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Iron, folacin, vitamin B/sub 12/ and zinc status and immune response in elderly subjects in the Washington D. C. metropolitan area

Thesis/Dissertation ·
OSTI ID:7024431

The iron, folacin, vitamin B/sub 12/, and zinc status of a group of economically and socially disadvantaged elderly persons in the Washington Metropolitan Area was evaluated. Factors related to deficiencies of these nutrients, the relationships between the status of these nutrients and cell-mediated immunity, and the relationships of iron, folacin and vitamin B/sub 12/ status to hemoglobin levels in the subjects were also examined. It was also determined whether there were any interactions among iron, folacin, vitamin B/sub 12/ and zinc status in their relationships to cell-mediated immunity. Socio-demographic and nutritional data on the subjects were obtained using a questionnaire. Dietary data were obtained using a dietary record. A fasting blood sample was drawn and the levels of ferritin, folate and vitamin B/sub 12/, and the erythrocyte levels of folate were determined by radioassay. Plasma and hair zinc levels were determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Cell-mediated immune response was determined by transformation of peripheral blood lymphocytes after stimulation by mitogens, and by allogenic lymphocytes in the mixed lymphocyte reaction.

Research Organization:
Howard Univ., Washington, DC (USA)
OSTI ID:
7024431
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English