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PubMed1995

Sucrose polyester and plasma carotenoid concentrations in healthy subjects.

A double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover study of the effects of the nonabsorbable fat analogue sucrose polyester (SPE; 12.4 g/d) on plasma concentrations of five different carotenoids and vitamin E in 21 volunteers, and a double-blind, placebo-controlled parallel comparison study in 53 subjects of the effect of 3 g SPE/d on plasma concentrations of two different carotenoids were undertaken. SPE-containing margarine added to the main meal was used. SPE (12.4 g/d) reduced plasma of beta-carotene concentrations by 0.13 mumol/L (34%, P = 0.0001) and concentrations of lycopene by 0.14 mumol/L (52%, P = 0.0001). Smaller but significant reductions were found for plasma concentrations of beta-cryptoxanthin, lutein, zeaxanthin, and vitamin E. SPE (3 g/d) reduced plasma concentrations of beta-carotene by 0.094 mumol/L (20% P = 0.0001) and concentrations of lycopene by 0.12 mumol/L (38%, P = 0.0001). Even at low doses, SPE strongly reduces plasma carotenoid concentrations. This finding merits careful consideration in assessing the long-term health effects of SPE-containing consumer foods.

Adult↗
PubMed1997

beta-Carotene in breast milk and serum is increased after a single beta-carotene dose.

Normal lactating mothers were administered a single dose of 60 or 210 mg beta-carotene and changes in serum and milk retinol, alpha-tocopherol, and carotenoids were monitored for 8 d. Average serum beta-carotene concentrations increased 4.1- and 4.0-fold after the 60- and 210-mg doses, respectively. Milk beta-carotene concentrations increased 4.1- and 3.0-fold after the 60- and 210-mg doses, respectively. Maximum serum concentrations were reached 24 h after both supplements, although concentrations of milk beta-carotene continued to rise for 2-3 d. After 8 d, both serum and milk beta-carotene continued to rise for 2-3 d. After 8 d, both serum and milk beta-carotene concentrations remained about twofold higher than baseline concentrations. Increases in serum or milk beta-carotene concentrations were not dose-dependent. Initial serum and milk concentrations of beta-carotene predicted increases after supplementation, and increases in serum beta-carotene concentrations predicted those in milk. Concentrations of milk carotenoids were less than one-tenth their respective concentrations in serum. Lutein, beta-cryptoxanthin, lycopene, alpha-carotene, retinol, and alpha-tocopherol concentrations in serum or milk did not change significantly after beta-carotene supplementation. Retinol esters account for most of the retinol equivalents in the milk of well-nourished mothers. Initial and maximum concentrations of beta-carotene in serum and milk were strongly correlated for individual mothers. Collectively, the data showed that a single 60-mg supplement of beta-carotene sustained elevated beta-carotene concentrations in serum and milk for > 1 wk in normal mothers but did not affect concentrations of other major carotenoids, retinol, or alpha-tocopherol.

Adult↗
PubMed1999

Carotenoids in human buccal mucosa cells after 4 wk of supplementation with tomato juice or lycopene supplements.

BACKGROUND: Lycopene has been identified as a phytochemical with potentially protective health benefits. OBJECTIVE: Our objective was to monitor lycopene changes in buccal mucosa cells (BMCs) in response to 3 vehicles for oral delivery of lycopene. DESIGN: Fifteen healthy subjects ingested lycopene-rich tomato juice, tomato oleoresin, lycopene beadlets (each containing 70-75 mg lycopene) and a placebo for 4 wk each in a randomized crossover design while consuming self-selected diets. A 6-wk washout period separated the treatment periods. BMCs were collected at baseline and after 4 wk of supplementation. RESULTS: Lycopene in BMCs increased significantly ( approximately 2-fold) after 4 wk of ingestion of oleoresin and of beadlets to 4.95 (P < 0.001) and 3.75 microg/g protein (P = 0.053), respectively, but was not significantly affected by tomato juice treatment. The placebo treatment produced a significant decrease in BMC lycopene concentrations (P = 0.018). We observed significant treatment differences between oleoresin and tomato juice, oleoresin and placebo, and beadlets and placebo. BMC concentrations of phytofluene and beta-carotene, which were present in small amounts in the lycopene-containing treatments, increased significantly with ingestion of these products. Strong correlations were found between plasma and BMC concentrations of lutein, beta-cryptoxanthin, alpha-carotene, and beta-carotene. In contrast, correlations between lycopene concentrations in plasma and in BMCs were weak and not significant for any treatment. CONCLUSIONS: The cellular content of lycopene and other tomato-related carotenoids with proposed beneficial health effects can be increased through prolonged supplementation.

Adult↗
PubMed1999

A prospective study of carotenoid and vitamin A intakes and risk of cataract extraction in US women.

BACKGROUND: Oxidation of lens proteins plays a central role in the formation of age-related cataracts, suggesting that dietary antioxidants may play a role in prevention. However, the relation between specific antioxidants and risk of cataract remains uncertain. OBJECTIVE: Our objective was to examine prospectively the association between carotenoid and vitamin A intakes and cataract extraction in women. METHODS: A prospective cohort of registered female nurses aged 45-71 y and free of diagnosed cancer was followed; in 1980, 50461 were included and others were added as they became 45 y of age for a total of 77466. Information on nutrient intake was assessed by repeated administration of a food-frequency questionnaire during 12 y of follow-up. RESULTS: During 761762 person-years of follow-up, 1471 cataracts were extracted. After age, smoking, and other potential cataract risk factors were controlled for, those with the highest intake of lutein and zeaxanthin had a 22% decreased risk of cataract extraction compared with those in the lowest quintile (relative risk: 0.78; 95% CI: 0.63, 0.95; P for trend = 0.04). Other carotenoids (alpha-carotene, beta-carotene, lycopene, and beta-cryptoxanthin), vitamin A, and retinol were not associated with cataract in multivariate analysis. Increasing frequency of intakes of spinach and kale, foods rich in lutein, was associated with a moderate decrease in risk of cataract. CONCLUSIONS: Lutein and zeaxanthin and foods rich in these carotenoids may decrease the risk of cataracts severe enough to require extraction.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1999

A prospective study of carotenoid intake and risk of cataract extraction in US men.

BACKGROUND: Dietary antioxidants, including carotenoids, are hypothesized to decrease the risk of age-related cataracts by preventing oxidation of proteins or lipids within the lens. However, prospective epidemiologic data concerning this phenomenon are limited. OBJECTIVE: Our objective was to examine prospectively the association between carotenoid and vitamin A intakes and cataract extraction in men. DESIGN: US male health professionals (n = 36644) who were 45-75 y of age in 1986 were included in this prospective cohort study. Others were subsequently included as they became 45 y of age. A detailed dietary questionnaire was used to assess intake of carotenoids and other nutrients. During 8 y of follow-up, 840 cases of senile cataract extraction were documented. RESULTS: We observed a modestly lower risk of cataract extraction in men with higher intakes of lutein and zeaxanthin but not of other carotenoids (alpha-carotene, beta-carotene, lycopene, and beta-cryptoxanthin) or vitamin A after other potential risk factors, including age and smoking, were controlled for. Men in the highest fifth of lutein and zeaxanthin intake had a 19% lower risk of cataract relative to men in the lowest fifth (relative risk: 0.81; 95% CI: 0.65, 1.01; P for trend = 0.03). Among specific foods high in carotenoids, broccoli and spinach were most consistently associated with a lower risk of cataract. CONCLUSIONS: Lutein and zeaxanthin may decrease the risk of cataracts severe enough to require extraction, although this relation appears modest in magnitude. The present findings add support for recommendations to consume vegetables and fruit high in carotenoids daily.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

Lipid peroxidation and plasma antioxidant micronutrients in Crohn disease.

BACKGROUND: In Crohn disease (CD), the increased production of reactive oxygen species from activated neutrophils may reduce plasma concentrations of antioxidant vitamins and result in increased oxidative stress. OBJECTIVE: We compared lipid peroxidation, a measure of reactive-oxygen-species production, and plasma antioxidant vitamin concentrations between CD patients and healthy control subjects. DESIGN: Thirty-seven nonsmoking CD patients (22 women and 15 men) were compared with an equal number of healthy control subjects who were matched by age, sex, and body mass index. In patients the mean CD activity index (CDAI) was 141.2 +/- 18.7 (range: 9.0-514), and 11 of 37 patients (30%) had a CDAI > or =150. Seventy-eight percent of patients were taking > or = 1 medication. Medication use by subjects included the following: 5-aminosalicylic acid (40% of subjects), antibiotics (22%), oral corticosteroids (30%), and immunosuppressants (19%). RESULTS: Lipid peroxidation as measured by breath pentane output (CD patients, 7.47 +/- 0.98 pmol x kg(-1) x min(-1); control subjects, 4.97 +/- 0.48 pmol x kg(-1) x min(-1); P < or = 0.025), breath ethane output (CD patients, 11.24 +/- 1.17 pmol x kg(-1) x min(-1); control subjects, 5.46 +/- 0.71 pmol x kg(-1) x min(-1); P < or = 0.0005) and F2-isoprostane (CD patients, 78.6 +/- 8.0 ng/L; control subjects, 60.6 +/- 3.7 ng/L; P < or = 0.047) were significantly higher in CD patients than in control subjects. Plasma antioxidant vitamins (ascorbic acid, alpha- and beta-carotene, lycopene, and beta-cryptoxanthin) were all significantly lower in CD patients than in control subjects. There were no significant differences in macro- and micronutrient intakes between groups. CONCLUSION: Patients with CD are oxidatively stressed, which was observed even though 70% of patients had a CDAI < or =150 and 78% of them were taking medications to treat CD.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

Improvements in circulating cholesterol, antioxidants, and homocysteine after dietary intervention in an Australian Aboriginal community.

BACKGROUND: Poor nutrition contributes to high rates of coronary heart disease among Australian Aboriginal populations. Since late 1993, the Aboriginal community described here has operated a healthy lifestyle program aimed at reducing the risk of chronic disease. OBJECTIVE: We evaluated the effectiveness of a community-directed intervention program to reduce coronary heart disease risk through dietary modification. DESIGN: Intervention processes included store management policy changes, health promotion activities, and nutrition education aimed at high-risk individuals. Dietary advice was focused on decreasing saturated fat and sugar intake and increasing fruit and vegetable intake. Evaluation of the program included conducting sequential, cross-sectional risk factor surveys at 2-y intervals; measuring fasting cholesterol, lipid-soluble antioxidants, and homocysteine concentrations; and assessing smoking status. Nutrient intakes were estimated from analysis of food turnover in the single community store. RESULTS: There was a significant reduction in the prevalence of hypercholesterolemia (age-adjusted prevalences were 31%, 21%, and 15% at baseline, 2 y, and 4 y, respectively; P < 0.001). There were significant increases in plasma concentrations of alpha-tocopherol, lutein and zeaxanthin, cryptoxanthin, and beta-carotene across the population. Retinol and lycopene concentrations did not change significantly. Mean plasma homocysteine concentrations decreased by 3 micromol/L. There was no significant change in smoking prevalence between the 2 follow-up surveys. There was an increase in the density of fresh fruit and vegetables and carotenoids in the food supply at the community store. CONCLUSION: This community-directed dietary intervention program reduced the prevalence of coronary heart disease risk factors related to diet.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2001

Validation of the Healthy Eating Index with use of plasma biomarkers in a clinical sample of women.

BACKGROUND: The Healthy Eating Index (HEI) is a 100-point analytic scoring tool used to measure compliance with dietary recommendations and guidelines. OBJECTIVE: The objective was to calculate HEI scores for a sample of women and to link the HEI scores to plasma biomarkers of dietary exposure. DESIGN: Respondents were 340 women aged 21-80 y who were enrolled in a case-control study of diet and breast cancer. The sample included 172 patients with newly diagnosed cancer (case subjects), 149 cancer-free control subjects, and 19 women at high risk of breast cancer. Dietary intake assessment was based on 3-d food records. HEI scores were calculated for all respondents. Venous blood was collected for measurements of plasma carotenoids, vitamin C, and folate. CONCLUSIONS: Higher HEI scores were associated most strongly with greater dietary variety (r = 0.71), higher intakes of fruit (r = 0.57), and lower intakes of fat and saturated fat. HEI scores were also associated with higher intakes of energy, carbohydrates, fiber, folate, and vitamin C. Higher HEI scores were associated with higher plasma concentrations of alpha-carotene (r = 0.40), beta-carotene (r = 0.28), beta-cryptoxanthin (r = 0.41), lutein (r = 0.23), and vitamin C (r = 0.26) after age and vitamin supplement use were controlled for in a regression model. There was a further association between HEI scores and socioeconomic variables. Women with higher HEI scores were more likely to be older, married, and better educated and to have higher household incomes.

Adult↗
PubMed2003

Human skin condition and its associations with nutrient concentrations in serum and diet.

BACKGROUND: Nutritional factors exert promising actions on the skin, but only scant information is available on the modulating effects of physiologic concentrations of nutrients on the skin condition of humans. OBJECTIVE: The objective was to evaluate whether nutrient concentrations in serum and diet are associated with the skin condition of humans. DESIGN: A cross-sectional study was conducted in which data on serum concentrations of nutrients, dietary intake of nutrients, and the hydration, sebum content, and surface pH of skin were obtained from 302 healthy men and women. Skin condition was measured with the use of noninvasive techniques. Dietary intake was assessed with 2 complementary food-frequency questionnaires. Multiple regression analysis was used to evaluate associations of serum vitamins and carotenoids and of dietary micro- and macronutrients with skin condition. RESULTS: After adjustment for potential confounders, including sex, age, and smoking, statistically significant associations were shown in the total population between serum vitamin A and skin sebum content and surface pH and between the dietary intake of total fat, saturated fat, monounsaturated fat, and skin hydration. Monounsaturated fat intake was also associated with surface pH. Associations between serum beta-cryptoxanthin and skin hydration and between surface pH and fluid and calcium intakes were observed in men only. CONCLUSION: Several associations between nutrients in serum and diet and skin condition were observed, indicating that changes in baseline nutritional status may affect skin condition.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2003

Lipid standardization of serum fat-soluble antioxidant concentrations: the YALTA study.

BACKGROUND: Blood lipids can influence fat-soluble antioxidant concentrations and confound their interpretation as indicators of antioxidant intake status and disease risk. OBJECTIVES: The objectives were to identify lipoproteins that can confound the interpretation of serum fat-soluble antioxidants, to evaluate the amount of the confounding, and to recommend a method for standardizing blood concentrations of fat-soluble antioxidants. DESIGN: Several methods of lipid standardization of fat-soluble antioxidants were evaluated in a large cohort of young adults with the use of both cross-sectional and longitudinal data analysis. RESULTS: Tocopherol and carotenoid concentrations were associated with plasma total cholesterol and its components, LDL, HDL, and VLDL cholesterol (estimated as plasma total triacylglycerols/5), some of which were independent predictors for all of the fat-soluble antioxidants. Among supplement nonusers, the most amphipathic (polar) of the antioxidants (alpha-tocopherol, gamma-tocopherol, and zeaxanthin plus lutein) and lycopene were associated strongly with these lipid fractions (R(2) = 0.09, 0.40). Consistent with a causal association in which blood antioxidant concentrations change as blood lipid concentrations change, similar relations were found for changes in blood antioxidant and lipid concentrations over a 7-y period. Concentrations of the remaining carotenoids (beta-cryptoxanthin, alpha-carotene, and beta-carotene) had a weaker association with plasma lipoproteins (R(2) < 0.06). Similar relations were found for supplement users. CONCLUSIONS: The simultaneous adjustment of the concentrations of tocopherols, zeaxanthin plus lutein, and lycopene for VLDL, HDL, and LDL cholesterol is recommended. This method is practical and can provide a basis for the standardization of carotenoid and tocopherol concentrations.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2003

Dietary carotenoids and risk of coronary artery disease in women.

BACKGROUND: Numerous studies have shown that higher intakes or higher blood concentrations of carotenes are associated with a lower risk of coronary artery disease (CAD). Given the null results in trials of beta-carotene supplementation, considerable attention has focused on the potential role of other dietary carotenoids in the prevention of CAD. OBJECTIVE: Our objective was to prospectively examine the relation between dietary intakes of specific carotenoids and risk of CAD in women. DESIGN: In 1984, 73 286 female nurses completed a semiquantitative food-frequency questionnaire that assessed their consumption of carotenoids and various other nutrients. The women were followed for 12 y for the development of incident CAD (nonfatal myocardial infarction and fatal CAD), and dietary information was updated in 1986, 1990, and 1994. RESULTS: During 12 y of follow-up (803 590 person-years), we identified 998 incident cases of CAD. After adjustment for age, smoking, and other CAD risk factors, we observed modest but significant inverse associations between the highest quintiles of intake of beta-carotene and alpha-carotene and risk of CAD but no significant relation with intakes of lutein/zeaxanthin, lycopene, or beta-cryptoxanthin. For women in the highest compared with the respective lowest quintile of intake, the relative risks for beta-carotene and alpha-carotene were 0.74 (95% CI: 0.59, 0.93) and 0.80 (95% CI: 0.65, 0.99), respectively. The association between the specific carotenoids and CAD risk did not vary significantly by current smoking status. CONCLUSION: Higher intakes of foods rich in alpha-carotene or beta-carotene are associated with a reduction in risk of CAD.

Adult↗
PubMed2004

Antioxidant deficiency in cystic fibrosis: when is the right time to take action?

BACKGROUND: Little is known about age- and disease-related changes in prooxidant and antioxidant systems in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF). OBJECTIVE: We investigated changes in antioxidant concentrations and oxidative stress in plasma, buccal mucosal cells (BMCs), and breath condensate in patients with CF in relation to age and disease progression. DESIGN: We recruited 22 patients with CF as well as 35 healthy control subjects and conducted a cross-sectional study by dividing the participants into 4 age groups (<6 y, 6-11 y, 12-17 y, > or =18 y). We collected fasting blood samples, BMCs, and breath condensate. Carotenoids, alpha-tocopherol, vitamin C, protein carbonyls, thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances, and F(2)alpha-isoprostane were assessed. RESULTS: In patients with CF, plasma vitamin C concentrations, plasma and BMC alpha-tocopherol concentrations, and forced expiratory volume in 1 s (percentage predicted) decreased significantly with age. Plasma beta-carotene, beta-cryptoxanthin, and total lycopene were significantly lower in patients than in control subjects in all age groups. Furthermore, alpha-tocopherol and vitamin C plasma concentrations as well as alpha-tocopherol concentrations in BMCs were significantly lower in CF patients > or =18 y old, whereas all indicators of oxidative stress assessed were significantly higher than those same indicators in control subjects. CONCLUSIONS: Adult patients with CF in particular showed distinct vitamin deficits and elevated indicators of oxidative stress in plasma, BMCs, and breath condensate along with a progression of clinical status. We suggest that early in life dietary habits should be improved and that innovative supplementation strategies should be applied to optimize the antioxidant status of patients with CF.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2005

Plasma lycopene, other carotenoids, and retinol and the risk of cardiovascular disease in men.

BACKGROUND: Emerging evidence suggests a possible role of lycopene in the primary prevention of cardiovascular disease (CVD). OBJECTIVE: We examined whether plasma lycopene concentrations in the Physicians' Health Study were associated with CVD in a prospective, nested, case-control design. DESIGN: Baseline blood samples were collected starting in 1996. During a mean follow-up of 2.1 y, we identified 499 cases of CVD (confirmed myocardial infarction, stroke, CVD death, or revascularization procedures) and an equal number of men free of CVD and matched for age (x: 69.7 y), follow-up time, and smoking status. We collected self-reported coronary disease risk factors and measured plasma carotenoids, retinol, lipids, and C-reactive protein. RESULTS: In matched analyses with additional adjustment for plasma total cholesterol and randomized treatment, the relative risks (RRs) of CVD for men in the lowest to highest quartiles of plasma lycopene were 1.00 (reference), 0.92, 1.04, and 0.95 (P for linear trend = 0.93). With multivariate adjustment, the RRs of total CVD were 1.00 (reference), 1.08, 0.94, and 1.03 (P for linear trend = 0.98). For important vascular events (241 cases), excluding revascularization procedures, the multivariate RRs remained nonsignificant (P for linear trend = 0.50). Adding plasma carotenoids, lipids, or C-reactive protein to multivariate models had a minimal effect on the RRs of total CVD for plasma lycopene. Compared with lycopene, higher concentrations of plasma lutein/zeaxanthin and retinol suggested a moderate increase in CVD risk, whereas no association was found for beta-cryptoxanthin, alpha-carotene, and beta-carotene. CONCLUSIONS: Higher plasma lycopene concentrations were not associated with the risk of CVD in this study of older men. Further evaluation in diverse populations is necessary.

Aged↗
PubMed2006

Carotenoids and cardiovascular health.

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the main cause of death in Western countries. Nutrition has a significant role in the prevention of many chronic diseases such as CVD, cancers, and degenerative brain diseases. The major risk and protective factors in the diet are well recognized, but interesting new candidates continue to appear. It is well known that a greater intake of fruit and vegetables can help prevent heart diseases and mortality. Because fruit, berries, and vegetables are chemically complex foods, it is difficult to pinpoint any single nutrient that contributes the most to the cardioprotective effects. Several potential components that are found in fruit, berries, and vegetables are probably involved in the protective effects against CVD. Potential beneficial substances include antioxidant vitamins, folate, fiber, and potassium. Antioxidant compounds found in fruit and vegetables, such as vitamin C, carotenoids, and flavonoids, may influence the risk of CVD by preventing the oxidation of cholesterol in arteries. In this review, the role of main dietary carotenoids, ie, lycopene, beta-carotene, alpha-carotene, beta-cryptoxanthin, lutein, and zeaxanthin, in the prevention of heart diseases is discussed. Although it is clear that a higher intake of fruit and vegetables can help prevent the morbidity and mortality associated with heart diseases, more information is needed to ascertain the association between the intake of single nutrients, such as carotenoids, and the risk of CVD. Currently, the consumption of carotenoids in pharmaceutical forms for the treatment or prevention of heart diseases cannot be recommended.

Adipose Tissue↗
PubMed2000

Validation of three food frequency questionnaires and 24-hour recalls with serum carotenoid levels in a sample of African-American adults.

The validity of self-reported fruit and vegetable intake in minority populations has not been adequately established. In this study, the authors examined the association of three food frequency questionnaires (FFQs) and 24-hour dietary recalls with serum carotenoid levels. Approximately 1,000 African-American adults recruited from 15 churches in Atlanta, Georgia (1997-1998) completed three fruit and vegetable FFQs: a seven-item instrument assessing intake during the past month; a two-item measure assessing usual intake; and a 36-item measure adapted from the Health Habits and History Questionnaire. A total of 414 participants received a 24-hour recall by telephone, and 105 of them received two additional recalls. Serum levels of lycopene, lutein, cryptoxanthin, alpha-carotene, and beta-carotene were assessed in 813 participants and used as the validity criterion. The correlations of fruit and vegetable servings with specific and total serum carotenoid levels were generally higher for the 36-item FFQ than for the two-item and seven-item instruments. The strongest correlation of fruit and vegetable servings with total carotenoid levels was observed for the three recalls (r = 0.42), with the 36-item FFQ and the single 24-hour recall yielding comparable correlations (r = 0.35 and r = 0.37, respectively). The validity of the 36-item fruit and vegetable FFQ was generally as strong as the validity of both 1 and 3 days of recalls. Given the lower cost and time needed for administration relative to recalls, it appears that the 36-item FFQ has merit for evaluating fruit and vegetable health interventions.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2001

Plasma concentrations of carotenoids, retinol, and tocopherols in preeclamptic and normotensive pregnant women.

This case-control study was conducted in Lima, Peru, from June 1997 through January 1998 to assess whether plasma concentrations of carotenoids (alpha-carotene, beta-carotene, lycopene, lutein, zeaxanthin, beta-cryptoxanthin), retinol, and tocopherols (alpha-tocopherol and gamma-tocopherol) are decreased in women with preeclampsia. A total of 125 pregnant women with preeclampsia and 179 normotensive pregnant women were included. Plasma concentrations of antioxidants were determined using high performance liquid chromatography. After adjusting for maternal demographic, behavioral, and reproductive characteristics and total plasma lipid concentrations, the authors found a linear increase in risk of preeclampsia with increasing concentrations of alpha-tocopherol (odds ratio of the highest quartile = 3.13; 95% confidence interval: 1.06, 9.23, with the lowest quartile as the reference group; p value of the test of linear trend = 0.040). The risk of preeclampsia decreased across increasing quartiles of concentrations for retinol (odds ratio of the highest quartile = 0.32; 95% confidence interval: 0.15, 0.69, with the lowest quartile as the reference group; p value of the test of linear trend = 0.001). Some of these results are inconsistent with the prevailing hypothesis that preeclampsia is an antioxidant-deficient state. Preliminary findings confirm an earlier observation of increased plasma concentrations of alpha-tocopherol among women with preeclampsia as compared with normotensive pregnant women.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2002

Lung function in relation to intake of carotenoids and other antioxidant vitamins in a population-based study.

Accumulating evidence suggests that dietary antioxidant vitamins are positively associated with lung function. No evidence exists regarding whether dietary carotenoids other than beta-carotene are related to pulmonary function. In 1995--1998 the authors studied the association of forced expiratory volume in 1 second and forced vital capacity as the percentage of the predicted value (FEV(1)% and FVC%, respectively) after adjustment for height, age, gender, and race with the intakes of several carotenoids (alpha-carotene, beta-carotene, beta-cryptoxanthin, lutein/zeaxanthin, and lycopene) in a random sample of 1,616 men and women who were residents of western New York State, aged 35--79 years, and free from respiratory disease. They observed significant associations of lutein/zeaxanthin and vitamins C and E with FEV(1)% and FVC% using multiple linear regression after adjustment for total energy intake, smoking, and other covariates. When they analyzed all of these antioxidant vitamins simultaneously, they observed the strongest association of vitamin E with FEV(1)% and of lutein/zeaxanthin with FVC%. The differences in forced expiratory volume in 1 second and forced vital capacity associated with a decrease of 1 standard deviation of dietary vitamin E or lutein/zeaxanthin were equivalent to the influence of approximately 1--2 years of aging. Their findings support the hypothesis that carotenoids, vitamin C, and vitamin E may play a role in respiratory health and that carotenoids other than beta-carotene may be involved.

Adult↗
PubMed2003

Prospective study of antioxidant micronutrients in the blood and the risk of developing prostate cancer.

Antioxidant micronutrients may have chemopreventive effects. The authors examined the associations between prediagnostic blood levels of micronutrients and prostate cancer risk in two nested case-control studies of 9,804 and 10,456 male residents of Washington County, Maryland, who donated blood in 1974 (CLUE I) and 1989 (CLUE II), respectively. Until 1996, 182 men for whom adequate serum remained for assays in the CLUE I cohort and 142 men in the CLUE II cohort developed prostate cancer. Each case was matched with two controls by age, gender, race, and date of blood donation. In both cohorts, cases and controls had similar concentrations of alpha-carotene, beta-carotene, total carotene, beta-cryptoxanthin, lutein, lycopene, retinol, and ascorbic acid; serum alpha-tocopherol was weakly associated with prostate cancer risk. Higher retinyl palmitate concentrations were associated with a lower risk in CLUE I but not CLUE II. In CLUE I, cases had lower concentrations of gamma-tocopherol than did controls (p = 0.02), but no dose-response trend was observed. A strong inverse association between gamma-tocopherol and prostate cancer risk was observed in CLUE II. Findings do not replicate previous reports of a protective association between lycopene and prostate cancer, but they suggest potential chemopreventive effects of gamma-tocopherol on prostate cancer.

Aged↗