---
title: "The Effect of a Multivitamin and Mineral Supplement on Immune…"
description: "A multivitamin supplement improved vitamin C and zinc levels and self-reported health in older adults, but did not change measured immune function."
url: "https://magellanlongevity.com/study/d32823974.md"
canonical: "https://magellanlongevity.com/study/d32823974.html"
html: "https://magellanlongevity.com/study/d32823974.html"
type: "study"
study_key: "d32823974"
journal: "Nutrients"
year: 2020
pmid: "32823974"
doi: "10.3390/nu12082447"
citations: 1
updated: 2026-09-02
author: "Gabriel Radu, DO"
author_credentials: "Physiatrist (PM&R). NY medical license 275110. NPI 1376861765."
publisher: "Magellan Longevity"
content_format: "markdown"
---

# The Effect of a Multivitamin and Mineral Supplement on Immune Function in Healthy Older Adults: a randomized controlled trial

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## Citation

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Journal | Nutrients |
| Year | 2020 |
| PMID | [32823974](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32823974/) |
| DOI | [10.3390/nu12082447](https://doi.org/10.3390/nu12082447) |
| Study key | d32823974 |

## Takeaway

A multivitamin supplement improved vitamin C and zinc levels and self-reported health in older adults, but did not change measured immune function.

## The question

Can a multivitamin and mineral (MVM) supplement improve immune function in healthy older adults?

## Hypothesis

Taking a multi-vitamin and mineral supplement (MVM) could improve immune function in individuals 55 and older.

## Methods

Healthy older adults were randomized to receive either an MVM supplement (RedoxonVI) or an inactive placebo daily for 12 weeks. Researchers measured blood mineral and vitamin status (vitamin C, zinc, vitamin D), immune function (bacterial killing, neutrophil phagocytic activity, reactive oxygen species), immune status (salivary IgA, plasma cytokine/chemokine levels), and self-reported health status before and after treatment.

## Results

MVM supplementation improved blood vitamin C and zinc status, as well as self-reported health status. However, it did not alter measures of immune function, immune status, or vitamin D levels.

## Conclusion

MVM supplementation may benefit healthy older adults by improving vitamin C and zinc status and self-reported health, but it did not show changes in measured immune function or status in this study.

## Limitations

The study suggests that further development of functional assays and larger study populations are needed to better detect specific changes in immune function after supplementation in healthy older adults.

## Verbatim from the abstract

> MVM supplementation improved vitamin C and zinc status in blood and self-reported health status

## Where this study is used on Magellan

This paper is one of the citations behind the evidence grade on the pages below. Grades are assigned from the published research and are independent of affiliate commissions.

| Compound or device | Evidence grade | Graded pages |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Zinc Picolinate | Moderate evidence | [Zinc Picolinate](https://magellanlongevity.com/p/133.md) |

## Reference

1. **The Effect of a Multivitamin and Mineral Supplement on Immune Function in Healthy Older Adults: a randomized controlled trial**
   Nutrients 2020 · [PMID 32823974](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32823974/) · [DOI 10.3390/nu12082447](https://doi.org/10.3390/nu12082447)

   > MVM supplementation improved vitamin C and zinc status in blood and self-reported health status

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## Related on Magellan Longevity

- [Zinc Picolinate](https://magellanlongevity.com/p/133.md) — product graded on this and related evidence
- [Evidence: catalytic/structural cofactor, immunity](https://magellanlongevity.com/study/s133.md)
- [Effect of Zinc Supplementation in Children on Diarrhea Attacks: A Randomized Controlled…](https://magellanlongevity.com/study/d35747897.md)
- [Longevity research map](https://magellanlongevity.com/longevity-research-map.html)
- [Evidence-based longevity supplements](https://magellanlongevity.com/longevity-supplements.md)

## Scope and disclosures

Educational information, not medical advice. Nothing here is intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Talk to your physician before starting any supplement or device, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or taking medication.

Editorial firewall: evidence grades are assigned from the published research and are independent of any affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate, Magellan Longevity earns from qualifying purchases.

Reviewed for accuracy by a board-certified physician (DO).