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  • Original Article
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Multivitamin supplementation improves nutritional status and bone quality in aged care residents

European Journal of Clinical Nutrition volume 63, pages 558–565 (2009)Cite this article

Abstract

Objectives:

To assess the effectiveness of a multivitamin (MV) tablet on nutritional status, quantitative heel ultrasound (QUS), mobility, muscle strength and falls. The design comprised two groups matched on mobility levels, randomized to receive a daily MV or placebo (P) tablet for 6 months. The setting was an Australian residential care facility.

Subjects:

A total of 92 aged care residents. Serum micronutrients, body weight, QUS, rate of falls, hand grip strength, and the timed up and go test were assessed at baseline and 6 months.

Results:

A total of 49 participants consumed a MV and 43, a matched P for 6 months. There was a greater increase in the MV vs P group for serum 25(OH)D (mean difference±standard error, 33.4±2.6 nmol l−1), folate (13.4±2.8 nmol l−1), and vitamin B12 (178.0±40.3 pmol l−1) (all P<0.001). Adequate 25(OH)D concentrations (⩾50 nmol l−1) were found among 77% of participants in the MV group vs 10% taking P (P<0.001). Adjusting for baseline levels, the increase in QUS was greater in the MV vs P group (3.0±2.0 dB MHz−1 vs −2.9±2.1 dB MHz−1, respectively, P=0.041). There was a trend towards a 63% lower mean number of falls in the MV vs P group (0.3±0.1 falls vs 0.8±0.3 falls, P=0.078).

Conclusions:

MV supplementation raised serum vitamin B12 and folate concentrations and increased serum 25(OH)D, which was accompanied by an apparent positive effect on bone density. We also found a trend towards a reduction in falls and this could contribute to a reduction in fractures.

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Acknowledgements

The researchers greatly appreciate the assistance of Anthony Worsely (Professor of Public Health Nutrition) from Deakin University. We also greatly appreciate the assistance of a number of people from Barwon Health, Aged Care, including the nursing director, general practitioners, unit nurse managers, and staff from Environmental Services, Allied Health, Supply and Food Services. Finally, we thank all the residents who participated in the intervention for their invaluable cooperation. This study was funded by Murray Goulbourn Co-operative Co. Ltd, Sigma Australia Pharmaceuticals Company Pty and the Australian Research Council (Linkage-Projects), but had no input into the results presented in this report.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Deakin University, Burwood, Victoria, Australia

    J A Grieger, C A Nowson & H F Jarman

  2. Division of Rehabilitation Services and Aged Care, Barwon Health, Victoria, Australia

    R Malon

  3. School of Biological and Chemical Sciences, Deakin University, Burwood, Victoria, Australia

    L M Ackland

Authors
  1. J A Grieger
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  2. C A Nowson
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  3. H F Jarman
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  4. R Malon
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  5. L M Ackland
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to J A Grieger.

Additional information

Contributors: CAN was the chief investigator for this study whose major role was initiating the trial, designing the study objectives and specifying the best method for data collection. CAN also provided support with the statistical analyses, data interpretation and the compilation of the completed manuscript. JAG was the PhD student involved in acquisition of subjects, data collection, statistical analyses, interpreting results and the compilation of this manuscript. HFJ and RM were the co-investigators of the project, contributing to the initial development and design of the study objectives, and reviewing of the manuscript. LMA contributed in the measurement of serum zinc and reviewing the manuscript.

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Grieger, J., Nowson, C., Jarman, H. et al. Multivitamin supplementation improves nutritional status and bone quality in aged care residents. Eur J Clin Nutr 63, 558–565 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.ejcn.1602963

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.ejcn.1602963

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