Effect of Vitamin C Supplements on Cell-Mediated Immunity in Old People

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Abstract
Both aging and vitamin C (VC) deficiency result in an immune defect. Since low serum and tissue levels of VC are found in the elderly, the effect of VC supplements (500 mg/day i.m. for 1 mo.) on various immune parameters was tested in a placebo-controlled study. VC enhances the proliferative response of T lymphocytes in vitro, and the tuberculin skin hypersensitivity in vivo. Neither the serum concentrations of IgA, IgG and IgM, nor the proportion of E[erythrocyte]-rosette-forming cells were modified. No significant change was observed in the placebo-treated group.