Vitamin and Mineral Supplementation Improves Micronutrient Status in Older Adults

Nutrient intake through diet and nutritional supplements are critical determinants of plasma nutrient status. In addition, untoward drug-nutrient can contribute to nutritional inadequacy. Among medications used by the elderly in the US, diuretics, metformin, and proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are ranked among the most commonly prescribed. Use of these medications is variously associated with inadequate status of many micronutrients, e.g., vitamins B1, B9 (folate), B12, C, and thiamine and the minerals calcium, iron, potassium, magnesium, and zinc. While diets rich in whole grains, fruits, and vegetables can help decrease the risk for micronutrient inadequacy in older adults using one or more of these drugs, supplementation may prove more effective to restoring and/or enhancing their nutrient status. When compared to a placebo, investigators hypothesize that a multivitamin-multi-mineral (MVM) supplement will improve nutritional status in older adults at increased risk of micronutrient inadequacy induced by drugs commonly used by this population, specifically diuretics, metformin, and PPIs. Investigators also hypothesize that MVM supplementation will beneficially modify selected biomarkers or biochemical pathways of cellular function/health. To test these hypotheses, investigators will conduct a randomized clinical trial by pursuing the following specific aims: 1) To determine the extent by which MVM supplementation (compared to placebo) will increase the plasma status of vitamins B12, C, D, folic acid, and thiamine and the minerals iron, magnesium, potassium, and zinc; 2) To quantify indices of 'metabolic health' including one or more of the following biomarkers: glutathione (GSH)/glutathione disulfide (GSSG) ratio, ubiquinol/ubiquinone, malondialdehyde (MDA), asymmetric dimethyl arginine (ADMA), selected cytokines and chemokines, homocysteine, methylmalonic acid (MMA).

The older adults are prone to inadequate nutrition. The prevalence of malnutrition is 5-10% among independently living older individuals, 30-60% among institutionalized patients, and 35-65% among hospitalized geriatric patients. There are many factors that make the elderly more susceptible to nutrition inadequacy. Aging itself is associated with a decline in a number of physiological functions that can impact nutritional status, including reduced lean body mass and a resultant decrease in basal metabolic rate, decreased gastric secretion of digestive juices and changes in the oral cavity, sensory function deficits, changes in fluid and electrolyte regulation, and chronic diseases. In addition, medications can contribute to nutritional inadequacy through many mechanisms, from decreased nutrient absorption in the gastrointestinal tract to increased metabolism and from enhanced utilization to rapid elimination It has been reported there are \>250 drugs that may influence the intake, absorption, metabolism and excretion of nutrients. As Americans rely more on prescription drugs, many are taking multiple drugs daily, so polypharmacy can increase the likelihood of drug-nutrition interactions through additive and synergistic actions. Investigators will conduct a randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled, parallel clinical trial to test the hypotheis. This trial will include 72 older adults randomized to receive either placebo or MVM supplement. Participants will be 45-75 y and have a BMI \>20 and \<36 kg/m2. Participants will be receiving regular, chronic pharmacotherapy with ≥2 drugs in the following drug classes: a diuretic, metformin and/or proton pump inhibitor medication with allowance for a total of less than 7 drug prescriptions. The medication history with one of the target drugs will be longer than 6 mo. The total duration of the trial will be \~5 mo, including screening and 16 wk of intervention. Participants must maintain their medication regimens and dietary habits throughout the intervention. During the intervention phase, Participants will take the assigned supplement daily. Blood and urine samples will be collected at the baseline, 8 wk, and the end of the 16 wk intervention. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive one of the supplements (MVM vs. placebo) after their eligibility is confirmed. A randomization scheme will be prepared by a biostatistician using a standardized computer program for two treatment groups using a parallel design. The nutrient composition of MVM supplement, which will be Pharmavite Nature Made Multi for Him 50+ (newly manufactured). A matching placebo product will be manufactured by the Natural Alternatives International, Inc. (San Marcos, CA) under the FDA Good Manufacturing Practices(GMP) guidelines. The main ingredient of the placebo will be microcrystalline cellulose containing 0.5% magnesium stearate. Pharmavite Nature Made Multi for Him 50+ has been marketed in US, and both microcrystalline cellulose and magnesium stearate have a Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) status under FDA Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) title 21.