The Effect of Milk Components on the Response to the Pneumonia Vaccine in Senior Citizens

The Effect of Milk Components on the Response to the Pneumonia Vaccine in Senior Citizens: A Randomized Placebo-controlled Clinical Trial

The purpose of this study is to determine if the daily use of a certain amount and type of milk component for 2 months provides a significant stimulation to the immune system and specifically increases the chances of being protected against pneumonia after the vaccination.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Age and a willingness to participate

Exclusion Criteria:

• • Smoking history within 10 years

  • Underlying neoplasia or immunological disease
  • Use of oral cortisone or other immunosuppressive agents
  • Current consumption of milk and milk products greater than 1 unit of milk, 1 yogurt, or 1 serving of fresh cheese a day.
  • Food faddists or those taking a non-traditional diet
  • Current consumption of dietary supplements
  • People with a known history of milk allergy
  • People with chronic renal failure
  • People with chronic inflammatory diseases taking daily doses of NSAIDs for longer than 4 weeks at the time of enrollment.
  • Previous administration of the pneumomax vaccine
  • Reduced physical activity (i.e. NYHA classes III-IV)