Zinc Nutriture and Cell Mediated Immunity in Institutionalized Elderly

This study examined the effects of increasing zinc nutriture on the cell mediated immune response of an institutionalized elderly population. A volunteer institutionalized population was identified and nutritional assessment consisting of weighed food intake record and anthropometric measurements was conducted. Zinc status and delayed cutaneous hypersensitivity (DCH) skin tests were administered to determine immune responsiveness. Subjects were supplemented with 15 mg zinc gluconate for 28 days, after which the zinc status and immune status of each subject were reassessed. Results indicated that dietary zinc intakes were inadequate in 67% of the test population. After supplementation, serum zinc levels increased significantly (p < .006), while results of the alkaline phosphatase test indicated no significant change. DCH reactions improved significantly (p < .034) after zinc supplementation.