VITAMIN SUPPLEMENTATION THERAPY IN THE ELDERLY

Vitamin supplementation in large dosages is increasingly common in the older population. Often, such supplementation is used in an attempt t o improve an individual's health status. There have been claims that t he effects of vitamins halt the normal aging process or prevent and cu re disease. However, several recent studies have failed to demonstrate the efficacy of vitamin supplementation in preventing several types o f cancer. In moderate dosages, supplementation with vitamin E (tocophe rols) shows promise as a lipid antioxidant, and may reduce the risk of coronary heart disease. However, before vitamin E becomes an accepted medical therapy, further long term studies must be undertaken to exam ine the safety and efficacy of such therapy. An adequate intake of vit amins should be ensured by adherence to a well balanced diet. However, the elderly are prone to circumstances that may prevent them from eat ing a balanced diet. In addition, there are several age-related medica l conditions that may predispose individuals to dietary and vitamin de ficiencies. To prevent vitamin deficiency diseases and their associate d morbidity, modest vitamin supplementation may be necessary. However, supplementation should be reserved for individuals with documented de ficiency or who are at risk of developing such deficiencies, especiall y those who are homebound or institutionalised. Vitamins taken in larg e dosages should be considered as drugs. These medicines, which are ob tainable over-the-counter, should be carefully regulated to prevent to xicity.