Chandra R K
Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, Canada.
Nutrition. 2001 Sep;17(9):709-12. doi: 10.1016/s0899-9007(01)00610-4.
To determine whether supplementation with vitamins and trace elements in modest amounts influences cognitive function in apparently healthy, elderly subjects.
The study was designed as a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Ninety-six, apparently healthy, independent men and women older than 65 y of age were recruited and randomized to receive a supplement of trace elements and vitamins or a placebo daily for 12 mo. Blood-nutrient levels were estimated at baseline and at the end of the study. The major outcome measure assessed was cognitive function consisting of immediate and long-term memory, abstract thinking, problem-solving ability, and attention.
Eighty-six subjects completed the 1-y trial. The supplemented group showed a significant improvement in all cognitive tests (P < 0.001 to 0.05) except long-term memory recall (P > 0.1). Those whose blood-nutrient levels were below the reference standard showed lower responses on cognitive tests. There was no significant correlation between individual nutrient levels and performance on various cognitive function tests.
Cognitive functions improved after oral supplementation with modest amounts of vitamins and trace elements. This has considerable clinical and public health significance. We recommend that such a supplement be provided to all elderly subjects because it should significantly improve cognition and thus quality of life and the ability to perform activities of daily living. Such a nutritional approach may delay the onset of Alzheimer's disease.
确定适量补充维生素和微量元素是否会影响表面健康的老年受试者的认知功能。
本研究设计为一项随机、双盲、安慰剂对照试验。招募了96名65岁以上表面健康、独立生活的男性和女性，并将他们随机分为两组，一组每天接受微量元素和维生素补充剂，另一组接受安慰剂，为期12个月。在基线和研究结束时评估血液中的营养水平。评估的主要结果指标是认知功能，包括即时记忆和长期记忆、抽象思维、解决问题的能力以及注意力。
86名受试者完成了为期1年的试验。除长期记忆回忆外（P>0.1），补充剂组在所有认知测试中均有显著改善（P<0.001至0.05）。血液营养水平低于参考标准的受试者在认知测试中的反应较低。个体营养水平与各种认知功能测试表现之间无显著相关性。
适量口服维生素和微量元素后认知功能得到改善。这具有重要的临床和公共卫生意义。我们建议为所有老年受试者提供这种补充剂，因为它应能显著改善认知，从而提高生活质量和日常生活活动能力。这种营养方法可能会延缓阿尔茨海默病的发病。
