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