VITAMIN SUPPLEMENTATION AND NUTRITIONAL-STATUS IN HOMELESS MEN

Homeless men and women are both physically and socially disadvantaged. Their nutritional status is also often compromised. In this sample of 107 homeless men in Sydney, about half reported taking vitamin supple ments (with varying duration and regularity), usually a regimen consis ting of thiamin, vitamin C, folic acid and a multivitamin-B-complex ca psule. In this cross-sectional study, little effect could be seen on c linical health between those reporting taking vitamin supplementation and those not doing so. However, biochemical measurements showed signi ficant differences. The numbers of men classified as deficient were hi gher by about 20 per cent for those reporting not taking vitamins. The mean biochemical levels were significantly better for the supplemente d group for thiamin, as assessed by TPP per cent effect (P = 0.04), vi tamin B6, as assessed by P5'P per cent effect (P = 0. 002), vitamin C (P < 0.00 1) and blood folate (P < 0.02). Consequently, on the basis o f mean biochemical levels of vitamin status, the supplemented group we re better off and it is reasonable to presume that in the long term th is would be reflected in improved clinical status.