Table 1

Summary of randomized, controlled trials of the impact of nutritional interventions on infections in the non-hospitalized population

Intervention
Effect
Reference

Zinc supplementation
No effect on common colds
11
Zinc supplementation
reduced infection incidence in sickle cell patients
12
Zinc and selenium supplementation
Reduced infection incidence
18
Vitamin and mineral supplementation
Reduced infection incidence in type II diabetics only
13
Vitamin and mineral supplementation
Reduced infection incidence
17
Multivitamin supplements
No effect on infection incidence
14
Multivitamin supplements
No effect on pneumonia incidence
15
Vitamin E supplements
Reduced URI rate, no effect on lower respiratory tract rate
16
Vitamin C therapy or supplements
No effect on common cold unless used in hypothermic conditions
26
Cranberry juice
Reduced incidence of bacteriuria
29, 30
Yogurt
Reduced diarrhea incidence in adults taking antibiotics
32
Yogurt
No effect on diarrhea incidence
33
Lactobacilli
Reduced incidence of diarrhea in children
34–36
Lactobacilli
No effect on diarrhea incidence in adults
37

Donabedian Nutrition Journal 2006 5:21   doi:10.1186/1475-2891-5-21