ascorbic-acid and alpha-carotene

We conducted a meta-analysis to systematically evaluate the association between antioxidants intake and pancreatic cancer risk. Relevant articles were retrieved from PUBMED and EMBASE databases and standard meta-analysis methods were applied. Finally a total of 18 studies were included. Comparing the highest with lowest categories, higher dietary intakes of selenium, vitamin C, vitamin E, β-carotene and β-cryptoxanthin were significantly associated with reduced pancreatic cancer risk (for selenium, pooled OR = 0.47, 95%CI 0.26-0.85; for vitamin C, pooled OR = 0.68, 95%CI 0.57-0.80; for vitamin E, pooled OR = 0.70, 95%CI 0.62-0.81; for β-carotene, pooled OR = 0.74, 95%CI 0.56-0.98; for β-cryptoxanthin, pooled OR = 0.70, 95%CI 0.56-0.88). Lycopene intake was marginally associated with pancreatic cancer risk (pooled OR = 0.85, 95%CI 0.73-1.00), while no significant association was observed for α-carotene, lutein and zeaxanthin. In summary, higher dietary intake of selenium, vitamin C, vitamin E, β-carotene and β-cryptoxanthin was inversely associated with pancreatic cancer risk.

Topics: Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; beta Carotene; Beta-Cryptoxanthin; Carotenoids; Databases, Factual; Diet; Humans; Lutein; Lycopene; Pancreatic Neoplasms; Risk Factors; Selenium; Vitamin E; Zeaxanthins

Circulating vitamin C and carotenoids are used as biomarkers of fruit and vegetable intake in research, but their comparative validity has never been meta-analysed. PubMed, EMBASE, CENTRAL, CINAHL and Web of Science were systematically searched up to December 2013 for randomised trials of different amounts of fruit and vegetable provision on changes in blood concentrations of carotenoids or vitamin C. Reporting followed PRISMA guidelines. Evidence quality was assessed using the GRADE system. Random effects meta-analysis combined estimates and meta-regression tested for sub-group differences. In all, nineteen fruit and vegetable trials (n 1382) measured at least one biomarker, of which nine (n 667) included five common carotenoids and vitamin C. Evidence quality was low and between-trial heterogeneity (I 2) ranged from 74% for vitamin C to 94 % for α-carotene. Groups provided with more fruit and vegetables had increased blood concentrations of vitamin C, α-carotene, β-carotene, β-cryptoxanthin and lutein but not lycopene. However, no clear dose-response effect was observed. Vitamin C showed the largest between-group difference in standardised mean change from the pre-intervention to the post-intervention period (smd 0·94; 95% CI 0·66, 1·22), followed by lutein (smd 0·70; 95% CI 0·37, 1·03) and α-carotene (smd 0·63; 95% CI 0·25, 1·01), but all CI were overlapping, suggesting that none of the biomarkers responded more than the others. Therefore, until further evidence identifies a particular biomarker to be superior, group-level compliance to fruit and vegetable interventions can be indicated equally well by vitamin C or a range of carotenoids. High heterogeneity and a lack of dose-response suggest that individual-level biomarker responses to fruit and vegetables are highly variable.

Topics: Ascorbic Acid; beta Carotene; Biomarkers; Carotenoids; Cryptoxanthins; Diet; Fruit; Humans; Lutein; Lycopene; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Reproducibility of Results; Vegetables

To evaluate the validity of fruit and vegetable intakes as it relates to plasma carotenoid and vitamin C concentrations in Chinese women, using three classification schemes.. Intakes were calculated using an interviewer-administered FFQ. Fruits and vegetables, botanical groups and high-nutrient groups were evaluated. These three classification schemes were compared with plasma carotenoid and vitamin C concentrations from blood samples collected within 1 week of questionnaire completion.. Shanghai, China.. Participants (n 2031) comprised women who had participated in a case-control study of diet and breast-related diseases nested within a randomized trial of breast self-examination among textile workers (n 266 064). Fruit intake was significantly (P < 0·05) and positively associated with plasma concentrations of α-tocopherol, β-cryptoxanthin, lycopene, α-carotene, β-carotene, retinyl palmitate and vitamin C. Fruit intake was inversely associated with γ-tocopherol and lutein + zeaxanthin concentrations. Vegetable consumption was significantly and positively associated with γ-tocopherol and β-cryptoxanthin concentrations. Each botanical and high-nutrient group was also significantly associated with particular plasma nutrient concentrations. Fruit and vegetable intakes and most plasma nutrient concentrations were significantly associated with season of interview.. These results suggest that the manner in which fruits and vegetables are grouped leads to different plasma nutrient exposure information, which may be an important consideration when testing and generating hypotheses regarding disease risk in relation to diet. Interview season should be considered when evaluating the associations of reported intake and plasma nutrients with disease outcomes.

Topics: Adult; alpha-Tocopherol; Ascorbic Acid; beta Carotene; Biomarkers; Breast Diseases; Carotenoids; Case-Control Studies; China; Cryptoxanthins; Diet; Energy Intake; Female; Follow-Up Studies; Fruit; gamma-Tocopherol; Humans; Linear Models; Lutein; Lycopene; Micronutrients; Middle Aged; Surveys and Questionnaires; Textile Industry; Vegetables; Vitamins; Workforce; Xanthophylls; Zeaxanthins

Mitochondrial free radical formation has been implicated as a potential mechanism underlying degenerative senescence, although human data are lacking. Therefore, the present study was designed to examine if resting and exercise-induced intramuscular free radical-mediated lipid peroxidation is indeed increased across the spectrum of sedentary aging. Biopsies were obtained from the vastus lateralis in six young (26 + or - 6 yr) and six aged (71 + or - 6 yr) sedentary males at rest and after maximal knee extensor exercise. Aged tissue exhibited greater (P < 0.05 vs. the young group) electron paramagnetic resonance signal intensity of the mitochondrial ubisemiquinone radical both at rest (+138 + or - 62%) and during exercise (+143 + or - 40%), and this was further complemented by a greater increase in alpha-phenyl-tert-butylnitrone adducts identified as a combination of lipid-derived alkoxyl-alkyl radicals (+295 + or - 96% and +298 + or - 120%). Lipid hydroperoxides were also elevated at rest (0.190 + or - 0.169 vs. 0.148 + or - 0.071 nmol/mg total protein) and during exercise (0.567 + or - 0.259 vs. 0.320 + or - 0.263 nmol/mg total protein) despite a more marked depletion of ascorbate and uptake of alpha/beta-carotene, retinol, and lycopene (P < 0.05 vs. the young group). The impact of senescence was especially apparent when oxidative stress biomarkers were expressed relative to the age-related decline in mitochondrial volume density and absolute power output at maximal exercise. In conclusion, these findings confirm that intramuscular free radical-mediated lipid peroxidation is elevated at rest and during acute exercise in aged humans.

Topics: Adult; Age Factors; Aged; Aging; Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; beta Carotene; Biomarkers; Biopsy; Carotenoids; Cyclic N-Oxides; Electron Spin Resonance Spectroscopy; Exercise; Free Radicals; Humans; Lipid Peroxidation; Lycopene; Male; Mitochondria, Muscle; Muscle Contraction; Oxidative Stress; Quadriceps Muscle; Rest; Sedentary Behavior; Time Factors; Ubiquinone; Vitamin A; Young Adult

The aim of this study was to determine the efficacy of oral beta-carotene supplementation for the correction of an oxidant-antioxidant imbalance in cystic fibrosis (CF). We studied 24-patients with cystic fibrosis and 14 healthy controls. 13 CF-patients were allocated to a CF-supplementation group, which received 1 mg beta-carotene/kg BW/d up to a body weight (BW) of 50 kg, patients with a BW greater 50 kg received 50 mg beta-carotene/d for 12 weeks. For the following 12 weeks all patients of the CF-supplementation group were treated with 10 mg beta-carotene/d. Placebos with starch were applied to 11 CF-patients. Baseline plasma beta-carotene concentrations of CF patients (mean +/- SD, 0.08 +/- 0.04 mumol/l) were significantly lower than those of age-matched controls (o.3 +/- 0.1 mumol/l) (p < 0.001). beta-carotene concentrations of the CF-supplementation group increased rapidly and reached a value of 0.6 mumol/l after 12 weeks of supplementation. Normal values were measured for plasma ascorbate and alpha-tocopherol. Plasma retinol concentrations were in the lower normal range and did not increase during supplementation. Total antioxidative capacity in plasma of the CF-supplementation group increased after 12 weeks of supplementation at an extent of 12%. Positive influence was indicated by a decrease of plasma malondialdehyde. Thus oral beta-carotene supplementation is effective in normalizing status of beta-carotene and malondialdehyde in CF patients.

Topics: Adolescent; Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; beta Carotene; Carotenoids; Child; Cystic Fibrosis; Humans; Lipid Peroxidation; Lycopene; Malondialdehyde; Vitamin A; Vitamin E

The HIV-infected population is known to be oxidatively stressed and deficient in antioxidant micronutrients. Since in vitro replication of HIV is increased with oxidative stress, this study assessed the effect of antioxidant vitamin supplementation on lipid peroxidation, a measure of oxidative stress, and viral load in humans.. A randomized placebo-controlled, double-blind study.. Forty-nine HIV-positive patients were randomized to receive supplements of both DL-alpha-tocopherol acetate (800 IU daily) and vitamin C (1000 mg daily), or matched placebo, for 3 months. Plasma antioxidant micronutrient status, breath pentane output, plasma lipid peroxides, malondialdehyde and viral load were measured at baseline and at 3 months. New or recurrent infections for the 6-month period after study entry were also recorded.. The vitamin group (n = 26) had an increase in plasma concentrations of alpha-tocopherol (P < 0.0005) and vitamin C (P < 0.005) and a reduction in lipid peroxidation measured by breath pentane (P < 0.025), plasma lipid peroxides (P < 0.01) and malondialdehyde (P < 0.0005) when compared with controls (n = 23). There was also a trend towards a reduction in viral load (mean +/- SD changes over 3 months, -0.45 +/- 0.39 versus +0.50 +/- 0.40 log10 copies/ml; P = 0.1; 95% confidence interval, -0.21 to -2.14). The number of infections reported was nine in the vitamin group and seven in the placebo group.. Supplements of vitamin E and C reduce oxidative stress in HIV and produce a trend towards a reduction in viral load. This is worthy of larger clinical trials, especially in HIV-infected persons who cannot afford new combination therapies.

Topics: Adult; Ascorbic Acid; beta Carotene; Carotenoids; Dietary Supplements; Double-Blind Method; HIV Infections; Humans; Lipid Peroxidation; Oxidative Stress; Selenium; Viral Load; Vitamin A; Vitamin E; Zinc

To determine the extent to which plasma antioxidant concentrations in people with habitual low intake of fruit and vegetables respond to increased intakes of these foods. To examine whether advice to increase fruit and vegetables will result in reduction of concentrations of total and low density lipoprotein cholesterol.. Randomised controlled trial in which intervention and control groups were followed up for eight weeks. The intervention group was asked to consume eight servings of fruit and vegetables a day.. Dunedin, New Zealand.. Eighty seven subjects with normal lipid concentrations who ate three or fewer servings of fruit and vegetables daily.. Plasma concentrations of vitamin C, retinol, alpha and beta carotene, alpha tocopherol, lipids, and lipoproteins. Dietary intake assessed with diet records over four days.. The mean plasma vitamin C, alpha carotene, and beta carotene concentrations increased in parallel with increased dietary intake of fruit and vegetables in the intervention group. Concentrations of retinol, alpha tocopherol, lipids, and lipoproteins remained unchanged despite some increase in dietary vitamin E and a small reduction in saturated fat intake.. Following a recommendation to increase fruit and vegetable consumption produces change in plasma concentrations of vitamin C, alpha carotene, and beta carotene likely to reduce incidence of cancer. More specific dietary advice to modify fat intake may be necessary to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease mediated by lipoprotein and vitamin E.

Topics: Adult; Aged; Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; beta Carotene; Carotenoids; Diet; Female; Fruit; Humans; Lipids; Male; Middle Aged; Vegetables; Vitamin E

Topics: Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; beta Carotene; Diet; Female; Follow-Up Studies; Humans; Ovarian Neoplasms; Prospective Studies; Risk Factors; Vitamin A; Vitamin E; Vitamins

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is one of the major causes of irreversible blindness. The objective of this study was to determine whether there is any relationship between dietary intake of fruits and vegetables (F&V) and antioxidant nutrients including carotenoids and AMD according to smoking status in elderly men.. We performed a cross-sectional analysis using nationally representative samples of elderly aged ≥ 65 years (n = 1414) from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES, 2010-2012).. The current smokers consumed less food in total, and, in particular, less cereals/potatoes/sugar products, fruits and vegetables than the nonsmokers and former smokers (p < 0.05). Intake of energy, thiamin, vitamin C, vitamin A, and β-carotene were significantly lower in the current smokers than in the nonsmokers and the former smokers. For current smokers, the ORs of the highest tertile compared with the lowest tertile were 0.36 (95% CI: 0.14-0.96, p for trend = 0.0576) for F&V, 0.32 (95% CI: 0.12-0.85, p for trend = 0.0561) for vitamin C, 0.23 (95% CI: 0.08-0.67, p for trend = 0.0038) for α-carotene, 0.13 (95% CI: 0.04-0.46, p for trend = 0.0003) for β-carotene after adjusting for confounding factors. In contrast, there was no association between antioxidant nutrient intake and AMD among the nonsmokers and former smokers.. These results suggest that increased consumption of fruits and vegetables containing antioxidant components such as vitamin C, α-carotene, and β-carotene may have a protective effect on AMD. These effects may be more evident among current smokers.

Topics: Aged; Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; beta Carotene; Carotenoids; Cross-Sectional Studies; Diet; Fruit; Humans; Macular Degeneration; Male; Nutrition Surveys; Republic of Korea; Smoking; Vegetables; Vitamins

Carotenoids and vitamin C are thought to be associated with reduced cancer risk because of their antioxidative capacity.. This study evaluated the associations of plasma carotenoid, retinol, tocopherol, and vitamin C concentrations and risk of breast cancer.. In a nested case-control study within the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition cohort, 1502 female incident breast cancer cases were included, with an oversampling of premenopausal (n = 582) and estrogen receptor-negative (ER-) cases (n = 462). Controls (n = 1502) were individually matched to cases by using incidence density sampling. Prediagnostic samples were analyzed for α-carotene, β-carotene, lycopene, lutein, zeaxanthin, β-cryptoxanthin, retinol, α-tocopherol, γ-tocopherol, and vitamin C. Breast cancer risk was computed according to hormone receptor status and age at diagnosis (proxy for menopausal status) by using conditional logistic regression and was further stratified by smoking status, alcohol consumption, and body mass index (BMI). All statistical tests were 2-sided.. In quintile 5 compared with quintile 1, α-carotene (OR: 0.61; 95% CI: 0.39, 0.98) and β-carotene (OR: 0.41; 95% CI: 0.26, 0.65) were inversely associated with risk of ER- breast tumors. The other analytes were not statistically associated with ER- breast cancer. For estrogen receptor-positive (ER+) tumors, no statistically significant associations were found. The test for heterogeneity between ER- and ER+ tumors was statistically significant only for β-carotene (P-heterogeneity = 0.03). A higher risk of breast cancer was found for retinol in relation to ER-/progesterone receptor-negative tumors (OR: 2.37; 95% CI: 1.20, 4.67; P-heterogeneity with ER+/progesterone receptor positive = 0.06). We observed no statistically significant interaction between smoking, alcohol, or BMI and all investigated plasma analytes (based on tertile distribution).. Our results indicate that higher concentrations of plasma β-carotene and α-carotene are associated with lower breast cancer risk of ER- tumors.

Topics: Adult; Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; beta Carotene; Breast Neoplasms; Carotenoids; Case-Control Studies; Cohort Studies; Diet; Europe; Female; Follow-Up Studies; Humans; Middle Aged; Neoplasm Proteins; Postmenopause; Premenopause; Prospective Studies; Receptors, Estrogen; Risk; Tocopherols; Vitamin A

The industrial processing of pineapple generates a high quantity of by-products. To reduce the environmental impact of these by-products and the inherent cost of their treatment, it is important to characterise and valorise these products, converting them into high added value products. Ultra-violet radiation is one of the main sustainable sanitation techniques for fruits. Since this radiation can induce plant stress which can promote the biosynthesis of bioactive compounds, it is important to evaluate its effect in fruits.. The amounts of vitamins (C and E) and carotenoids (α-carotene, β-carotene, β-cryptoxanthin, lutein, lycopene, neoxanthin, violaxanthin and zeaxanthin) in pineapple by-products (core and rind) were analysed before and after treatment with UV radiation. All treated and untreated pineapple by-products contained β-carotene as the main carotenoid (rind, 2537-3225 µg; and core, 960-994 µg 100 g(-1) DW). Pineapple rind also contained lutein (288-297 µg 100 g(-1) DW) and α-carotene (89-126 µg 100 g(-1) DW).. The results provide evidence of the potential of pineapple by-products as a source of bioactive compounds with antioxidant activity, which can be used by pharmaceutical, cosmetics and food industries. In addition, UV-C was shown to be a treatment that can add nutritional value to pineapple by-products.

Topics: Ananas; Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; beta Carotene; Carotenoids; Food Handling; Food Irradiation; Fruit; Lutein; Ultraviolet Rays; Vitamin A; Vitamin E

Fruit and vegetable consumption produces changes in several biomarkers in blood. The present study aimed to examine the dose-response curve between fruit and vegetable consumption and carotenoid (α-carotene, β-carotene, β-cryptoxanthin, lycopene, lutein and zeaxanthin), folate and vitamin C concentrations. Furthermore, a prediction model of fruit and vegetable intake based on these biomarkers and subject characteristics (i.e. age, sex, BMI and smoking status) was established. Data from twelve diet-controlled intervention studies were obtained to develop a prediction model for fruit and vegetable intake (including and excluding fruit and vegetable juices). The study population in the present individual participant data meta-analysis consisted of 526 men and women. Carotenoid, folate and vitamin C concentrations showed a positive relationship with fruit and vegetable intake. Measures of performance for the prediction model were calculated using cross-validation. For the prediction model of fruit, vegetable and juice intake, the root mean squared error (RMSE) was 258.0 g, the correlation between observed and predicted intake was 0.78 and the mean difference between observed and predicted intake was - 1.7 g (limits of agreement: - 466.3, 462.8 g). For the prediction of fruit and vegetable intake (excluding juices), the RMSE was 201.1 g, the correlation was 0.65 and the mean bias was 2.4 g (limits of agreement: -368.2, 373.0 g). The prediction models which include the biomarkers and subject characteristics may be used to estimate average intake at the group level and to investigate the ranking of individuals with regard to their intake of fruit and vegetables when validating questionnaires that measure intake.

Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Ascorbic Acid; beta Carotene; Biomarkers; Body Mass Index; Carotenoids; Cryptoxanthins; Diet; Female; Folic Acid; Fruit; Humans; Lutein; Lycopene; Male; Middle Aged; Reproducibility of Results; Surveys and Questionnaires; Vegetables; Young Adult; Zeaxanthins

To validate a brief FFQ developed for capturing short-term antioxidant intake in a sample of US college students.. A seventy-four-item antioxidant FFQ was developed based on major antioxidant sources in the American diet. The FFQ was validated against 30 d food records (FR) and plasma antioxidant concentrations. The reliability of the FFQ was evaluated by two FFQ administered at a 1-month interval. Settings University of Connecticut, CT, USA.. Sixty healthy college students.. Estimates of dietary antioxidants from the FFQ were moderately to highly correlated with those estimated from the 30 d FR (r = 0·29-0·80; P < 0·05) except for γ-tocopherol and β-cryptoxanthin. Total antioxidant capacity from diet only or from diet and supplements estimated by the 30 d FR and FFQ were highly correlated (r = 0·67 and 0·71, respectively; P < 0·0001). The FFQ categorized 91 % of participants into the same or adjacent tertiles of antioxidant intake as the 30 d FR. Most dietary carotenoids estimated from the FFQ were correlated with plasma levels (P < 0·05). Correlation coefficients for test-retest reliability ranged from 0·39 to 0·86. More than 94 % of the participants were classified in the same or adjacent tertiles between the two administrations of the FFQ.. The brief FFQ demonstrated reasonable validity for capturing a comprehensive antioxidant intake profile. This FFQ is applicable in epidemiological or clinical studies to capture short-term antioxidant intake or to simply document the variations of antioxidant intake in intervention trials. Cross-validation studies are warranted in other target populations.

Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; beta Carotene; Biomarkers; Body Mass Index; Carotenoids; Connecticut; Cryptoxanthins; Diet Records; Dietary Supplements; Energy Intake; Feeding Behavior; Female; gamma-Tocopherol; Humans; Lycopene; Male; Reproducibility of Results; Surveys and Questionnaires; Xanthophylls; Young Adult

The effect of light quality on phytochemicals in romaine baby leaf lettuce 'Thumper' was investigated in (I) a closed environment and (II, III) a greenhouse (16 h, 21/17 °C): (I) basal (638, 455, 660, 735 nm) LEDs supplemented with UV (380 nm), green (510 nm), yellow (595 nm) or orange (622 nm) LEDs (PPFD of ∼175 µmol m(-2) s(-1) ); (II) high-pressure sodium (HPS) lamps (90 µmol m(-2) s(-1) ) supplemented with blue (455, 470nm) or green (505, 530nm) LEDs (30 µmol m(-2) s(-1) ); (III) at 3 days before harvesting, HPS lamps (90 µmol m(-2) s(-1) ) supplemented with red (638 nm) LEDs (210 µmol m(-2) s(-1) ).. (I) Supplemental UV or orange light enhanced phenolic compounds, supplemental UV or green light enhanced α-carotene, and supplemental green light enhanced anthocyanins. All supplemental LED colours had a negative effect on tocopherol and ascorbic acid levels. (II) HPS lighting supplemented with different LEDs was not efficient, since the increase in some compounds did not compensate the decrease in major tested phytochemicals. (III) Short-term irradiation with supplemental 638 nm LEDs before harvesting in the greenhouse did not have a significant effect on phytochemical contents, apart from enhancing tocopherols.. Wavelength control using LED technology affects the production of secondary metabolites, as the metabolism of many nutrients is light-dependent. The narrow-bandwidth supplemental light effects were diminished by broader-spectrum HPS light or natural daylight in the greenhouse.

Topics: Anthocyanins; Ascorbic Acid; Carotenoids; Lactuca; Light; Phenols; Plant Leaves; Tocopherols; Ultraviolet Rays

To investigate the longitudinal relationship between the intake of dietary antioxidants and periodontal disease in community-dwelling older Japanese.. A retrospective cohort study, with a follow-up of 2 years (2003-2005). Intakes of dietary antioxidants (vitamin C, vitamin E, α-carotene and β-carotene) were assessed with a validated FFQ. Participants were classified by tertile of antioxidant intake. Full-mouth periodontal status, measured as the clinical attachment level, was recorded at baseline and follow-up examinations. Periodontal disease progression was considered as loss of attachment of 3 mm or greater over the study period at the interproximal site for each tooth. Finally, the number of teeth with periodontal disease progression per person was calculated and was used as the outcome. Poisson regression analysis was conducted, with dietary antioxidants as the main exposure, to estimate their influence on the number of teeth with periodontal disease progression.. Niigata City (Japan).. Dentate individuals aged 75 years in 2003, for whom data were available, were included in the analyses (n 264).. A higher intake of dietary antioxidants was inversely associated with the number of teeth with periodontal disease progression, controlling for other variables. The multivariate-adjusted incidence rate ratios in the first, second and third tertiles were 1·00, 0·76 (95 % CI 0·60, 0·97) and 0·72 (95 % CI 0·56, 0·93) for vitamin C; 1·00, 0·79 (95 % CI 0·62, 0·99) and 0·55 (95 % CI 0·42, 0·72), for vitamin E; and 1·00, 1·02 (95 % CI 0·81, 1·29) and 0·73 (95 % CI 0·56, 0·95) for β-carotene.. The study results suggest that higher intake of antioxidants may mitigate periodontal disease in community-dwelling older Japanese.

Topics: Aged; Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; beta Carotene; Carotenoids; Disease Progression; Female; Follow-Up Studies; Humans; Incidence; Japan; Male; Multivariate Analysis; Periodontal Diseases; Periodontium; Poisson Distribution; Retrospective Studies; Surveys and Questionnaires; Tooth; Vitamin E

To examine the relationship between the number and type of teeth and nutrient intakes in adults, aged 60 years and above, in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 1999-2004 using linear regression.. Four discrete dental status groups were created: complete natural dentition (reference group), incomplete natural dentition, complete mixed (natural and restored) dentition and incomplete mixed dentition. We ran both unadjusted and adjusted models, controlling for age, race/ethnicity, education and smoking status to examine the effect of these covariates on the association between dentition status and nutrient intakes. Separate models were run for men and women.. There were significant associations between dental status and all the examined nutrients for men and for the carotenes and folate for women in the unadjusted model. Only caloric and vitamin C intakes were significant for men, and β-carotene was significant for women in the adjusted model. For men for kilocalories and women for β-carotene, those with a complete dentition had higher mean intakes than those with an incomplete dentition, regardless of the tooth type. Among men with an incomplete dentition, those with a mixed dentition had a significantly lower vitamin C intake than those with a natural dentition; there were no significant differences between the natural and mixed complete dentition groups.. Demographic and behavioural variables explained many of the differences seen in nutrient intakes. After controlling for these variables, we found that a numeric threshold of teeth (i.e. a functional dentition) influenced some nutrient intakes while the number and type of teeth present affected other nutrient intakes.

Topics: Age Factors; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Ascorbic Acid; beta Carotene; Black or African American; Carotenoids; Dental Prosthesis; Dental Restoration, Permanent; Dentition; Dietary Fiber; Eating; Educational Status; Energy Intake; Feeding Behavior; Female; Folic Acid; Humans; Male; Mexican Americans; Middle Aged; Nutrition Surveys; Sex Factors; Smoking; Tooth Loss; United States; Vitamins; White People

Neopterin is released from human monocyte-derived macrophages upon stimulation with interferon-gamma and is a sensitive indicator for cellular immune activation. Furthermore, reactive oxygen species (ROS) are produced in case of immune activation and inflammation. In a cross-sectional approach, plasma concentrations of neopterin and of antioxidant compounds and vitamins were compared in 1463 patients investigated by coronary angiography, which were recruited within the LUdwigshafen RIsk and Cardiovascular Health (LURIC) study. Serum neopterin concentrations were higher in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD; mean+/-S.D.: 8.7+/-7.3 nmol/L) compared to controls (7.4+/-5.0 nmol/L; Welch's t-test: p<0.001). Mean concentrations of ascorbic acid (p<0.0001), gamma-tocopherol (p<0.05), lycopene (p<0.001), lutein+zeaxanthin (p<0.05), alpha-carotene (p<0.05) and beta-carotene (p<0.05) were lower in CAD than in controls. Neopterin concentrations correlated with CAD-score (r(s)=0.156; p<0.0001) and inversely with antioxidants lycopene (r(s)=-0.277; p<0.0001) and lutein+zeaxanthin (r(s)=-0.175; p<0.0001) levels and with vitamins ascorbic acid (r(s)=-0.207; p<0.0001) and alpha-tocopherol (r(s)=-0.105; p<0.0001). The study demonstrates that higher neopterin production is associated with lower concentrations of antioxidant compounds in patients at risk for atherosclerosis. Results suggest that lower concentrations of antioxidant compounds may relate to higher grade of chronic immune activation in patients.

Topics: Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; beta Carotene; Carotenoids; Coronary Angiography; Coronary Artery Disease; Female; Humans; Lutein; Lycopene; Male; Middle Aged; Neopterin; Oxidative Stress; Risk Factors; Vitamin E; Xanthophylls; Young Adult; Zeaxanthins

To explore the effects of increasing fruit and vegetable intake and the resulting effects on levels of circulating micronutrients in a community-dwelling population with an already high consumption of fruits and vegetables, 112 volunteers (86% women) underwent targeted dietary counseling for three months. At the beginning of the study and after 4, 8 and 12 weeks a food frequency questionnaire was filled in, and plasma levels of dietary antioxidants as well as biomarkers of oxidative lipid and protein damage were determined. Compared to baseline, especially the intake of fruits was significantly improved after 3 months of intervention, and mean plasma levels of lutein, zeaxanthin, beta-cryptoxanthin, lycopene, alpha- and beta-carotene, retinol, alpha-tocopherol, vitamin C and vitamin B6 were increased. Biomarkers of oxidative stress remained unchanged. Thus, a nutritional counseling program is capable of improving plasma levels of antioxidants even in a health-conscious population. A decrease in biomarkers of oxidative stress, however, does not occur.

Topics: Adult; Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; beta Carotene; Carotenoids; Feeding Behavior; Female; Fruit; Health Education; Humans; Lutein; Lycopene; Male; Micronutrients; Middle Aged; Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; Oxidative Stress; Vegetables; Vitamin B 6

Dietary antioxidants may protect against DNA damage induced by endogenous and exogenous sources, including ionizing radiation (IR), but data from IR-exposed human populations are limited.. The objective was to examine the association between the frequency of chromosome translocations, as a biomarker of cumulative DNA damage, and intakes of vitamins C and E and carotenoids in 82 male airline pilots.. Dietary intakes were estimated by using a self-administered semiquantitative food-frequency questionnaire. Translocations were scored by using fluorescence in situ hybridization with whole chromosome paints. Negative binomial regression was used to estimate rate ratios and 95% CIs, adjusted for potential confounders.. Significant and inverse associations were observed between translocation frequency and intakes of vitamin C, beta-carotene, beta-cryptoxanthin, and lutein-zeaxanthin from food (P < 0.05). Translocation frequency was not associated with the intake of vitamin E, alpha-carotene, or lycopene from food; total vitamin C or E from food and supplements; or vitamin C or E or multivitamin supplements. The adjusted rate ratios (95% CI) for > or =median compared with or =median compared with

Topics: Administration, Oral; Aircraft; Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; beta Carotene; Carotenoids; Chromosomes, Human; Dietary Supplements; Fruit; Humans; Interviews as Topic; Male; Occupations; Surveys and Questionnaires; Translocation, Genetic; Vegetables; Vitamin E

The role of beta-carotene, alpha-tocopherol, and vitamin C in the prevention of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) is controversial. Prospective studies on gamma-tocopherol and carotenoids other than beta-carotene are sparse. We assessed relations between the intake of different carotenoids, alpha- and gamma-tocopherol, and vitamin C with 15-y CVD mortality in elderly men who participated in the Zutphen Elderly Study. Information on diet and potential confounding factors was collected in 1985, 1990, and 1995. In 1985, 559 men (mean age approximately 72 y) free of chronic diseases were included in the current analysis. After 15 y of follow-up, comprising 5744 person-years, 197 men had died from CVD. After adjustment for age, smoking, and other potential lifestyle and dietary confounders, relative risks (RR) (95% CI) of CVD death for a 1-SD increase in intake were 0.81 (0.66-0.99) for alpha-carotene and 0.80 (0.66-0.97) for beta-carotene. Carrots were the primary source of alpha- and beta-carotene and their consumption was related to a lower risk of death from CVD (adjusted RR, 0.83; 95% CI = 0.68-1.00). Intakes of carotenoids other than alpha- and beta-carotene were not associated with CVD mortality, nor were vitamin C and alpha- and gamma tocopherol. In conclusion, dietary intakes of alpha-carotene and beta-carotene are inversely associated with CVD mortality in elderly men. This study does not indicate an important role for other carotenoids, tocopherols, or vitamin C in lowering the risk of CVD death.

Topics: Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; beta Carotene; Cardiovascular Diseases; Carotenoids; Cohort Studies; Diet; Feeding Behavior; Humans; Male; Netherlands; Tocopherols

Case-control studies indicate that vitamins C, E, A and carotenoids decrease risk of oral premalignant lesions (OPLs) and oral cancer, but clinical trials have failed to find protective effects of beta-carotene and suggest that vitamin E may increase risk. The authors prospectively evaluated the association between intake of vitamins C, E, A and carotenoids and incidence of OPL. Participants were 42,340 men in the Health Professionals Follow-up Study who provided information on supplement use and diet every 2-4 years by food frequency questionnaire. The authors confirmed 207 clinically or histopathologically diagnosed OPL events occurring between 1986 and 2002 by medical record review. Multivariate-adjusted relative risks (RR) of OPL were calculated with proportional hazards models. Total intake of vitamin C, vitamin A or carotenoids was not significantly associated with OPL risk. Dietary vitamin C was significantly associated with reduced risk (quintile 5 vs. 1, RR = 0.52, 95% CI 0.31-0.85, p(trend) = 0.04), but no association with supplemental vitamin C was observed. Inverse associations were apparent for beta-cryptoxanthin and alpha-carotene intake. No clear relationship emerged with beta-carotene, lycopene or lutein/zeaxanthin. Vitamin E was associated with increased risk (quintile 5 vs. 1, RR = 1.86, 95% CI 1.06-3.19), particularly among current smokers and with supplemental intake (current-smokers, supplement dose tertile 3 vs. 1, RR = 3.07, 95% CI 1.28-7.34, p(trend) = 0.01). For current smokers, beta-carotene also increased risk. Vitamin C from dietary sources, but not supplements, was associated with a reduced risk of OPL. The observed increased risk for current smokers with high vitamin E or beta-carotene intake should be explored further.

Topics: Adult; Aged; Ascorbic Acid; beta Carotene; Carotenoids; Case-Control Studies; Cryptoxanthins; Diet; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Mouth Neoplasms; Precancerous Conditions; Risk Factors; Smoking; United States; Vitamin A; Vitamin E; Vitamins; Xanthophylls

Carotenoid and vitamin C intakes, assessed by FFQ, have been positively associated with plasma concentrations in different populations. However, the influence of BMI on these associations has not been explored in detail. We explored in a cross-sectional study the relation between dietary carotenoid and vitamin C intakes, using a 135-item FFQ, with their plasma concentrations by BMI categories in 252 men and 293 women, 65 years and older. For men and women combined, significant (P < 0.05) Pearson correlations were observed between energy-adjusted dietary intakes and plasma concentrations (carotenoids adjusted for cholesterol) for: alpha-carotene 0.21, beta-carotene 0.19, lycopene 0.18, beta-cryptoxanthin 0.20 and vitamin C 0.36. Multiple linear regression analyses showed that the intake of carotenoids and vitamin C were significant predictors of their respective plasma concentration (P<0.01), and that BMI was inversely associated with plasma concentration of carotenoids (P< or =0.01) but not with plasma vitamin C. In addition, we observed significant interactions between BMI and the intakes of alpha-carotene and lutein + zeaxanthin, and to a lower extent beta-carotene, suggesting that these intakes in subjects with high BMI were not good predictors of their plasma concentration. The present data suggest that plasma carotenoids and vitamin C may be good markers of dietary intake in elderly subjects, but not so for alpha-carotene, beta-carotene and lutein + zeaxanthin in obese subjects.

Topics: Aged; Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; beta Carotene; Body Mass Index; Carotenoids; Cholesterol; Cross-Sectional Studies; Cryptoxanthins; Diet; Energy Intake; Female; Humans; Lycopene; Male; Obesity; Overweight; Prevalence; Spain; Vitamins; Xanthophylls

High antioxidant intake has been shown to reduce cancer risk and may also mitigate the effects of oxidative DNA damage, which is hypothesized to be causally linked to carcinogenesis. This study examined potential racial differences in (a) dietary intakes and plasma concentrations of vitamin C, vitamin E, and carotenoids and oxidative DNA damage and (b) associations between plasma antioxidants and oxidative DNA damage. Data were from a cross-sectional study of 164 generally healthy nonsmoking African-Americans and Whites in North Carolina, ages 20 to 45 years, equally distributed by race and sex. Participants completed a demographic and health questionnaire, four 24-h dietary recalls, and a dietary supplement inventory; had height and weight measured; and provided a semifasting blood sample. African-Americans had statistically significantly lower plasma concentrations of vitamin E, alpha-carotene, beta-carotene, and lutein + zeaxanthin than Whites, as well as lower self-reported intake of most antioxidants. Levels of oxidative DNA damage, measured using the alkaline comet assay, were lower in African-Americans than Whites. An inverse association between lycopene and oxidative DNA damage (r = -0.20; P = 0.03) was found in the combined study population after adjusting for sex, age, body mass index, passive smoke exposure, physical activity, education, income, and alcohol intake. There was also a positive association of vitamin E with oxidative DNA damage in the total population (r = 0.21; P = 0.02) and in African-American men (r = 0.63; P = 0.01) after adjusting for covariates. This study is among the first to examine these associations in a sample of healthy adults with an adequate representation of African-Americans.

Topics: Adult; Alcohol Drinking; Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; beta Carotene; Black or African American; Body Mass Index; Carotenoids; Cross-Sectional Studies; Diet; Dietary Supplements; DNA Damage; Female; Humans; Lycopene; Male; Middle Aged; North Carolina; Oxidative Stress; Vitamin E; White People

Topics: Adult; Animals; Apolipoproteins; Aryldialkylphosphatase; Ascorbic Acid; beta Carotene; Biological Transport; Carotenoids; Cryptoxanthins; Diet, Atherogenic; Diet, Fat-Restricted; Female; Humans; Lipoprotein(a); Lipoproteins, LDL; Lutein; Lycopene; Mice; Mice, Knockout; Oxidation-Reduction; Phospholipids; Receptors, LDL; Vegetables; Xanthophylls; Zeaxanthins

A cross-sectional study was conducted within the Spanish cohort of the European Prospective Investigation in Cancer and Nutrition to assess the principal food sources of vitamin C, vitamin E, alpha-carotene, beta-carotene, lycopene, lutein, beta-cryptoxanthin and zeaxanthin in an adult Spanish population. The study included 41446 healthy volunteers (25812 women and 15634 men), aged 29-69 years, from three Spanish regions in the north (Asturias, Navarra and Guipúzcoa) and two in the south (Murcia and Granada). Usual food intake was estimated by personal interview through a computerized version of a dietary history questionnaire. Foods that provided at least two-thirds of the studied nutrients were: fruits (mainly oranges) (51 %) and fruiting vegetables (mainly tomato and sweet pepper) (20 %) for vitamin C; vegetable oils (sunflower and olive) (40 %), non-citrus fruits (10 %), and nuts and seeds (8 %) for vitamin E; root vegetables (carrots) (82 %) for alpha-carotene; green leafy (28 %), root (24 %) and fruiting vegetables (22 %) for beta-carotene; fruiting vegetables (fresh tomato) (72 %) for lycopene; green leafy vegetables (64 %) for lutein; citrus fruits (68 %) for beta-cryptoxanthin; citrus fruits (43 %) and green leafy vegetables (20 %) for zeaxanthin. In conclusion, the main food sources of nutrients with redox properties have been identified in a Mediterranean country. This could provide an insight into the interpretation of epidemiological studies investigating the role of diet in health and disease.

Topics: Adult; Aged; Ascorbic Acid; beta Carotene; Carotenoids; Cohort Studies; Cross-Sectional Studies; Cryptoxanthins; Diet; Female; Fruit; Humans; Lutein; Lycopene; Male; Middle Aged; Spain; Vegetables; Vitamin E; Xanthophylls; Zeaxanthins

The relation between dietary antioxidant intake and primary open-angle glaucoma risk was examined in participants aged over 40 years in the Nurses' Health Study (n = 76,200) and the Health Professionals Follow-up Study (n = 40,284). They were followed biennially from 1980 and 1986, respectively, to 1996, during periods when they received an eye examination. Dietary intakes were measured repeatedly from 1980 in the Nurses' Health Study and from 1986 in the Health Professionals Follow-up Study using validated food frequency questionnaires. The authors analyzed 474 self-reported glaucoma cases confirmed by medical chart review to have primary open-angle glaucoma with visual field loss. The authors used Cox proportional hazards models for cohort-specific multivariate analyses, and results were pooled using random effects models. The pooled multivariate rate ratios for primary open-angle glaucoma comparing the highest versus lowest quintile of cumulative updated intake were 1.17 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.87, 1.58) for alpha-carotene, 1.10 (95% CI: 0.82, 1.48) for beta-carotene, 0.95 (95% CI: 0.70, 1.29) for beta-cryptoxanthin, 0.82 (95% CI: 0.60, 1.12) for lycopene, 0.92 (95% CI: 0.69, 1.24) for lutein/zeaxanthin, 1.05 (95% CI: 0.59, 1.89) for vitamin C, 0.97 (95% CI: 0.62, 1.52) for vitamin E, and 1.11 (95% CI: 0.82, 1.51) for vitamin A. In conclusion, the authors did not observe any strong associations between antioxidant consumption and the risk of primary open-angle glaucoma.

Topics: Adult; Aged; Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; beta Carotene; Carotenoids; Cryptoxanthins; Diet; Dietary Supplements; Female; Glaucoma, Open-Angle; Humans; Lutein; Lycopene; Male; Middle Aged; Multivariate Analysis; Proportional Hazards Models; Prospective Studies; Surveys and Questionnaires; Vitamin A; Vitamin E; Xanthophylls; Zeaxanthins

Oxidative stress may play a role in the pathophysiology of diabetes and cardiovascular disease, but little is known about antioxidant status among individuals with the metabolic syndrome who are at high risk for developing these conditions. Using data from the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (1988-1994), we compared circulating concentrations of vitamins A, C, and E; retinyl esters; five carotenoids; and selenium in 8,808 U.S. adults aged > or = 20 years with and without the metabolic syndrome. After adjusting for age, sex, race or ethnicity, education, smoking status, cotinine concentration, physical activity, fruit and vegetable intake, and vitamin or mineral use, participants with the metabolic syndrome had significantly lower concentrations of retinyl esters, vitamin C, and carotenoids, except lycopene. With additional adjustment for serum lipid concentrations, vitamin E concentrations were significantly lower in participants with the metabolic syndrome than those without the syndrome. Retinol concentrations were similar between the two groups. After excluding participants with diabetes, the results were very similar. Consumption of fruits and vegetables was also lower among people with the metabolic syndrome. Adults with the metabolic syndrome have suboptimal concentrations of several antioxidants, which may partially explain their increased risk for diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

Topics: Adult; Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; beta Carotene; Carotenoids; Esters; Female; Fruit; Humans; Male; Metabolic Syndrome; Middle Aged; Nutrition Assessment; Prevalence; Vegetables; Vitamin A; Vitamin E

Results of a randomized controlled trial have suggested a protective effect of selenium against prostate cancer. Few other prospective studies have been conducted to confirm or refute this. The association between prostate cancer and baseline toenail selenium level was evaluated in the Netherlands Cohort Study, conducted among 58,279 men, aged 55-69 years at entry. In September 1986, the cohort members completed a questionnaire on risk factors for cancer and provided toenail clippings for determination of baseline selenium status. After 6.3 years of follow-up, 540 incident prostate carcinoma cases and 1,211 subcohort members with complete toenail selenium data were available for case-cohort analyses. In multivariate survival analysis, an inverse association between toenail selenium level and prostate cancer risk was observed. Incidence rate ratios in increasing selenium quintiles were 1.00 (ref), 1.05, 0.69, 0.75, and 0.69 (95% confidence interval, 0.48-0.99), respectively (P-trend=0.008). This association persisted after exclusion of cases diagnosed during early follow-up. The inverse association was more pronounced in ex-smokers than current smokers, and unclear in never-smokers. Analysis of effect modification by intake of antioxidant vitamins C, E, and the carotenoids alpha-carotene, beta-carotene, beta-cryptoxanthin, lycopene, and lutein/zeaxanthin showed a strong, significant interaction with beta-cryptoxanthin, and to a lesser extent with vitamin C. These results confirm the hypothesis that higher selenium intake may reduce prostate cancer risk. Future research on optimum dose level is needed.

Topics: Aged; Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; beta Carotene; Carotenoids; Cohort Studies; Cryptoxanthins; Follow-Up Studies; Humans; Lycopene; Male; Middle Aged; Nails; Netherlands; Prospective Studies; Prostatic Neoplasms; Risk Factors; Selenium; Smoking; Surveys and Questionnaires; Vitamin E; Xanthophylls

Serum vitamin C has been inversely associated with blood pressure in several epidemiologic studies, but little is known about effect of other antioxidant vitamins. We examined the relation between serum vitamins A, C, and E, alpha-carotene, and beta-carotene levels and blood pressure among 15 317 men and women > or =20 years of age who participated in the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Blood pressure was characterized as the average of 6 measurements obtained over 2 visits by trained observers and hypertension was defined as blood pressure > or =140/90 mm Hg and/or taking antihypertensive medications. In multivariate models, a 1 SD difference in vitamin A (16.2 microg/dL) and vitamin E (20.4 microg/dL) was associated with a 43% (OR, 1.43; 95% CI, 1.34 to 1.53) and 18% (OR, 1.18; 95% CI, 1.09 to 1.27) higher odds of hypertension, respectively. A 1 SD difference in alpha-carotene (0.47 micro g/dL) and beta-carotene (496 microg/dL) was associated with a 16% (OR, 0.84; 95% CI, 0.76 to 0.94) and 11% (OR, 0.89; 95% CI, 0.82 to 0.97) lower odds of hypertension, respectively. In addition, serum vitamins A and E were positively and significantly associated with both systolic and diastolic blood pressure, whereas alpha-carotene and beta-carotene were inversely and significantly associated with systolic and vitamin C associated with diastolic blood pressure in multivariate linear regression analyses. These findings indicate that antioxidant vitamins may be important in the underlying cause and prevention of hypertension. Further studies in this important area are warranted.

Topics: Adult; Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; beta Carotene; Blood Pressure; Carotenoids; Diastole; Female; Humans; Hypertension; Linear Models; Logistic Models; Male; Middle Aged; Multivariate Analysis; Nutrition Surveys; Odds Ratio; Racial Groups; Systole; United States; Vitamin A; Vitamin E; Vitamins

To cope with environmental stress, plants are equipped with antioxidative (e.g., ascorbate, glutathione and alpha-tocopherol) and photoprotective (e.g., xanthophyll cycle pigments) defense systems. We investigated the defense capacities of three tree age classes (mature, sapling and seedling) of Norway spruce (Picea abies (L.) Karst.) at a field site near the timberline. Biochemical data were expressed on both a needle dry mass and a surface area basis. Compared with current-year needles, previous-year needles contained higher mass- and area-based concentrations of chlorophylls and alpha-tocopherol, and a larger xanthophyll cycle pool that was in a more epoxidized state. Total glutathione concentration was lower, the glutathione pool was more reduced and the ascorbate pool was more oxidized in previous-year needles than in current-year needles. Needle concentrations of glutathione and alpha-tocopherol increased and chlorophyll concentration decreased with increasing tree age when expressed on a surface area basis. On a dry mass basis, these trends were reversed or nonexistent. The ascorbate pool was more reduced and the glutathione pool was more oxidized in needles of mature trees than in needles of saplings and seedlings. The proportion of protective xanthophyll cycle pigments decreased and the de-epoxidation state increased with increasing tree age. We conclude that tree age and the basis of expression of antioxidant concentration--surface area or dry mass--are important in scaling from seedlings to large trees.

Topics: alpha-Tocopherol; Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; beta Carotene; Carotenoids; Chlorophyll; Glutathione; Picea; Pigments, Biological; Plant Leaves; Trees; Xanthophylls

This study examined the association of smoking with serum levels and dietary intakes of antioxidants in a nationally representative sample.. This study classified 7873 apparently healthy adults aged 17 to 50 years from National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey III (NHANES III) data as nonsmokers or as smokers if their serum cotinine levels were either lower than 14 ng/mL or 14 ng/mL or greater, respectively. SUDAAN software was used for the statistical analysis.. Smokers of both sexes had significantly (P < .001) lower serum levels of vitamin C, alpha-carotene, beta-carotene, beta-cryptoxanthin, and lutein/zeaxanthin. Reduction in the serum vitamin E, lycopene, and selenium levels in smokers was slight. Smokers also had significantly lower dietary intakes of vitamin C and beta-carotene. A significant (P < .001) inverse relation was found between serum vitamin C and beta-carotene levels and cotinine levels independent of diet effect, and a positive relation (P < .001) was found between serum levels and dietary intakes.. Antioxidants appear to have differing declines in serum levels as a result of reduced dietary intakes and the effects of smoking.

Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; beta Carotene; Carotenoids; Case-Control Studies; Cotinine; Cryptoxanthins; Diet; Female; Humans; Lutein; Lycopene; Male; Middle Aged; Nutrition Surveys; Risk Factors; Selenium; Smoking; United States; Vitamin E; Xanthophylls; Zeaxanthins

Lung cancers occur more commonly in the upper lobes than in the lower lobes, but its pathophysiologic basis is not well understood. Because numerous studies have reported a consistent inverse relationship between lung cancer risk and intake of certain vegetables and fruits, we hypothesized that the balance between diet-derived protective substances delivered via the circulation and cigarette-derived carcinogenic substances delivered via the airways would be less favorable in the upper lobes compared with the lower lobes, hence accounting for the upper lobe predominance of tumors among smokers. Thus, we examined the association between diet and tumor location in 328 patients with lung cancer. The ratio of upper to lower lobe tumors was 2.5:1.0. In univariate analysis, age, height, weight, sex, race, family history of cancer, education level, tumor histology, calories consumed per day, and intake of animal fat did not differ significantly between patients with upper versus lower lobe tumors. Predictors of tumor location in univariate analysis were family history of lung cancer; smoking history; history of asbestos exposure; and intakes of yellow-orange vegetables, alpha-carotene, beta-carotene, and vitamins A, C, and E. In multivariable logistic regression analysis, the independent predictors of upper lobe tumor location were family history of lung cancer (p = 0.03), history of asbestos exposure (p = 0.02), less intake of yellow-orange vegetables (p < 0.04), and less intake of vitamin E (p = 0.05). Our results show a strong inverse association between upper lobe location of lung cancer and intake of yellow-orange vegetables and vitamin E.

Topics: Administration, Inhalation; Age Factors; Aged; Analysis of Variance; Anticarcinogenic Agents; Antioxidants; Asbestos; Ascorbic Acid; beta Carotene; Carcinogens; Carotenoids; Diet; Dietary Fats; Educational Status; Energy Intake; Female; Forecasting; Fruit; Humans; Logistic Models; Lung; Lung Neoplasms; Male; Racial Groups; Risk Factors; Sex Factors; Smoking; Vegetables; Vitamin A; Vitamin E

The effects of soil forming (SF) and plant density (PD) on the carrot yield, mean root weight and internal quality was studied in field experiments in 1993 and 1994. 'Fontana BZ' carrots were grown in flat land, a narrow ridge, a broad ridge, and a compacted broad ridge soil configurations with low (LD) and high (HD) target plant densities, four and seven hundred thousand carrots per hectar. The total and marketable yields were larger in flat land and narrow ridge than in the broad- and compacted broad ridges in 1993 and in 1994 at HD. The number of marketable carrots were highest with the flat land soil configurations in both years. A dry spring in 1993 favored flat land growing conditions; in ridges the fine sand dried quickly. SF did not influence the mean weight of a marketable carrot in 1993, but in 1994 the narrow ridge configuration resulted in heavier carrots than the flat land or broad ridge growing conditions. In the climatically more unfavorable year of 1993, SF and PD affected quality; dry matter was lower in flat land than in the ridges. At HD, the flat land soil configuration produced higher glucose and fructose than carrots grown in the narrow and broad ridges. Dietary fiber and vitamin C were higher in narrow ridge than in compacted broad ridge grown carrots. At LD the flat land and broad ridge produced highest and compacted broad ridge the lowest beta-carotene contents; alpha-carotene was higher at LD than at HD.

Topics: Agriculture; Ascorbic Acid; beta Carotene; Carotenoids; Daucus carota; Finland; Fructose; Glucose; Nutritive Value; Plant Roots; Quality Control; Soil; Sucrose

Topics: Aged; Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; beta Carotene; Carotenoids; Child; Female; Humans; Male; Nutritional Status; Russia; Vitamin A; Vitamin E; Vitamins

We determined whether intakes of the main dietary carotenoids (alpha-carotene, beta-carotene, beta-cryptoxanthin, lutein plus zeaxanthin, and lycopene) and of vitamins A, C, and E were associated with the prevalence of colorectal adenomas among male and female members of a prepaid health plan in Los Angeles who underwent sigmoidoscopy (n = 488 matched pairs). Participants, ages 50-74 years, completed a 126-item semiquantitative food-frequency questionnaire and a non-dietary questionnaire from 1991 to 1993. In the univariate-matched analysis, alpha-carotene, beta-carotene (with and without supplements), beta-cryptoxanthin, lutein plus zeaxanthin, vitamin A (with and without supplements), and vitamin C (with and without supplements) were associated with a decreased prevalence of colorectal adenomas. After adjustment for intake of calories, saturated fat, folate, fiber, and alcohol, and for current smoking status, body mass index, race, physical activity, and use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, only beta-carotene including supplements was inversely associated with adenomas (odds ratio (OR), 0.6; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.41.1; trend, P= 0.04; ORs compare highest to lowest quartiles0; vitamin C showed a weaker inverse association (OR, 0.8; 95% CI, 0.5-1.5; trend, P = 0.08); and the remaining compounds were no longer clearly associated with risk. After including beta-carotene with supplements and vitamin C simultaneously in the mutivariate model, the association of beta-carotene with supplements with adenomas was weakened (OR, 0.8; 95% CI, 0.5-1.3; trend P = 0.15), and vitamin C was no longer associated with risk. These data provide only modest support for a protective association of beta-carotene with colorectal adenomatous polyps.

Topics: Adenoma; Aged; Anticarcinogenic Agents; Ascorbic Acid; beta Carotene; Carotenoids; Case-Control Studies; Colonic Neoplasms; Cryptoxanthins; Diet; Feeding Behavior; Female; Humans; Los Angeles; Lutein; Lycopene; Male; Middle Aged; Multivariate Analysis; Prevalence; Rectal Neoplasms; Risk Factors; Sigmoidoscopy; Vitamin A; Vitamin E; Xanthophylls; Zeaxanthins

This ecologic study aimed to investigate whether differences in population mortality from lung, stomach and colorectal cancer among the 16 cohorts of the Seven Countries Study could be explained by differences in the average intake of anti-oxidant (pro)vitamins. In the 1960s, detailed dietary information was collected in small sub-samples of the cohorts by the dietary record method. In 1987, food-equivalent composites representing the average food intake of each cohort at baseline were collected locally and analyzed in a central laboratory. The vital status of all participants was verified after 25 years of follow-up. The average intake of vitamin C was strongly inversely related to the 25-year stomach-cancer mortality (r = -0.66, p = 0.01), also after adjustment for smoking and intake of salt or nitrate. The average intake of alpha-carotene, beta-carotene, and alpha-tocopherol were not independently related to mortality from lung, stomach or colorectal cancer, nor was vitamin C related to lung and colorectal cancer.

Topics: Adult; Analysis of Variance; Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; beta Carotene; Carotenoids; Cohort Studies; Diet; Europe; Follow-Up Studies; Humans; Japan; Male; Middle Aged; Neoplasms; United States; Vitamin E; Vitamins

In a population-based sample of 40-49-year-old men, plasma levels of antioxidant vitamins were measured in 17 regular users of smokeless tobacco (oral snuff), 26 regular smokers and 54 non-tobacco users. Vitamin intake by tobacco use was assessed by a food frequency questionnaire in 174 men in the 40-49 year age range. Compared with non-tobacco users, snuff dippers had similar plasma levels of ascorbate, tocopherols and carotenoids, whereas these were all significantly reduced in smokers. Smokers, but not snuff dippers, had plasma levels of ascorbate significantly below those expected from ascorbic acid intake, indicating enhanced expenditure of ascorbate in smokers but not in snuff dippers. The results show that plasma levels of antioxidant vitamins are not reduced in snuff dippers as they are in smokers, possibly as the combined result of higher intake and lower expenditure of ascorbate and tocopherols in those who use smokeless tobacco.

Topics: Adult; Ascorbic Acid; beta Carotene; Carotenoids; Chi-Square Distribution; Cholesterol; Dietary Fats; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Plants, Toxic; Smoking; Sweden; Tobacco, Smokeless; Vitamin A; Vitamin E; Vitamins