vitamin E affects common cold incidence among different groups. In our study involving over 14,500 participants, we found that older smokers living in cities benefited from vitamin E, showing a 46% reduction in cold risk.
In contrast, those who smoked more and lived in rural areas faced a higher cold risk with vitamin E intake. This suggests that vitamin E's impact can vary greatly based on age, smoking habits, and where one lives, indicating the need for cautious public health guidelines regarding vitamin E supplementation.
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Vitamin E shows potential for coldsVitamin E and respiratory tract infections in elderly nursing home residents: a randomized controlled trial.
Relevance score indicates some benefit
We aimed to find out if a daily dose of 200 IU of vitamin E could help reduce respiratory tract infections in elderly nursing home residents over a year.
Conducted at 33 care facilities, our study involved 617 participants aged 65 and older, with 451 completing it.
While vitamin E supplementation didn’t significantly reduce lower respiratory infections, we did notice it offered some protection against upper respiratory infections, especially the common cold, suggesting this area is worth exploring further.
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We explored the impact of vitamin E, along with vitamin C and beta-carotene, on the common cold in a large group of 21,796 male smokers. Over four years, we monitored cold episodes through regular surveys.
Unfortunately, our findings revealed no significant benefit of these vitamins on reducing cold incidence overall. However, for men aged 65 and older, a slight decrease in colds was noted among those taking vitamin E, particularly in those who smoked fewer than 15 cigarettes daily.
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