IMMUNITY AND INFECTIONS
IMPACT OF TRACE ELEMENTS AND VITAMIN SUPPLEMENTATION ON
IMMUNITY AND INFECTIONS IN INSTITUTIONALISED ELDERLY PATIENTS
It is well known that ageing is often associated with a
poor immune response, particularly the cell-mediated response,
and substantial vulnerability to respiratory tract infections.
Nutritional status has been recognised as a strong factor
in immune impairment, especially in elderly persons in institutions,
but there have been few large trials in elderly people that
have included end points for clinical variables.
Therefore, a study was carried out to determine the effects
of long-term daily supplementation with trace elements (zinc
sulphate and selenium sulfide) or vitamins (beta-carotene,
ascorbic acid, and vitamin E) on immunity and the incidence
of infections in institutionalised elderly people. Patients
received an oral daily supplement of nutritional doses of
trace elements or vitamins or a placebo for 2 years. Correction
of specific nutrient deficiencies was observed after 6 months
of supplementation and was maintained for the first year.
The number of patients without respiratory tract infections
during the study was higher in groups that received trace
elements.
Thus, low-dose supplementation of zinc and selenium provides
significant improvement in elderly patients by increasing
the humoral response after vaccination and could have considerable
public health importance by reducing morbidity from respiratory
tract infections.
Girodon, F. et al
ARCH.INTERN.MED. 1999, 159 (7) 748-54
THE EFFECTS OF UNCARIA TOMENTOSA ON THE IMMUNE SYSTEM
Since the 1950s scientists have been investigating the
metabolites and properties of Uncaria tomentosa (Cat’s
claw), a vine of the Peruvian Amazon jungle. The main emphasis
of research has been on the oxindole alkaloids, however
work accomplished by Italiana researchers has revealed new
glycosides that displayed anti-inflammatory effects. The
properties of this herb are boundless, exhibiting the ability
to improve the circulatory system, lower blood pressure,
prevent venous and cerebral thrombosis, have anti-mutagenic
activity, diminish the effects of radiation and chemotherapy,
and in conjunction with other medication help AIDS victims
reverse the progress of the disease. The focus of this paper
is on the work accomplished by Austrian scientists Keplinger,
Krentzkemp and Wagner (1989) who have shown that Uncaria
stimulates phagocytic activity without any toxic effect.
Annie Elliott
AUST. J. MED. HERBALISM 1998, 10 (4) 132-134
UFOs OF THE INTESTINES
Interstinal parasites are much closer to home than we think.
Antony Haynes reviews evidence which highlights the prevalence
of previously unidentified faecal organisms (UFOs) and their
significance to health. Parasitic infestations are now so
widespread thay they affect about 150 million people in
the US and at least 40% of the world’s population.
Dr. Hermann Bueno, one of the world’s most experienced
parasitologists, believes that parasites are the missing
diagnosis in the genesis of many chronic health problems.
Signs of parasitic infection in adults include:
• abdominal pain
• abdominal bloating
• aches and pains
• anaemia
• arthritis
• autoimmune disease
• chronic fatigue
• colitis
• constipation
• diarrhoea
• fever
• flatulence
• food allergy
• gastritis
• headaches
• inflammatory bowel disease
• immune system problems
• irritable bowel syndrome
• malabsorption
• skin conditions and itching
• sleep disturbances
• rectal bleeding
• vomiting
While over 130 different parasites have been found in Americans,
the following are the most common:
Blastocystis hominis, which can be asymptomatic,
but can cause irritable bowel, chronic fatigue, arthritis
and rheumatism.
Dientamoeba fragilis, which can also be
asymptomatic, or cause diarrhoea, tenderness and melaena.
Entamoeba coli, often asymptomatic, but
can cause systemic illness and auto-immune reactions.
Giardia lamblia, which adhere to the upper
part of the small intestine, preventing digestion and assimilation
and causing a range of symptoms.
Endolimax nana, the smallest of the intestinal
amoebas, and suspected of being the cause of rheumatoid
arthritis and collagen-related diseases.
Most NHS laboratories do not use techniques which could
help to identify parasites, and some organisms are thought
to be harmless. It can take an average of 16 investigations
to diagnose the presence of Giardia.
The major sources of infection are tap water, badly cooked
or stored food, human and pet faeces, and holidays abroad.
The best laboratories for detecting UFOs are:
Parascope Laboratory, Tel: 01133 292 4657.
Diagnos-Techs Labs., Tel: 0121 458 3407.
Health Interlink (agents for Great Smokies Diagnostic Lab.),
Tel: 01582 794 094.
OPTIMUM NUTRITION 1998, 11; 1; 22-7
