Thurman J E, Mooradian A D
Department of Internal Medicine, St Louis University Medical School, Missouri, USA.
Drugs Aging. 1997 Dec;11(6):433-49. doi: 10.2165/00002512-199711060-00003.
Vitamin supplementation in large dosages is increasingly common in the older population. Often, such supplementation is used in an attempt to improve an individual's health status. There have been claims that the effects of vitamins halt the normal aging process or prevent and cure disease. However, several recent studies have failed to demonstrate the efficacy of vitamin supplementation in preventing several types of cancer. In moderate dosages, supplementation with vitamin E (tocopherols) 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 examine the safety and efficacy of such therapy. An adequate intake of vitamins should be ensured by adherence to a well balanced diet. However, the elderly are prone to circumstances that may prevent them from eating a balanced diet. In addition, there are several age-related medical conditions that may predispose individuals to dietary and vitamin deficiencies. To prevent vitamin deficiency diseases and their associated morbidity, modest vitamin supplementation may be necessary. However, supplementation should be reserved for individuals with documented deficiency or who are at risk of developing such deficiencies, especially those who are homebound or institutionalised. Vitamins taken in large dosages should be considered as drugs. These medicines, which are obtainable over-the-counter, should be carefully regulated to prevent toxicity.
大剂量补充维生素在老年人群中越来越普遍。通常，这种补充是为了改善个人的健康状况。有人声称维生素的作用能阻止正常的衰老过程或预防和治疗疾病。然而，最近的几项研究未能证明补充维生素在预防几种癌症方面的功效。中等剂量补充维生素E（生育酚）有望作为一种脂质抗氧化剂，并可能降低冠心病风险。然而，在维生素E成为一种被认可的医学疗法之前，必须进行进一步的长期研究以检验这种疗法的安全性和有效性。通过坚持均衡饮食应确保充足的维生素摄入。然而，老年人容易出现一些情况，可能会妨碍他们食用均衡饮食。此外，有几种与年龄相关的疾病状况可能使个体易患饮食和维生素缺乏症。为预防维生素缺乏疾病及其相关发病率，适度补充维生素可能是必要的。然而，补充应仅限于有记录在案的缺乏症患者或有发生此类缺乏症风险的人，特别是那些居家或住在养老院的人。大剂量服用的维生素应被视为药物。这些可在柜台购买的药物应受到严格监管以防止中毒。
